Background
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
This position is in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN- OCHA) Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC). This position reports to Regional Disaster Response Advisor.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Officers/Managers/Representatives responsible of preparedness and response for humanitarian action, disaster management and information management experts, experts and focal points for specific transversal programmes, projects and subjects at regional and at country level. Resident Coordinator Office and focal point or responsible for humanitarian coordination structures in country.
OCHA Officers/Managers of units and branches at headquarter or regional level including interaction with other units, partners and Country Offices, Member states authorities and representatives from the region, sub-regional bodies and donors.
Results Expected:
The person in this role provides reliable support for the coordination and implementation of humanitarian preparedness and response activities. The person contributes to the monitoring of the humanitarian situation, carrying out basic research and demonstrating a solid understanding of the humanitarian context and emergency‑related priorities. This person is expected to perform their tasks with increasing autonomy, ensuring timely follow‑up on required actions and proactively identifying issues and potential solutions. The person maintains well‑organized work processes and produces accurate information and reports under general supervision. The role also involves close monitoring of the regional agenda, progress on the annual workplan, and ongoing activities, while maintaining effective and timely interaction with colleagues and partners, both inside and outside the organization, to support processes related to disaster preparedness and response, coordination and partnerships, information management, advocacy and reporting, as well as humanitarian financing.
Duties and Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Programme Associate will be responsible for the following duties:
- Supports the monitoring and analysis of the dynamic humanitarian landscape and its associated operational challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
- Research, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on humanitarian related topics.
- Contributes to the preparation of donor reports and to the development of information products on humanitarian situations such as situation reports, dashboards, briefing notes, and thematic updates.
- Drafts correspondence and contributes to communications related to internal products—including workplans and prepares the unit’s inputs for periodic internal reports on operational matters.
- Support the development of presentations, training modules, and other materials required for sessions, workshops, emergency preparedness simulations, and other capacity‑building activities.
- Support the organization of OCHA-led humanitarian coordination meetings in Panama and assist the follow up of the coordination meetings' decisions and action points with correspondent stakeholders.
- Serves as focal point for any thematic working group at regional level related to cross-cutting issues like gender, protection, accountability to affected people or others if needed.
- Provides support during emergency response activities, including up to 50% physical deployment to affected areas, comprehensive logistical coordination, operational follow-up, and direct support assistance to field teams engaged in humanitarian missions.
- Support in uploading, updating, and maintenance of contact list and work files on internal and external repositories.
- Support the monitoring of the humanitarian financing trends in the LAC region, using existing mechanisms and tools
- Perform other duties and assigned responsibilities around areas of these terms of reference, as per recommendations from his/her supervisor and according to identified priorities.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; 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 from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
- Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honor’s commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
- Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- Higher Secondary Education is required.
- A bachelor’s degree in business or public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences and Social Sciences will be given due consideration.
Experience
- A Minimum 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs and disaster management experience is required at the national or international level.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
- Experience of organizing trainings/workshops for the operations/ projects staff on programme is required.
- Relevant experience of working with international or development organizations is required.
- Ability to review and edit documents, and ability to produce meeting reports identifying key actions, is required.
Language
- Fluency in English and Spanish, required.
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is an advantage.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP 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.
UNDP 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
UNDP 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.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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