Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Cmcoord Officer at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - UNOCHA

Duty Station: Maiduguri

Job Opening Number: 21-Humanitarian Affairs-OCHA-166157-R- (X)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organisational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division (OAD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

The Humanitarian Affairs Officers/UN-CMCoord (HAO/UN-CMCoord) is based in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, the incumbent will directly report to the Deputy Head of Office .

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the HAO/UN-CMCoord will be responsible for the following

duties: 1.

• Adviser on Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination: a) In his/her capacity as the HAO/UN-CMCoord and the HC's adviser on civil-military relations, the HAO/UN-CMCoord will establish the necessary links with Senior Military Officers in International military Forces and National Military Forces, Military Liaison Officers (MLO), and personnel in UN agencies, including any relevant civilian mission staff, and civil-military coordination personnel of appropriate NGOs at national, sub-national and regional levels.
• Monitor, analyze and report on any major accomplishments and progress as well as identify and follow up any potential or actual friction points in relations between the humanitarian and military communities.
•  Serve as the primary focal point for all matters including policy related to civil-military coordination in close consultation with the Head of OCHA Office or Humanitarian Coordinator.
• Prepare, or provide substantive input in the preparation of, policy, position papers and reports on civil-military coordination issues for presentation to various agencies throughout the UN system and IASC members. Contribute to the Office regular reporting on civil-military coordination issues

2. Policy and Advocacy:

a) Lead, if applicable, the development of country-specific guidelines on civil-military relations, based on the current "Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief" and "Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support UN Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies", as well as the "IASC Reference Paper on Civil-Military Relationship in Complex Emergencies", the IASC Discussion Paper and Non-Binding Guidelines on the "Use of Military or Armed Escorts for Humanitarian Convoys", applicable Security Council resolutions and other relevant instruments.

Ensure that the country-specific guidelines, and the generic guidelines mentioned above are properly disseminated and understood by both the humanitarian actors and the military forces present, as well as by local actors, as appropriate. Promote and ensure adherence to the above Guidelines within the entire humanitarian community and advise on potential consequences if these principles are compromised.

Organise, with relevant and balanced Humanitarian and Military representation, Workshops on Civil-Military relations, by advocating adherence to applicable guidelines and principles and focusing on positive examples, contribute to a positive working relationship between relevant international military and IASC members.

Additionally, act as an advocate for the promulgation of UN-CMCoord concepts, principles and activities, the promotion and protection of humanitarian principles and the dissemination of UN-CMCoord related guidelines.

Establish and maintain UN-CMCoord Network: a) In this context, establish and maintain dialogue and coordination with the military and security forces in the area of responsibility at national, sub-national and regional level. Identify, establish and maintain contact with the appropriate military counterparts, especially international military force deployed, and ensure mutual exchange of information about ongoing humanitarian activities and issues. Advise the military forces in the area of responsibility on international humanitarian coordination mechanisms. These mechanisms may include the UN Country Team, UN Security or Disaster Management Teams, Humanitarian Clusters, etc.

• In parallel, establish and maintain contact with humanitarian actors in the area of responsibility and serve as an information channel and advocate for their issues with relevant military/paramilitary organizations.
• Lead or participate in working groups, meetings and consultations with other UN agencies and humanitarian partners; organize meetings on UN-CMCoord matters with Heads of Agencies and/or other appropriate entities.
• Establish and maintain, if appropriate, an information exchange forum for stakeholders and interested parties in civil-military relations and participate in relevant meetings.
• Establish and maintain contact with regional OCHA CMCoord counterparts in neighbouring countries in the region, and ensure coherent approaches on civil-military issues with regional dimensions.

4. Humanitarian Access:

a) Monitors, analyses and reports on humanitarian access issues and action, including identification and follow-up on potential or actual friction points in relations between humanitarian and military actors.

5. Humanitarian Affairs:

• Leads and/or participates in large, complex projects, to include disaster assessment or other missions; coordinates international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations; ensures necessary support (e.g. staff, funding, specialized equipment, supplies, etc.); prepares situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries.
• Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate complex humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes; helps ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with government officials, other UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations, diplomatic missions, media, etc.; ensures appropriate mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information both in and outside the UN system, including on early warning and contingency planning.

Other duties: a) Acts as Security Focal Point for the OCHA Country Office, establishing and maintaining engagement with the Security Management System as appropriate.

b) Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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.

Planning and 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.

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.

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or other related area is required.
• Experience with OCHA, experience in civil-military coordination, or experience in the military forces dealing with humanitarian operations is desirable.
• Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.
• Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN Common System or other comparable is desirable.
• Experience in a humanitarian context in the region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is funded for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-general and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.