Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Contract

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

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be part of the Field Coordination Section in OCHA Sudan. OCHA coordinates humanitarian response ensuring that assistance and protection reach the people who need it most. OCHA influences timely decision-making to support more effective humanitarian response and emergency preparedness. The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will provide support in coordination, including engagement with humanitarian partners, preparation of briefings, response plans, mission planning, and support to OCHA’s field offices. Also, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer will support the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator and to ensure effective coordination and linkages between the RCO’s office and OCHA.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Field Coordination section and overall guidance of the Head and Deputy Head of OCHA Sudan office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Monitor, analyze, and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management, and/or emergency situations in the assigned area. • Organize or prepare studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; leads / participates in inter-agency meetings to support humanitarian work and decision-making on humanitarian issues. • Drafts and prepares situation papers / reports, highlighting relevant operational issues affecting the humanitarian situation in and response efforts. • Ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting; provides information and advice on a range of related humanitarian issues. • Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian and emergency assistance programs; and help ensure that the latest findings, lessons learned, policy, guidelines, etc are incorporated into these activities, including gender and AAP related considerations. • Leads / support as required inter-agency coordination efforts • Leads / supports the production of appeals for international assistance, ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA – such as country based pooled funds and CERF. • Establishes and maintains contacts with government officials, other humanitarian partners, diplomatic missions as required • Undertakes and provides support and technical assistance to field missions • Prepares or contributes to the preparation of various written reports, documents, and communications e.g., drafts sections of studies, papers, policy guidelines, briefings, case studies, presentations, etc. • Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters. • Assists the Humanitarian Coordinator in all activities related to OCHA, including coordination, advocacy, information management, humanitarian finance etc • Support coordination mechanisms in Sudan, mainly the HCT, HCT Plus • Perform other duties as required.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Communication ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Working in Teams

humanitarian affairs. o Field experience in a complex emergency or natural disasters is desirable. o Experience in a humanitarian context with the UN common system, INGOs, or other comparable international organization is desirable. o Independent, self-starter, and with initiative. o Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting and reporting skills. o Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners. o Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. o Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; and office technology equipment. o Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. o Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian affairs volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

This position is based in Khartoum (Sudan). Khartoum is a family duty station. You can expect ac-cess to supermarkets and basic health care; there are international schools for children. Accommoda-tion options range from apartments to independent houses. Electricity is widely fonctional, but power cuts and use of generators is frequent. Weather is extremely dry and hot in the summer, with short rainy season which lasts from July to September. Social options (such as cinemas or others) are very limited; however, Khartoum offers some international restaurants in addition to regular Sudanese ones. This position will involve field trips as required outside Khartoum which have limited health care, and where accommodation is basic.

Sudan is a unique country and a unique (humanitarian) operation. 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.