Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer -Coordination

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Communications & PR

Overview

Support humanitarian responses and coordinate efforts in the Pacific region.

You have:

• 0 to 3 years of experience in humanitarian affairs or related areas.
• Demonstrated interest in humanitarian affairs, development affairs or related areas.
• Experience in media management or communication campaigns is desirable.
• Knowledge of or experience with the UN and humanitarian system is an advantage.
• Ability to travel throughout the Pacific region including during emergencies.

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

OCHA Office of the Pacific islands: 1. Provides a timely, needs-based and principled humanitarian response to people affected by disaster (emergency response); 2. Co-leads, coordinates and serves as the secretariat of the Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) and ensures this regional humanitarian response mechanism is fit-for-purpose; 3. Ensures that humanitarian partners, including government entities, are well prepared for a coordinated disaster response (operational readiness); 4. Supports regionally-led initiatives on climate change and human security from a humanitarian perspective, applying a sustainable partnership approach to the PHT engagement in the region [e.g. Pacific Community – SPC; Pacific Island Forum Secretariat – PIFS; Pacific Island Management Alliance – PIEMA; Pacific Island Development Forum – PIDF; Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific – FRDP; 5. Strengthens catalytic humanitarian financing, by facilitating a systematic shift to coherent and embedded anticipatory approaches, including anticipatory action. Administers the Pacific window of the Asia and the Pacific Humanitarian Pooled Fund.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Coordination unit and the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Office, 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, Humanitarian Situation Updates, Humanitarian Bulletins, Humanitarian Snap-shots 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.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Communication ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

or demonstrated interest in humanitarian affairs, development affairs or related areas. Experience in media management and/or communication campaigns is desirable. Knowledge of / experience with the UN and humanitarian system is an advantage. Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Candidates with 0 to 3 years of experience will be considered.

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economics in the region. After nearly a century as British colony, Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is Fiji Dollar. Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South Eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the Island and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.

Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. It is a unique country and UNDP is a unique human rights operation. It provides foran interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

International UN Youth volunteer will work in the OCHA Office for the Pacific Islands based on Level 2, Kaunikula House, Flagstaff, SUVA.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org