Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

This position is located in the OCHA Office of the Pacific Islands (OoP) in Suva, Fiji. The Assoc. Humanitarian Affairs Officer reports to the Humanitarian Affairs Officer (NOC).

OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

The OCHA Office of the Pacific Islands covers the following countries and territories: Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Cook Islands, Niue, FSM, RMI, Palau, Nauru, and FSM.

Under the direct supervision of the HAO/NOC, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks, within limits of delegated authority: • Monitor, analyze and report on humanitarian responses and issues, disaster relief/management programmes or emergency situations in the region; • Establish and maintain contacts with other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and government officials to ensure the effective exchange and dissemination of current information. • Support collaboration and exchange of information both in and outside the UN system. • Act as reporting and public information focal point; including management of the office social media accounts and website regular update. • Collaborate with all relevant actors, including the PHT clusters, UN regional and field offices, the UN Communication Group to help identify and create communication opportunities and assist in preparing communication campaigns on specific topics. • Assist in organizing and participating in working groups, meetings, conferences and consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian matters. • Contribute to the development of a suite of reporting and information products, including the OoP Weekly, the OCHA OoP Annual Report, Humanitarian Situation Updates, Humanitarian Bulletins, Humanitarian Snapshots etc. • Assist in the preparation of OCHA reports, studies, background papers, policy guidelines, correspondence, presentations, etc. • Ability to travel throughout the area of responsibility (14 Pacific countries and territories); including deployment during emergencies. • Performs other duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: • Colleagues in the humanitarian field; including UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and donors. the UN, and in • Counterparts and mid-level officials in governments, businesses, academia and other areas of civil society.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to: Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related humanitarian issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Analytical capacity and, in particular, the ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require a coordinated UN response. Ability to handle sensitive information in a professional manner. Ability to conduct research, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources. Ability to work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and humanitarian crises). 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 and upwardly refers when in doubt. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes in clear, concise, grammatically correct English;; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; understands the sensitive use of internal and external information sources in published products; practices professional workplace etiquette in internal and external communications .

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.

humanitarian work, development or related area is required. • Experience in information management and development of communication strategies, media management and/or communication campaigns desirable. • Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage. • Previous experience with the UN and humanitarian system in the Pacific region is an advantage.

A nine-month contract with possibility for extension subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances:

The purpose of allowances for UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as a compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work.

Monthly Living Allowance: FJD 2086.94

Entry Lump Sum: USD 400

Medical and life insurance (Cigna)

Leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, learning leave, maternity/ paternity leave – details can be found in the Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos)

Access to UNV's learning and career development resources

Exit Lump Sum: FJD 173.91 for each month served, paid on completion of contract