Background

OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.

OCHA’s mission is to:

• Mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies.
• Advocate for the rights of people in need.
• Promote preparedness and prevention.
• Facilitate sustainable solutions.

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Office – Field Coordination and the immediate supervision of the Head of Sub-Office / Humanitarian Affairs Officer (HAO), the incumbent will support the office in identifying significant humanitarian issues and problems in the assigned region/state. They will develop well-reasoned, innovative suggestions and approaches to problem resolution, assist the HAO in managing projects and work teams to ensure timely delivery of outputs, and help meet organizational objectives by providing sound inputs and advice regarding the coordination of humanitarian/emergency action.

The incumbent will provide effective guidance on cultural and political issues intrinsic to the assigned state/region, deliver assigned outputs in a timely manner, develop partnerships, and interact effectively with colleagues internally and externally.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of project activities in the region. The position is locally administered by UNDP Sudan.

Under the immediate supervision of the Head of Head of the Sub-Office, the incumbent based in Tawila, North Darfur State is expected to perform the following tasks:

1. Coordination

• Establish partnerships with other humanitarian actors to plan and evaluate complex humanitarian and emergency assistance programs; ensure that the latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc., are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations.
• Liaise with local authorities on matters related to humanitarian operations and access in the region.
• Coordinate the delivery of international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergencies/disaster situations; conduct rapid assessments, prepare situation reports, analyze the situation, and specify unmet needs in affected areas.
• Coordinate disaster response/preparedness and the formulation of project proposals; provide technical support to fieldwork.
• Support the establishment and functionality of humanitarian coordination mechanisms in the region of responsibility.
• Represent OCHA in sectoral coordination meetings in the region.
• Monitor OCHA-supported project activities as needed.

2. Information Management / Advocacy

• Monitor and collect information on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management programs, or emergency situations in the assigned state/region.
• Establish and maintain contacts with other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and relevant government counterparts in the assigned region/state.
• Contribute to the production of weekly/monthly situation reports on the humanitarian situation and strengthen information networks to gather humanitarian data from the field.
• Consolidate and maintain a database of information on who is doing what where; assist in developing state/provincial profiles, hazard maps, contact lists, and databases on humanitarian assistance and preparedness.
• Support advocacy efforts concerning humanitarian issues based on analysis of the humanitarian situation, especially regarding the protection of civilians.
• Organize work groups, meetings, conferences, and consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• As an international civil servant, adhere to UN rules and regulations, maintain impartiality and transparency, and uphold the UN Code of Conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge of various aspects of humanitarian response, public information, and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes, and local conditions. Skill in conceptualizing, designing, and implementing major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Diplomatic handling of sensitive situations and cultivation of productive relationships. Proficiency in producing clear, concise written communications and delivering oral presentations to diverse audiences. Demonstrates professionalism, competence, and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and achieving results; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages, and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and encourages two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; values others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing:

Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate time and resources to complete work. Anticipates risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Work Implications

Frequent interaction with:

• Humanitarian Sectors/Clusters.
• UN Agencies.
• International and national NGOs.
• Government entities and authorities at different levels.
• Vulnerable / affected and host population

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in political or social science, law, international studies, public administration, business administration, or another relevant field is required.
• A first-level university degree combined with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian work, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or a related area.
• Preferably with at least 2 years of experience with international organizations or national implementing partners in the region.
• Experience coordinating humanitarian operations in Darfur, particularly North State is desirable. 
• Strong drafting and report-writing skills in English and Arabic is preferred.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) is desirable 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNOCHA fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.