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UNOCHA - Sr. Humanitarian Affairs Officer - Damascus & South Hub

Damascus

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Damascus
  • Grade: Mid level - NO-C, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
    • Crisis Response
    • Crisis Prevention and RecoveryManagement
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA works with humanitarian partners in the country and ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall humanitarian response effort.  OCHA is looking for an experienced Humanitarian Affairs Officer for Damascus and South Hub. The incumbent supports the implementation of the following sets of activities: a) Head the field hub including all potential support matters, b) improve inter-agency humanitarian coordination, preparedness and response; b) enhance humanitarian information networks; and c) strengthen coordination with national actors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Office, and under the day-to-day guidance of the Head of Field Coordination Unit, the incumbent is expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Support the overall implementation of Damascus and South Hub work plan;
  • Undertake detailed analyses of the prevailing humanitarian situation, e.g., assess the humanitarian situation in the area of responsibility (AoR), report on IDP and other population movements, identify humanitarian needs and gaps in the response;
  • Prepare daily and weekly reports on the humanitarian situation in the AoR;
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate assistance programmes activities, including gender-related considerations;
  • Establish and maintain a close working relationship with the relevant governorate officials in the AoR to ensure a sustained coordination and appropriate communication;
  • Support the Humanitarian Finance Unit (HFU) in coordinating monitoring visits with relevant authorities;
  • Conduct regular field visits to Governorates under the AoR to improve the humanitarian response;
  • Organize and lead inter-sectoral rapid assessment missions to assess the humanitarian situation and identify gaps and needs; prepare and follow up on assessment report;
  • Coordinate, provide technical support to sectors and monitor the implementation of preparedness and humanitarian response plans;
  • Participate in regular sub-sectors coordination meetings and report outcome and action points;
  • Provide humanitarian updates to the Area Humanitarian Country Team Meetings, secretariat support and follow up on action points with the Area Humanitarian Coordinator;
  • Chair the Hub Inter-Sector Coordination Meetings and follow up on outcomes and action points with the sub-sectors;
  • Establish and maintain contacts with other UN agencies, NGOs, other humanitarian actors and relevant government counterparts;
  • Establish, consolidate, maintain and update regularly a 4W database;
  • Support field missions of OCHA staff, donors and other visitors and prepare briefings on the overall humanitarian situation as well as the activities of OCHA and other humanitarian agencies;
  • Organize and participate in organizing meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters;
  • Act as access focal point in supporting core mandate of OCHA in facilitation of access to humanitarian partners;
  • Perform other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

  • Head of Field Coordination Unit and other Humanitarian Affairs Officers;
  • UN agencies;
  • International and national NGOs;
  • Relevant government departments.

Impact of Results:

Assist the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Syria in identifying significant humanitarian issues Develop well-reasoned, innovative suggestions and approaches to problem resolution. Help meet organizational objectives and provide sound analytical inputs and advice with respect to coordination of humanitarian action.

Competencies

Core:

Innovation:

  • Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Leadership:

  • Ability to persuade others to follow.

People Management:

  • Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Communication:

  • Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Delivery:

  • Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.

Technical/Functional:

Professionalism:

  • Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues and recommend appropriate solutions.  Very good knowledge of the program of assignment, including the cultural, political and economic dimensions.  Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender, social-economic issues, Strong negotiation skills: ability to lead and gain the assistance of others in a team endeavor, and to articulate coherent arguments to reach an agreement. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral form.Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Familiarity with UN policies, rules, and procedures, particularly in relation to humanitarian response and coordination, and knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian assistance, especially the humanitarian reform agenda desirable. Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information. 

Judgment and Decision-making:

  • Apply sound judgment to resolve a range of issues/ problems.

Planning and Organizing:

  • Proven ability to plan and organize, establish priorities, manage and monitor work plans, coordinate competing demands, and work to tight deadlines.

Communication:

  • Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including the ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum information, making and defending recommendations.

Teamwork:

  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Technological Awareness:

  • Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and relevant software packages, including e-mail.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s Degree or equivalent in political science, business administration & economics, low, international relations or other related fields is required.
  • First level university degree in political science, business administration & economics, low, international relations or other related fields, combined with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Five (5) years of relevant professional experience, preferably gained from working with humanitarian / development organization, including management of staff is required. Minimum three (3) years of relevant field experience in humanitarian coordination, preparedness and response in emergency situations (complex emergency and/or natural disaster) is highly desirable. Experience in humanitarian coordination within the UN system is desirable. At least four (4) years of experience with the UN common system is desirable.

Language Requirements:

  • Proficiency in both oral and written English and Arabic is required.

Other:

  • Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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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This vacancy is now closed.
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