Humanitarian  Field Support Assistant

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

UNV programme is looking for a motiviated person to join OCHA office as UN Volunteer Humanitarian Field Assistant.  

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) 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) disseminating information and policies to the humanitarian community, authorities and donors, as well as supporting resource mobilization efforts; (b) assisting in the identification of humanitarian priorities and needs and the coordination of resource mobilization efforts; and (c) disseminating information on the impact of complex emergencies, response thereto and the need for international assistance.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNOCHA Northern Field Coordination Unit (FCU) the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Coordination Support

• Participate in regular field visits and meetings to gather and verify information needed to understand the humanitarian situation and the needs of the most vulnerable communities.
• Draft reports on field visits to vulnerable Palestinian communities ensuring an adequate and accurate record of events (including completion of forms  as needed).
• Support information verification and the production of reports on key issues for inclusion in the bi-weekly Protection of Civilians report, the monthly Humanitarian Monitor and ad hoc reports as necessary.
• Participate in the entry of critical protection incidents (settler violence, demolitions and other protection concerns) into the respective databases.
• Support the mapping of closures and their impact on Palestinians in North West Bank NWB
• Support multi-cluster need assessments undertaken in AoR
• Contribute to the analysis of developments and trends in the AOR especially by highlighting concerns from a local perspective and by regularly updating the FCU team on new and developing trends or specific areas of concern.
• Support the FCU, as required, in preparing for field briefings for officials, diplomats and decision makers.
• Support the Field Office in disseminating UN and OCHA reports at the local level, as agreed.
• Provide logistical support for coordination meetings, including preparation of information packs.

Operational Support

• Maintain inventory of Sub-Office non-expendable items using the agreed format (ex. stationary)
• Support the electronic filing system of the FCU; updating of contact lists by cluster, theme and location; weekly backup of FCU files and monthly backup in Jerusalem; and photo archiving in a timely manner according to the established guidelines.
• Maintain hard copy archives (e.g. demolition orders, land confiscation orders…etc.).
• Support the updating of  work tracking calendar on a daily basis in consultation with unit members.
• Coordinate the use and maintenance of FCU’s equipment, cameras and other tools (including ensuring tools are in the FCU vehicle prior to field visits, with charged batteries and containing necessary layers and forms).
• Liaise with OCHA IMU to help solve equipment-related problems at the sub-field office.
• Provide translation, both verbal and written, from and to Arabic and English.
• Ensure sub-office has sufficient number, type and in required languages of latest maps, reports, etc.
• Provide Administrative support for payment of Petty Cash invoices.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in activities (e.g. in International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; network and build relationships with local organizations, groups or individuals, and support and/or participate in local volunteering initiatives; reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiate and/or participate in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;
• Promote or advise local groups on the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible;

Results/Expected Outputs

1. Strengthened  contacts and knowledge base of the NFCU to inform a solid understanding of the humanitarian situation and related developments.
2. Incidents related to the humanitarian situation in the AOR are recorded and reported in a timely manner to the supervisor, including verification, triangulation and recording of protection of civilian incidents.
3. Photos, contacts, documents and maps are up to date and appropriately archived and organized, at and available for the staff.
4. Electronic back up is maintained in weekly and monthly bases for NFCU as well as at Jerusalem level.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
• 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.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
• 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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

• Required Degree Level:  Bachelor degree or equivalent.

• Education :University degree in social sciences, humanitarian assistance, development aid or another related topic
   

• Required experience:  At least 2 years of work/volunteer experience in humanitarian field with an INGO, an NGO or a UN agency is desired

• Area of Expertise:

1. Experience in Human Rights
2. Experience in data management and reporting.
3. Knowledge of Northern West Bank geographical areas.
4. Good working knowledge of the humanitarian situation in the North.
5. Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

• Language Skills : 

            ​English (Mandatory) , Level - Fluent 

            AND - Arabic (Mandatory) , Level - Fluent

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.