Jobs - 63891- National Humanitarian Affairs Officer-Coordination

National Humanitarian Affairs Officer-Coordination

Location :

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-B

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Liaison Office to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa (AULO) was established in 2008 to facilitate OCHA-wide partnership and collaboration with the African Union, its eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on humanitarian issues in Africa. The partnership is based on the 2006 UN 10 Year Capacity Building Programme for the African Union (TYCBP), under whose framework AULO co-chairs the Emergency Preparedness and Response sub-Cluster of the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM). OCHA completed a Memorandum of Understanding (2010) and an Action Plan (2011) for support to and partnership with the AUC in three areas: Enhancing the capacity of the African Union Commission (AUC) on coordination of humanitarian assistance, strengthening the Commission's capacity in early warning, disaster preparedness and response and strengthening the capacity of the Commission to protect civilians affected by disasters and conflict. The AULO works with the AUC, RECs and UNECA for a more enabling environment for a more inclusive humanitarian action in Africa through Coordination, Liaison and partnership.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the International HAO, the National Humanitarian Affairs Officer- Coordination will be responsible for :

Overall working level coordination of AULO's engagement in and with the Emergency preparedness and Response Sub-Cluster and of partnership activities with partners accredited to the African Union Commission and the Economic Commission for Africa;
Events Management of Partnership Initiatives and Secretariat of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Sub-Cluster.

Specific Duties:

In coordination with the Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees and Displaced Persons Division (HARDP) of the AUC, and under the direction of the Head of HARDP and Head of Office, AULO, acts as the Secretariat of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Sub-Cluster- convening meetings, processes the proceedings of the meetings (drafts and disseminates record of proceedings;
As assigned by the Co-Chairs of the EP&RSC, leads and/or participates in the working groups/sub-groups of the sub-cluster;
Leads on event management of partnership initiatives in collaboration with the HARDP, AUC, RECs and/or member states as relevant, and in coordination with relevant Public Information and media resources available, ensures coverage of the same;
Under the guidance of the Co-Chairs of the sub-Cluster, ensures timely and accurate EP&RSC inputs into reports and other information outputs of the Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) in close collaboration with the Secretariat of the Regional Coordination Mechanism;
As appropriate, and in collaboration with the United Nations Humanitarian Civil Military Coordination Unit of AULO, participates and represents the EP&RSC in meetings and other activities of the Peace and Security Cluster;
Provides inputs for AULO periodic internal reports and information products on activities and initiatives of the sub-Cluster;
In close collaboration with the National Reporting Officer, facilitates the preparation and submission of the 6-monthly humanitarian situation report for the African Union bi-annual submission to the decision making organs of the African Union, highlighting major issues of humanitarian concern and humanitarian developments through a sub-regional approach;
Provides facilitation support to HARDP with its processes within the AUC, following up on administrative and related aspects of humanitarian issues of mutual AUC/OCHA preoccupation are followed up and feeds back to AULO;
Assists HARDP with the preparation of reports, correspondences, briefs and related background documents for initiatives, workshops and meetings as required, including speeches, talking points, presentations;
Liaises with AULO to facilitate effective partnership and coordination with other relevant departments of the AUC; (the incumbent will spend at least 40% of their time at the AUC Headquarters);
Maintains and develops expert knowledge on Africa and humanitarian issues in Africa and keeps abreast of humanitarian developments as a basis for anticipating humanitarian developments in the region and contributing to the forward planning of AULO's engagement with key partners;
Maintains close contacts with member states, humanitarian and other partners accredited to the African Union and makes proposals for joint initiatives, ensures prompt and accurate dissemination of information on the humanitarian situation in the Africa and its sub-regions; participates in assessment missions as may be required;
In coordination with the Team Assistant, schedules meetings and other engagements with AUC partners for the Representative, OCHA officials and partners;
Performs any other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism – Advanced knowledge of coordination to advocate for delivery of humanitarian assistance; ability to analyze and articulate complex situations requiring a coordinated UN response; demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to ensure the effective and timely completion of complex tasks; ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery); very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system;
Empowering Others – Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work. Encourages others to set challenging goals; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility;
Client Orientation – Considers all those to whom services are provided to be ‘clients’ and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients; environments to keep informed and anticipate problems; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients;
Commitment to Continuous Learning – Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field;
Communications – Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations to staff at senior levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style;
Planning & Organizing – Ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
Technology Awareness – Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internal databases, Internet, etc.;
Teamwork – Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree (Master or equivalent) in Political Science/ International Relations/Journalism or related field with proven demonstration of relevance.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience for a masters or 4 years of experience for a bachelor’s degree in Political Science/International Relations/Journalism or related field. Additional experience in the humanitarian sector will be an advantage.

Language Requirements:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French or another UN official language is an advantage.