Humanitarian Affairs Associate

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 mobilizes and coordinates principled humanitarian response in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies, advocates the rights of people in need, supports emergency preparedness and response, and facilitates sustainable solutions for vulnerable people adversely affected by conflict and natural disaster. OCHA’s Regional Office for Southern and Eastern Africa (ROSEA) supports humanitarian operational readiness and response in 25 countries in the region by providing frontline surge, in-country expert support and remote support. This position is located in Nairobi, within OCHA ROSEA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response team (EPR).

Under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Affairs Officer, and as part of a Team, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks with a focus on the Horn of Africa drought crisis, but contributing to other aspects and countries of ROSEA’s coverage as and when required: • supports coordinated humanitarian operational preparedness for, and response to, emergencies in the region, including through frontline surge, and support (remote and in-person) for the development of relevant products such as contingency plans, the Humanitarian Programme Cycle, flash updates, humanitarian financing (e.g. CERF) etc. • Contributes to Monitor, analyze and report on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned areas of Southern and Eastern Africa; • Supports in following up on developments in countries assigned by the supervisor, keep relevant country profiles up-to-date, interact with the Resident Coordinator’s Office coordination specialist for assigned countries, and highlight any issues of concern to feed into the daily operational update. • Participates in producing analytical notes to better understand political and conflict dynamics in the region, in support of preparedness and operational work in the region. • Provide CMCoord support and training to countries in need and/or training institutions in the region. • Participates in frontline surge in response to new emergencies, the escalation of existing emergencies and/or fill critical gaps. • Assists in making contacts and nurturing relationships with key interlocuters in your countries of responsibility and thematic areas. • Assists to feed into any country/thematic reports/documents that might be required e.g. snapshots, outlooks, sitreps, etc. • Participates, alongside other team members, in the production of appeals for international assistance - including Humanitarian Needs Overviews, Humanitarian Response Plans and Flash Appeals - in the region; • Assists to organize and participate in meetings, conferences and consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters in the region • As part of a Team the Youth Volunteer supports the RCO in the preparation of relevant CERF reports in countries under ROSEA’s coverage without OCHA country offices.

Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Working in Teams

/ up to three years and/or demonstrated in: • humanitarian/emergency response, human rights, international development, public diplomacy, or other relevant programmes; • Experience working in the Horn of Africa (especially Kenya, Ethiopia and/or Somalia) is desirable.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

Nairobi is a family duty station. The UNV will be expected to find their own accommodation. Kenya is a unique country and OCHA Regional Office operations will provide huge opportunity for the UNV to learn and to contribute to the work we do. It provides for an 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.