UNV 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.

OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to:

· Alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; · Advocate for the rights of people in need; · Promote preparedness and prevention; and · Facilitate sustainable solutions.

OCHA was established as a result of a General Assembly Resolution 46/182 adopted in De-cember 1991, designed to strengthen the United Nations response to both complex emergen-cies and natural disasters.

Under the direct supervision of the Head/ Deputy of Office of the Pacific Islands, UNOCHA Fiji, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

 Support the Head of Office in the day-to-day management of the Office including: strategic planning, preparation of the annual strategy / work plan of the Office, performance framework and cost plan, as well as in related monitoring and reporting.  Lead and/or participates in large, complex projects, to include disaster surge capacity response, assessment or other missions; coordinates international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations; ensures necessary support (e.g. staff, funding, specialized equipment, supplies, etc.).  Monitor, analyse and report on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned area.  Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues  Prepare or contribute to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents, briefings, case studies, presentations, correspondence, etc.; highlighting relevant operational factors affecting the humanitarian situation and response efforts.  Ensure appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provides information and advice on a range of related issues.  Review and provides advice on policy issues related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.  Support advocacy initiatives on issues impacting humanitarian needs and response efforts through the collection of information, liaison with humanitarian partners, government officials, the media, etc.  Serve as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, donors, etc., ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provides information and advice on a range of related issues.  Organize and participate in working groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.  Performs other duties as required.

Expected Results

 Effective support to coordination and management of emergency responses and humani-tarian issues in the region.  Strong working relationship and partnership with all Humanitarian Actors including government and civil society.  A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the as-signment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized activities participated in and capacities developed.  The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);  Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment  Participate and contributes to meetings discussions and logistics.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing

Experience with managing teams is desirable. Five years of relevant experience at the international level is desirable. Humanitarian experience in the field of natural disaster response and management is desirable. Ability to undertake frequent travel is desirable. Experience covering a regional portfolio is desirable. Experience in the UN Common System is desirable. Experience in the Pacific region is desirable.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Daytime temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) or higher and humid-ity is generally high. Tropical cyclones can occur between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu. Viti Levu at 10,400 sq km (4052 sq mi) and Vanua Levu at 5587 sq km (2160 sq mi) are the biggest islands in the Fiji group. With a population of approximately 141,000, Suva is a multiracial and multicultural city. Indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the two principal ethnic groups of Fiji, comprise the bulk of Suva's population, but the city is also home to the majority of Fiji's ethnic minority populations including Caucasians and Chinese, amongst others. The majority of expatriates working in Fiji are also based in Suva. The most widely spoken lan-guage is English, but Fijian, Hindustani and other Indian languages are also spoken by their respective communities.

The UN Volunteer will have access to all reasonable facilities including a private hospital, sporting facilities and supermarkets. Fiji, along with many other Pacific islands, is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. However, necessary security precautions should be taken wherever possible