Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Special Assistant to Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Yemen remains the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) coordinates an increasingly complex humanitarian response in a challenging operating environment. OCHA mobilizes and coordinates principled humanitarian response in partnership with national and international actors to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies, advocates for the right of people in need, supports emergency preparedness and response, and facilitates sustainable solutions for vulnerable people adversely affected by conflict and natural disasters. OCHA supports the work of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), Inter–Cluster Coordination Mechanism (ICCM), national authorities and other humanitarian partners, including NGOs, in Yemen. OCHA maintains a Country Office in Sana’a and five sub offices (Sa’ada, Sana’a, Aden, Ibb, Hodeidah, Ma’rib, Mukalla, Turbah and AL-Mokah). This position of
Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Special Assistant to the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator (DHC) will be based in Aden and will be under the direct supervision and guidance of the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator. The person will work in close collaboration with UN Agencies, UNOCHA staff, and Government officials, National and International NGOs, international and local media where necessary, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring effective humanitarian coordination and response.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator (DHC), the HAO - DHC Special Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Maintain the DHC’s calendar, appointment schedule by planning and scheduling meetings, preparing the necessary briefing notes and draft minutes and summaries of actions to be taken; tracking of progress on planned issues; follow-up with focal points;
• Support the DHC in preparing for and carrying out field missions and monitoring visits and supporting the coordination of strategy and priorities in liaison with Sanaa’ office;
• As appropriate, help organize and/or participate in media relations, arrange interviews, draft talking points in consultation with the Communication and Reporting Unit;
• Support the DHC’s engagement and coordination with national authorities and humanitarian partners in Aden area of operation, triangulate humanitarian information and support processes to identify and map humanitarian needs and response priorities;
• Compile information regarding humanitarian developments in Yemen, in close coordination with OCHA hubs and Sana’a and Aden offices, in support of the DHC and the HCT;
• Prepare or contribute to the preparation of various written products such as talking points, key messages, monitoring reports, response monitoring and gap analysis, including drafting routine internal and external correspondence and identifying humanitarian content for OCHA public information products;
• Actively contribute to the development and regular update of coordination and information tools, information fact sheets;
• Support in outreach with international and national NGOs;
• Provide or arrange Arabic/English translation and interpretation services when required;
• Maintain a network of local contacts among key stakeholders, including authorities, donors and the humanitarian community;
• Perform other duties as required.

The incumbent of the position should avoid any kind of discriminatory behavior including gender discrimination and ensure that 

• Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions;
• Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with “Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP”;
• Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, gender are respected within all implementations including data production;
• Differentiated needs of women and men are considered;
• Inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created;
• Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings etc. introduced.

Professionalism:

• Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solution;
• Ability to relate humanitarian issues and perspectives, including gender, political, economic, social and human rights developments in Yemen;
• Strong negotiation and diplomatic skills: ability to lead and gain trust of partners, authorities, UN agencies and donors; and to articulate coherent arguments to reach agreement;
• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. armed conflict, civil strife, natural disasters, human suffering and long work hours when situation demands);
• Understanding of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions and mandates of the UN system;
• Experience of working in international organizations is an advantage, including the field of humanitarian action and protection of civilians in armed conflict. Excellent speaking and drafting, and presentation and report writing skills are required.

Planning and organizing:

• Proven ability to plan and organize, priorities, manage and monitor work plans and senior leadership calendar, coordinate competing demands, and work to tight deadline.

Communications:

• Proven ability to write and speak in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to prepare reports, talking points, briefing notes, key messages and conduct presentations, articulating options concisely, making and defending recommendations.

Teamwork:

• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and different coordination platforms; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in an international 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;
• Excellent command of Office suite applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Education:

• Master’s Degree preferably in Communication, Journalism, International relations, Political or Social Science, Law, International studies or other relevant science is required;
• A bachelor’s degree in combination with 2 additional years of relevant and qualifying experience in the field of Communication, Journalism, International relations, Political or Social Science, Law, International studies may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant progressively professional responsible experience in reporting, communication and public information in the field of humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management or other related areas, preferably with a United Nations agency or an Non-Governmental Organization will be given a priority;
• Familiarity and good knowledge of social, political and economic conditions in Yemen and the Middle East region;
• Proven abilities in data collection, compilation, analysis and reporting with ability to write in a clear and concise manner and effective oral communication;
• Proven skills in organizing and facilitating meetings and reporting.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English is required.
• Fluency in Arabic is a must.

Note:

This position may involve traveling within Yemen.

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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