Intern Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Support humanitarian initiatives and engage with government and partners in Saudi Arabia.

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UNOCHA - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Saturday 31 May 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support humanitarian initiatives and engage with government and partners in Saudi Arabia.

You have:

  • Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
  • Any academic or practical experience in humanitarian affairs issues including in political and/or social science, international relations, public administration, law, economics, or other fields related to climate change and disaster risk reduction.
  • Personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations and ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds is required.
  • Applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications.
  • Fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

Riyadh

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is the UN Secretariat department responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to complex emergencies and natural disasters. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principles humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions Under the guidance and direct supervision of OCHA Representative of Liaison Office in Saudi Arabia, the Humanitarian Intern will be providing support related to humanitarian engagement with the Government of Saudi Arabia and partners in the country. This internship is based in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, for a maximum period of six months, beginning at a mutually agreed time. OCHA Saudi Arabia is part of the External Relations and Partnerships Section, which sits within Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Branch within the Financing and Partnerships Division. It aims to strengthen the engagement and partnership with all Member States, regional and intergovernmental organisations, in support of OCHA’s role in promoting principled and effective humanitarian action and to sustain and grow political and financial support to the multilateral humanitarian system. Responsibilities The intern will perform a variety of tasks, depending on the internship period, including but not limited to: • Supports in the monitoring, analysis and reporting on humanitarian needs • Assists in the preparation and planning of humanitarian events (i.e., workshops, conferences) either organized / co-organized by OCHA in Saudi Arabia. • Supports advocacy initiatives on issues related to humanitarian needs through gathering information and preparing related visibility material, liaison with humanitarian partners, government officials, the media, etc. – • Actively engages in working groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian matters. – • Perform any other administrative work as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the UN Internship programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, (b) Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Any academic or practical experience in humanitarian affairs issues including in political and/or social science, international relations, public administration, law, economics, or other fields related to climate change and disaster risk reduction. Personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations and ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds is required. Applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications is required.

Languages

For this internship fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time you contributed to a humanitarian project or initiative. This question assesses your practical experience in humanitarian affairs. Highlight your specific role, what you did, and the impact your contribution had.
How do you manage responsibilities in a fast-paced, multicultural environment? This explores your ability to work effectively across diverse cultures. Pro members can see the explanation.
What advocacy initiatives have you been involved with in the past? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you approached a complex problem during your studies or work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you believe are essential qualities for working in humanitarian affairs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you prepare for a meeting with government officials to discuss humanitarian needs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges do you anticipate in coordinating humanitarian efforts in Saudi Arabia? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How proficient are you with computer applications relevant to humanitarian work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org