Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Head of Office)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the Crisis 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 coordinate humanitarian responses and ensure that humanitarian actors work together effectively during emergencies. The organization aims to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies. OCHA advocates for the rights of people in need, promotes preparedness and prevention, and facilitates sustainable solutions. The organization operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to ensure a coherent response to humanitarian crises.

Job Overview:
The Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Head of Office) plays a crucial role in overseeing humanitarian operations in Venezuela, particularly in the context of crises and emergencies. This position requires the incumbent to provide authoritative technical and policy advice to senior management within OCHA and other UN agencies, as well as to Member State officials and international organizations. The officer will monitor the performance of humanitarian mandates, influence the development of UN approaches to humanitarian affairs, and design significant policy and program changes to address humanitarian issues. The role involves developing and implementing coherent humanitarian strategies, managing major projects, and leading multi-agency teams in disaster assessments. The officer will also be responsible for mobilizing international humanitarian assistance, managing donor contributions, and leading capacity-building initiatives. This position demands strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to work under pressure in complex environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Head of Office) will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: providing technical and policy advice to senior management; monitoring the performance of humanitarian mandates; developing and implementing humanitarian response strategies; managing major projects and leading multi-agency teams; mobilizing international humanitarian assistance; managing donor contributions; leading capacity-building initiatives; serving as a liaison with non-UN entities; establishing work plans and budgets; directing staff and overseeing work assignments; organizing international meetings and conferences; preparing reports and policy guidelines; and performing other duties as requested by senior management. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to navigate complex political and operational landscapes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian and emergency relief assistance, as well as related human rights issues. The ability to advise senior management on complex issues, demonstrate intellectual leadership, and engage in strategic analysis is essential. Candidates should exhibit strong negotiation skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a thorough knowledge of UN institutional mandates and policies related to humanitarian affairs. Professionalism, accountability, planning, and organizational skills are critical for success in this role.

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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related areas is required. At least four years of field experience in aid operations during complex emergencies or natural disasters is necessary. Experience in leading and coordinating humanitarian operations at the country-wide level is essential, and relevant experience in the Latin America region is desirable. Familiarity with the UN Common System or comparable international organizations is also preferred.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of either Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, French, or Arabic is desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is temporary and may involve working in high-pressure environments. The role requires a commitment to gender balance and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be expected to lead initiatives that promote gender perspectives in humanitarian responses.