Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located 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 bring together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. The organization’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled 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 in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on crisis response and humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Programme Officer will play a crucial role in managing and coordinating humanitarian funds, specifically the Country-Based Pooled Fund (CBPF) and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This position requires the incumbent to support the Head of Office in overseeing fund management, ensuring compliance with financial rules, and facilitating communication among various stakeholders, including NGOs and UN partners. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring project progress, conducting field visits, and providing necessary support to recipient organizations throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, the role involves analyzing humanitarian financing information, assisting in policy development, and disseminating results and best practices to internal and external audiences. The officer must demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and client orientation in all aspects of their work, ensuring that humanitarian needs are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Programme Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Fund Management and Coordination: - Support the Pooled Fund Manager in managing the CBPF and CERF, ensuring alignment with humanitarian priorities. - Administer the Fund and liaise with OCHA HQ sections as needed. - Implement standardized policies in accordance with HQ guidance. - Supervise Fund-related monitoring officers and manage fund allocation processes. - Coordinate with NGOs, UN partners, and OCHA field offices to monitor project progress. - Conduct field visits to promote knowledge and appropriate use of the Fund. - Ensure compliance with financial rules and facilitate communication among stakeholders.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation: - Ensure compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements for the Fund. - Provide project status updates to the Pooled Fund Manager. - Lead the preparation of the pooled fund annual report. - Assist in evaluations and research activities in consultation with HQ sections.
• Analysis, Communications, and Public Information: - Research and analyze humanitarian financing information and funding trends. - Assist in policy development and ensure coordination with HQ sections. - Document and disseminate results and best practices through various communication products. - Liaise with field offices and recipient organizations to share information on Fund activities. - Perform other duties as assigned by the Pooled Fund Manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of humanitarian issues and emergency relief assistance. They should have the ability to identify and analyze issues, develop data collection sources, and conduct independent research. The role requires excellent judgment, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to gender perspectives in humanitarian work. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and client orientation, ensuring that they meet the needs of all stakeholders involved in humanitarian efforts.

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

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, project management, or budget management is required. Candidates must have experience in project management within the Humanitarian Country-Based Pooled Fund (CBPF) and have worked in emergency situations, whether complex emergencies or natural disasters. Experience in the UN common system or a comparable international organization is desirable, as is experience in the Asia and Pacific region.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of either Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Russian, or Spanish is desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary and is based in Kabul, Afghanistan. The role may involve working in a highly stressful environment due to the nature of humanitarian crises. The incumbent will be expected to work full-time and may be required to travel for field visits as part of their duties.