United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

National Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

• Working under the direct supervision of the OCHA Head of the Somali Regional office based in Jijiga, the incumbent will:

• Undertake general assessments of vulnerability to emergencies in insecure and other crisis-prone areas of his/her designated zone of Somali Region through the detailed analysis of food and livelihood security situation, nutrition, community health and hygiene, socio-economic activity, weather patterns, population movements, and any relevant political and security issues.

• Work closely with UN agencies, NGOs and government partners as appropriate and as required to establish functional, accountable and predictable coordination systems in designated areas of priority humanitarian concern.

• In consultation and collaboration with UNDSS and other relevant partners, undertake regular analysis leading to the identification of gaps in security and access ensuring that minimum standard operating procedures are in place for humanitarian operation in the zone.

• Maintain a close working relationship with the relevant zonal government officials, especially the zonal Disaster Risk Management Bureau (DRMB), civic and non-governmental aid organizations, and specialized UN agencies to establish a cooperative network for the exchange and analysis of relevant information.

• Spend at least one-third of his/her time visiting current relief operations and travelling extensively in vulnerable and crisis-prone areas, obtaining information and assessing situations independently or jointly with the Team Leader, the Government, UN agencies and NGO counterparts.

• Gather data and reports on emerging relief needs and the arrival, transportation and distribution of emergency assistance to crisis-affected areas. Assist in the analysis of current trends and advise the team leader and field coordinator on the likely implications for operational arrangements.

• Prepare detailed written situation reports, relief assessments and general appraisals either independently or in conjunction with the head of the regional office and Government counterparts, using both primary sources and information collected from collaborating organizations and individuals.

• Provide verbal and written briefings to the head of the regional office on returning from field visits and on any specific issues as required.

• Attend regular coordination information-sharing meetings as determined by the head of the regional office. Assist in making preparations for meetings, conferences and/or training seminars as required.

• Assist the head of the regional office in organizing and facilitating field missions of OCHA staff, donors and other visitors and facilitate briefing visitors on the overall humanitarian situation as well as the activities of OCHA and other humanitarian agencies in your designated zone.

• Support and strengthen the clusters/sectors and established working groups to improve the efficiency of humanitarian response to population in need through effective facilitation of coordination meetings, joint assessments and joint planning in your designated zone.

• Undertake other relevant tasks as directed by the regional head of office and assist with other duties in support of the OCHA Office while in Addis Ababa as needed.

• Other tasks as required.

Job Requirements

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Experience: Zero years with an advanced degree and a minimum 2 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, rehabilitation, and  development, with good field   experience   in   complex   emergencies with a bachelor’s degree

• Availability for travel in-country

• Ability to work with moderate supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national backgrounds

• A thorough understanding of the relief, social, economic and political situation in Ethiopia, excellent communication, report writing & analytical skills are necessary

• Necessary personal qualities should include diplomacy, tact, integrity and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment, under pressure and sometimes in arduous circumstances.

• Language Requirements:: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. In addition, proficiency in the duty station language is required. Knowledge of one or more of other local languages will be an asset

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNOCHA’s mission, vision and values

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Demonstrates commitment to OCHA’s mission, vision and values

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Demonstrates considerable breadth of knowledge and flexibility

• Ability to analyze, explain and document the wider context and nature of each situation and develop recommendations for appropriate action for submission to the OCHA Head of Office and OCHA Senior Management.

• 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

Duty Station: Jijiga, Somali Region

How To Apply

Send your CV, Letter of Motivation, and Supporting Documents via email: danait.gezehagn@un.org

Note: Please specify the duty station you are applying for.