Humanitarian Field Support Assistant

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.

The OCHA Office in the occupied Palestinian territory has responsibility for inter-agency coordination in complex emergencies and in natural disasters. In the context of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, the OCHA Office has a specific responsibility for (a) identifying humanitarian priorities and needs, as well as coordinating resource mobilization efforts; (b) coordinating the response, and monitoring of emergency response in the context of a complex emergency, and advising on the need for international assistance; (c) disseminating information and policies to the humanitarian community, authorities and donors, as well as supporting resource mobilization efforts; and (d) reporting on protection of civilians issues and advocacy regarding humanitarian issues.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of [the Head of Gaza Sub-office] or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Field Support assistant will:

• Support the Gaza Sub-Office with regular reporting, including weekly and monthly reports, as well as ad hoc humanitarian updates and reports. • Undertake in regular field visits to gather and verify information needed to understand the impact of the humanitarian situation and the needs of the most vulnerable communities. • Support data gathering and analysis of the humanitarian situation in Gaza as requested by the Gaza Sub-Office, including by supporting information management, field assessments, community liaison and research. • Support the provision of information in response to internal and external requests and queries. • Assist in developing presentations, information products and contact sheets. • Write field visit reports and meeting notes ensuring that an adequate and accurate record is being kept. • Provide advocacy support for event organizing field briefings preparation for officials, diplomats and decision makers. • Conduct media monitoring, as required. • Support the Gaza Sub-Office in its humanitarian coordination role, by supporting the strengthening of relations with relevant actors including clusters, Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO), Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA), UNRWA and local authorities, and by participating in relevant meetings. • Assist in keeping calendars, contact sheets and relevant operational documents up-to date. • Provide language assistance/translation, both verbal and written, from and to Arabic and English; • Support the Sub-Office in disseminating, at the local level, UN and OCHA reports; • Provide additional and related support to the Gaza Sub-Office as may be required Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNOCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNOCHA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; •Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNOCHA in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; •Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; •Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. •Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; •Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; •Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNOCHA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, public administration, logistics or another relevant field • 3 years of relevant work/volunteer experience in Humanitarian Affairs, Field Work, Emergency preparedness, crises/emergency relief management, human rights or other related areas is required. . • Good working knowledge of the Gaza humanitarian situation. • Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Reporting and research experience. • Experience in field research, assessments and working with affected communities. • Experience in dealing with multiple stakeholders and perspectives is an asset. • Language skills: The incumbent is expected to have excellent English language skills both in terms of writing and speaking. • Computer skills: The incumbent is expected to be proficient in using all Microsoft software, including MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint. • Prior experience with international organizations is an asset. • Good sense of security.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. Travel allowance (Relocation costs) will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 3695.5 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and exit allowance for satisfactory service. Additional monthly hardship allowance in amount of ILS 1108.64 is paid.