Humanitarian Assistance Officer

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.

Zambia is a land linked country, prone to natural disasters, which have been intensifying in nature and frequency due to climate change. In February 2023, Zambia faced the worst floods of the last 20 years; one year later, the country is facing severe droughts because of the El Nino global phenomenon. In addition, Zambia is also impacted by recurrent cholera outbreaks, which happen almost every year coinciding with the rainy season. Since October 2023, Zambia has been experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis, driven by climate-change induced extreme weather occurrences, coupled with a persistent and unprecedent cholera outbreak.

Still on the humanitarian front, Zambia is a host country for refugees and other populations of concern. Zambia has three main refugee settlements, hosting approximately 95,000 refugees and continues receiving constant influx of refugees, especially from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This UNV Humanitarian Assistance Specialist position is in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Lusaka, Zambia and reports to the RCO Partnerships and Development Coordination Officer. The Humanitarian Assistance Specialist is expected to support the coordination of the humanitarian response during emergencies, including through support to: 1) the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the RCO in coordinating effective and principled humanitarian action, taking into account Human Rights principles and the Leave no One Behind approach; 2) UNCT joint funds mobilization efforts; 3) coordination with key stakeholders and partners; 4) UN efforts to promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

Under the direct supervision of the RCO Partnerships and Development Coordination Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support overall humanitarian operational coordination from the RCO. • Contribute to the preparation of various written documents, such as development of humanitarian financing proposals (e.g. CERF applications); response/contingency plans; needs assessment reports, appeals; and others, as needed. • Assist in the design and preparation of updates on humanitarian situations, contribute to communication materials and others, as needed. • Research, analyse and present information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics or trends that may affect the humanitarian situation, related operations or UN programmes on the ground. • Contribute and support to meetings, with preparation of presentations, remarks, agen-das, meeting minutes, etc. • Assist in the organization of meetings, workshops, etc. with other agencies and part-ners to facilitate coordination of the UN humanitarian response. • Participate in field missions, if needed. • Perform other duties as required.

. Adaptability and Flexibility . Client Orientation . Commitment and Motivation . Commitment to Continuous Learning . Communication . Ethics and Values . Integrity . Planning and Organizing . Professionalism . Respect for Diversity . Self-Management . Working in Teams

or demonstrated interest in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency support. • Experience in the field in emergency situations (natural disaster or others) would be a strong asset. • Experience in a humanitarian context with the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable. • Demonstrated interest and/or professional work experience at the national and/or international level in development programme coordination or other relevant pro-grammes. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Expertise in donor mapping, aid tracking, results-based management, and programme-based approaches will be an asset. • Sound analytical and organizational skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners. • Ability to work with tight deadlines. • Experience in the Southern Africa Region is an asset.

Zambia is a land-linked, resource-rich country with sparsely populated land in the centre of Southern Africa. It shares its border with eight countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) that serve as an expanded market for its goods.

Lusaka is the capital of the Republic of Zambia. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold during few months, with freezing temperature at times especially during the night. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and other heating options when necessary. As the commercial and cultural centre of Zambia, Lusaka has seen rapid development in recent decades, with reasonable transportation connections and widely spoken English making the city highly attractive to vacationers and experts alike. Unemployment and poverty are issues in the city, and beyond. Key industries for the region and Zambia as a whole, include mining, agriculture, and tourism. Like most Southern African cities, life in Lusaka will require some adjustments for a person moving from outside the region, but the potential rewards and opportunities for experiences are well worth the effort.

Lusaka hosts several international organisation and embassies/diplomatic missions, therefore there is a very large community of expatriates from around the world. Housing is most of the time readily available and of good standard options are available. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from South Africa, Europe, and China while some ranges of local brands are available at a competitive price to imports. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are reasonably priced and abundantly available.

The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications are of reasonable standard, although the city experiences power outages from time to time. Medical facilities are still largely inadequate, although several private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Lusaka city limits. For more information, please visit http://zambiatourism.com.