Reporting 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 role of the OCHA Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is to support and assist the UN Resident Coordinators, the Governments, the UN Disaster Management Teams and the Humanitarian Country Teams (where it exists), to improve the overall preparedness and response mechanisms either to act upon natural disasters or protracted crisis. In practical terms, the office works with partners on:

• fostering existing cooperation to ensure effective preparedness as well as response to crisis
• strengthening disaster management capacities
• optimizing information gathering, analysis and production of documents
• liaising with donors and facilitating the use of funding mechanisms
• working on early warning activities and creating advocacy campaigns in benefit of affected communities and vulnerable groups
• promoting the implementation of IASC and OCHA guidance’s on preparedness and response.

Research primary and secondary information related to humanitarian situations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including digital media Draft regular information products that foster situational awareness on humanitarian situations in Latin America and the Caribbean, including weekly reports Draft advocacy products for web platforms Develop relevant ad hoc background information, country profiles, key messages and/or other relevant materials for external and/or internal purposes Participates in the organization of press briefings, interviews, etc.; prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events Support the implementation of a streamlined internal reporting platform and process Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

The UNV should be ready to be deployed as an OCHA staff on surge missions for durations of 2 weeks up to 2 months, elsewhere in the region and outside the region, as requested by the ROLAC Head of Office.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
• promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active OCHA ROLAC team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to OCHA ROLAC and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: The production of accurate and timely information and advocacy products on humanitarian situations and emerging humanitarian crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean. • Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed • The UNV should be ready to be deployed as an OCHA staff on surge missions for durations of 2 weeks up to 2 months, elsewhere in the region and outside the region, as requested by the ROLAC Head of Office.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OCHA 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 OCHA 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 OCHA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

research, project, journalism and reporting on humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or related. - Experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is an advantage. - Previous experience with any UN agency on emergency response is an advantage. - Proven analytical skills and experience on timely delivery of written reports, prepared in an accurate and concise manner. - Strong inter-personal, diplomatic and communication skills. - Computer literacy in Microsoft Office. - Experience with data visualization tools and design software is an advantage. - Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence, and integrity with people of diverse cultural background. - Familiarity with the UN system. -
Area of Expertise

• Research and reporting on humanitarian situations, emergency response, immediate relief operations, and post-conflict humanitarian aid operations.

Mandatory - Experience in reporting, project management and/or journalism in humanitarian emergencies and/or international relations. - Previous experience with any UN agency on emergency response is an advantage.

Panama is a family duty station and is a safe place to live, however, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores, designer stores, 24-hour grocery stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks and wide selection of restaurants and entertainment. Panama offers many options for interesting weekend activities. There are Beaches, Mountains, and National Parks in the rainforest that it is said have the widest range of flora and fauna the world.

Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria. The Centres for Disease Control website also recommends the yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands.

Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season which is from January until late April or early May and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70%