Humanitarian Affairs Officer (HAO) at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Humanitarian Affairs Officer (HAO) – Accountability for Affected Population (Nationals Only)

Job Identification: 14993
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Grade: NOB

Responsibilities

• Under the general supervision of the Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, the Humanitarain Affairs Officer/ Accountability for Affected Population will be responsible for the following duties:

Summary of Key Functions

• Support local coordination mechanism through monitoring, analysis and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned locations.
• Ensures effective and efficient program and field level support support for Inter Cluster Coordination;
• Participates in large, complex organizational and inter-agency projects; participates in mission planning and execution.
• Support LGA desk officers ,NEMA and SEMA on the coordination of humanitarian assistance by identifying and setting up appropriate structures and preparing relevant inter-sector coordination meetings at local government level when required. Ensure close consultation and coordination with state and national authorities/partners,
• Serves as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, donors, etc., ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provides information and advice on a range of related issues. Makes research of contacts in the media, government, private sector, donors, other agencies, civil society in other stakeholders for OCHA’s advocacy efforts;
• Support the coordination of inter-agency needs assessments and contingency planning in the event of immediate threats;
• Assist the preparation and implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC) within the framework of the HNO and the HRP for Nigeria
• Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• Build and maintain relationships with UN agencies, NGOs and governmental officials to ensure the effective exchange and dissemination of information;
• Any other assignments at the request of the team lead and/ or colleagues;

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda:

• Support the preparation of information for advocacy
• Identifies relevant information for advocacy for a variety of audiences
• Makes research of contacts in the media, government, private sector, donors, other agencies, civil society in other stakeholders for OCHA’s advocacy efforts.

Results-Based Programme Development and Management:

• Contributing to results through provision of information
• Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation
• Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and helps drafting proposals
• Participates in the formulation of project proposals.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

• Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives
• Tracks and reports on mobilized resources

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches:

• Implements processes and uses products
• Documents and tracks innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
• Tracks bottlenecks, problems and issues, and proposes solutions
• Responds positively to new approaches

Basic Research and Analysis:

• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
• Documents innovative strategies and new approaches
• Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing
• Develops awareness of the various internal/external learning and knowledge-sharing resources

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

• Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures
• Demonstrates good knowledge of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and good writing / reporting skills and applies it in work assignments
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments.
• Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing are the responsibility of each staff member:
• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Capacity to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require a coordinated UN response. Ability to identify issues and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems. Ability to conduct research, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the humanitarian rights situation in assigned area. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment; ability to provide guidance to new/junior staff; ability to provide advice to senior level officials. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailor’s language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
• Planning and Oragnizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently

Education

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Economic, International Relations, Political Sciences, Law, or a related field or a first level university degree with relevant academic qualifications with a combination of 4 years of relevant work experience may exceptionally be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area. At least two years of work experience in the field within the context of humanitarian affairs is required.
• Experience in understanding of the UN organizational structure and external partners for purposes of efficiently handling incoming queries and requests, and for collecting information and performing liaison functions is desirable.
• Experience in humanitarian coordinating structures is desirable.
• Experience working on the Humanitarian Programme Cycle is desirable.
• Experience working in inter cluster coordination is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is desirable.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline 20th December, 2023.