Jobs - 61550- National Humanitarian Officer Coordination (OCHA)

National Humanitarian Officer Coordination (OCHA) - (Open to Syrian Nationals Only)

Location :

Damascus, SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

24-Jan-2016

Application Deadline :

20-Nov-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-B

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

Arabic English

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 overall supervision of the Head of Office, the incumbent supports the implementation of OCHA's mandate and activities in the Syria. Arab republic. The support provided to OCHA focuses on the following three sets of activities: a) preparedness, b) support to emergency response, and c) development of national humanitarian information coordination networks. For this purpose, OCHA works with the HC and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), national and local authorities when appropriate and relevant humanitarian partners in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Office and Deputy Head of Office and the direct supervision of the head of coordination unit , the incumbent will assist in all substantive and operational issues pertained to OCHA field offices in Homs, Aleppo, Tartous and Qamishli. He/she is expected to perform the following tasks:

Assist OCHA field offices in the monitoring and analysis of humanitarian trends in the field, such as displacement, humanitarian needs and response;
Collect and compile information from OCHA field office on humanitarian developments as they evolve;
Draft and prepare regular situation reports/ papers highlighting relevant operational factors affecting the humanitarian situation and response efforts in the field Prepare or contribute to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications;
In close coordination with OCHA field offices, assist in the preparation of the Humanitarian needs overview and the Response Plan, as well as other inter-agency frameworks;
Liaise with the Head of Coordination Section on all issues pertained to interaction between national and sub-national inter-sectoral;
Assist OCHA Field Offices in strengthening sub-national field coordination in particular Inter-Agency Coordination and Inter-Sectoral Coordination;
Undertake field missions to OCHA field offices to provide necessary and timely support on issues related to OCHA’s coordination function;
Participate in sector working groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters, and share meetings records with OCHA field offices;
Follow-up work, including interagency technical review meetings to support policy development work and decision making on important issues; provide necessary and timely update to OCHA field offices;
Establish and maintain contacts with a broad range of humanitarian actors, such as other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, local NGOs and relevant government counter parts;
Assist OCHA filed offices in all operational issues (administrative/logistics/finance) in close cooperation with OCHA Country Office Administration Unit;
Assist in the day-to-day operation of Coordination Office;
Perform other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

HoO, Deputy Head of Office, Field Coordinator, and Head of Coordination (international) other Humanitarian Affairs Officer;
UN agencies;
International and national NGOs;
Relevant government departments and authority.

Impact of Results:

Assist OCHA in identifying significant humanitarian issues Develop well-reasoned, innovative suggestions and approaches to problem resolution. Help meet organizational objectives and provide sound analytical inputs and advice with respect to coordination of humanitarian action.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions;
Very good knowledge of the program of assignment, including the cultural, political and economic dimensions;
Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender, social-economic issues
Strong negotiation skills: ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team endeavor, and to articulate coherent arguments to reach agreement;
Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment;
Ability to identify priority of activities and assignment, to adjust priority as required;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complex task;
Consistently approaches work with energy and positive, constructive attitude;
Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.

Judgment and Decision-making:

Apply sound judgment to resolve a range of issues/ problems.

Planning and Organizing:

Proven ability to plan and organize, establish priorities, manage and monitor work plans, coordinate competing demands, and work to tight deadlines.

Technological Awareness:

Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and relevant software packages, including e-mail.

Communication:

Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum information, making and defending recommendations.

Teamwork:

Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing:

Actively work toward continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Science, International Relations, Political Science or related field.

Experience:

2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in management of natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, emergency preparedness, crisis/ emergency relief management, rehabilitation and development;
Experience in the country and knowledge about the UN system would be an advantage;
Experience in the region would be an asset;
Knowledge about the UN and RC systems would be an advantage;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of work related web based management systems;
Good computer skills and knowledge of social media.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.