Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Crisis and Response Division (CRD) of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is part of the United Nations Secretariat. OCHA was established to bring together various humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. The organization is dedicated to mobilizing and coordinating effective humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering during disasters and emergencies. OCHA advocates for the rights of people in need, promotes preparedness and prevention, and facilitates sustainable solutions. The organization operates globally, with a focus on areas affected by humanitarian crises, and employs a diverse workforce committed to humanitarian principles and effective response strategies.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer position is a temporary role that involves significant responsibilities in the field of humanitarian assistance and emergency response. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) and report to the Deputy Head of Office (DHoO). The role requires the officer to serve as a senior policy advisor, providing guidance on policy direction related to humanitarian principles and the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. The officer will monitor and analyze humanitarian developments, manage complex projects, coordinate international humanitarian assistance, and prepare policy position papers. The position also involves capacity-building for member states, organizing studies on humanitarian issues, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective humanitarian response. The officer will be expected to lead teams, mentor junior staff, and utilize data analysis to inform decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: serving as a senior policy officer and advising on policy direction; preparing policy position papers; monitoring and analyzing humanitarian developments; leading complex projects and coordinating international humanitarian assistance; assisting in the production of appeals for international assistance; developing country-specific indicators for monitoring humanitarian situations; organizing studies and follow-up work on humanitarian issues; preparing reports and policy guidelines; partnering with other humanitarian agencies; establishing contacts with government officials and NGOs; serving as a focal point on specific topics; organizing work groups and meetings; providing leadership and direction to work teams; and collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and inform planning and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief, and related human rights issues. They should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence others. Knowledge of the political, economic, and social dimensions of the region or country of assignment is essential. The ability to work under pressure and in stressful environments is crucial, as is familiarity with UN institutional mandates and policies related to humanitarian affairs. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, and the ability to build trust within teams and with external partners.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics, engineering, earth sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related areas is required. Candidates should have experience in humanitarian inter-agency work and coordination, as well as two years of field experience in emergency situations. Experience managing field teams and drafting reports on humanitarian action is also necessary. Familiarity with the Middle East region is desirable, as is experience within the UN common system or comparable international organizations.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, and proficiency in Arabic is considered desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary and may involve working in challenging environments. The role is full-time and may require international travel. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards, and the position may involve collaboration with various humanitarian organizations and stakeholders.