Jobs - 52397- Humanitarian Affairs Specialist

Humanitarian Affairs Specialist

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

18-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-C

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Under the direct supervision of the RC/HC and with overall responsibility to the Head of office, OCHA ROAP through the Head of Preparedness and Response Unit, the incumbent will ensure maximum professionalism and add capacity in support of the mandate of OCHA as the Head of the Humanitarian Advisory Team.

Under the Humanitarian Advisory Team (HAT) structure, the incumbent will report to the RC/HC and the Regional OCHA Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Analytical leadership, development and implantation of programme strategies/mechanisms;
Strengthens emergency preparedness measures;
Coordination & Effective partnerships with stakeholders;
Effective management and implementation of programme strategies.

Analytical leadership, development and implantation of programme strategies/mechanisms focusing on achievement of the following results;

Provide expert analysis and policy advice on current and emerging humanitarian / early recovery issues;
Follow-up on humanitarian issues identified by the Government, Humanitarian Country Team, and partners, provide inputs to discussions and present conclusions in various humanitarian reports;
Provide expert advice and support in the development of strategies/mechanisms to strengthen the effectiveness and quality of cross sector-based information and initiatives;
Identify and provide advice on the information requirements of Governement, HCT and the humanitarian community, and other partners and make recommendations on the development of information products and services to address needs;
Prepare presentations and notes for the Government of Sri Lanka, HCT, and OCHA Management including reporting on activities and products developed by OCHA at Colombo and field levels;
Operationalization of coordination in collaboration with HCT partners.

Strengthens emergency preparedness measures including focusing on achievement of the following results:

Support natural disaster and disaster management activities, facilitating joint approaches with the Government, UNCT and partner agencies for joint needs assessments, planning and response.

Humanitarian Coordination & Effective partnerships with stakeholders focusing on achievement of the following results:

Represent OCHA as requested in meetings to facilitate humanitarian coordination and information exchange to support a comprehensive applicable humanitarian response;
Support and promote coordination efforts at Colombo and field levels including preparation and drafting of contingency plans, appeal documents, CERF applications, etc.;
Develop / support thematic projects to assist in OCHAs humanitarian coordination and information management activities;
Produce reports and advocacy documentation through researched inputs required for the preparation of reports including briefings, profiles and presentations to the Government of Sri Lanka, donors, UNCT, humanitarian agencies, other partners and OCHA senior management, for situational awareness and informed decision making;
Identify opportunities and develop strategies for strengthening information gathering, consolidation and presentation that leads to improved sector and Colombo/district coordination with relevant partners and stakeholders;
Provide advocacy services to the partners of OCHA on humanitarian response and early recovery issues.

Act as the key liaison between and among partners, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with Government of Sri Lanka, HCT, NGO ,Diplomatic corps and civil society counterparts, in support of the coordination efforts of OCHA;
Facilitate the building and strengthening of relationships between and among partners, including the Government of Sri Lanka, UNCT, HCT, NGOs, donors , diplomatic corps,and the civil society organizations, on matters related to humanitarian issues;
Liaise with the Government of Sri Lanka, HCT, NGOs and the Donors, on matters related to humanitarian advocacy:
Support liaison with UN, Government authorities, NGOs, donors and other actors to foster strong, effective partnerships.

Effective management and implementation of programme strategies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide expertise related to the scope of work, in OCHA’s work planning process including identifying strategic priorities, activities and associated inputs/outputs, considering the Government and other stakeholder requirements;
Support and supervise the work of national IM staff in Colombo and field, and manage the Information Management Unit and streamline the OCHA’s information products to the existing humanitarian context and partner requirements;
Provide support to the OCHA field offices including flow of information;
Any other duties as requested and assigned by the Head of Office.

Results Expected;

Strengthened inter-agency coordination in Colombo as well as linkage between Colombo and district offices. Effective liaison which contributes to strong partnerships, information exchange and coherence and planning of needs assessments and responses thereto. Focused support to preparedness activities in support of the Government. A client-oriented and efficient approach impact on the image of OCHA in the country.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to OCHA’s mission, vision and values;
Displays integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity;
Positive and constructive attitude with ability to interact with all individuals regardless of gender, national and cultural background.

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism

Ability to perform a broad range of program coordination activities aimed at effective and efficient functioning of coordination mechanisms and information management;
Solid problem solving skills;
Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data;
Ability to work with accuracy under time constrains and pressure in a stressful environment;
Ability to perform tactfully, confidentiality, takes initiative and proves good judgment;
Demonstrates strong IT skills.

Operational Skills

Excellent liaison, interpersonal and general communications skills;
Ability to work with minimum supervision in a multi-cultural environment;
Coordination and Information Management skills;
Training and or capacity building skills;
Presentation skills;
Excellent command of MS Office suite applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Communication

Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.

Teamwork

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment and respects diversity;
Works collaboratively with colleagues and shares knowledge to achieve organizational objectives.

Planning and Organizing

Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required;
Ability to plan own work and use time efficiently, manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
Leads effectively by example and shows conflict resolution skills;
Ability to work with minimum supervision in a multi-cultural environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A completed advanced university degree (Masters) in a relevant field is a must.

Experience:

Minimum five (5) years of work experience, including at least three (3) years in the field of Humanitarian Affairs/ International development and at a managerial level;
Relevant experience in working with an UN agency or other humanitarian agency is desirable;
Experience in the area of emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, humanitarian/development environment, field coordination is an asset;
Proven high level representation skills;
Experience working in a complex setting that requires political , humanitarian and development experience, sound judgment and operational flexibility;
Relevant professional experience within the UN common system would be a strong asset. Very good and proven knowledge of OCHA’s institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to humanitarian affairs and humanitarian reform is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Excellent oral and written command of English is required;
Very good knowledge of the local languages (Sinhala and/or Tamil).