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

Job ID: 28943
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Practice Area - Job Family: Crisis Prevention and Recovery - Humanitarian Affairs
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension

Background

• OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors to:
  • Alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies
  • Advocate for the rights of people in need
  • Promote preparedness and prevention
  • Facilitate sustainable solutions.
• In December 1991, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 46/182 designed to strengthen the United Nation's response to both complex emergencies and natural disasters.  In addition, it aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the UN's humanitarian operations in the field.
• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Head of Office, the HAO will ensure effective and efficient support on all activities related to Inter agency technical coordination and programmes while maintaining full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, maintenance of procedures, management of information flow and follow up on deadlines and commitments.
• The  HAO will work in close collaboration with the other units in OCHA Nigeria and support coordination with the humanitarian community (UN Agencies, government and partners) to ensure efficient flow of information, effective coordination, advocacy and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:

• Under the leadership of the Deputy Head of Office, and in consultation with Field Coordination, ISWG and Coordination units, assists in the design and preparation of information and analysis on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and related issues.
• Monitors, researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues, including trends in conflict, humanitarian needs and humanitarian response in Nigeria, and brings together key stakeholders to inform analysis, as required.
• Leads the process of or substantially contributes to the preparation of various written documents, e.g. draft sections of OCHA internal and external information products (such as Situation Reports or Humanitarian Bulletins), studies, background papers, policy guidelines or related documents.
• Develops and maintains reference/resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; responds to various inquiries and information requests internally and externally.
• Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance, including through compilation of relevant information and analysis on the humanitarian situation and response in Nigeria.
• Assists in the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. with other agencies and partners to facilitate exchanges of professional expertise and views on specific humanitarian-related subjects/issues, including analysis of the situation in Nigeria; serves as reporter to such events.
• Maintains awareness and analysis of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area, country or region concerned.
• Serves as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, donors, etc., to ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provides information and advice on a range of related issues
• Builds and maintains relationships with UN agencies, NGOs and governmental officials to ensure effective exchange and dissemination of reports and all relevant information
• Participates in technical assistance, disaster assessment or other missions, if required.
• Performs other duties as required by the Senior Management or colleagues

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Science, International Studies, Public Administration, Communication, Public Information, Information Management, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional six years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required.
• Relevant experience working in humanitarian operations as reporting officer is desirable.
• Must be conversant with UN operational and reporting systems;
• Excellent Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and Report Writing skills.;
• Knowledge of Information Management (IM);
• Ability to build networks and partnerships and capacity to work in a team;
• Balances meeting deadlines, while maintaining high professional standards and accuracy;
• Demonstrates the highest level of discretion in a manner that promotes a positive working environment;
• Demonstrated understanding of Nigeria UN experience, and ability to understand and transcribe complexities and nuances of the operation in the reporting.

Language Requirements:

• High fluency in English (both verbal and written) is essential; at least working knowledge of Hausa is desirable.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems.
• Capacity to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require a coordinated UN response.
• Ability to identify issues and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems.
• Ability to conduct research, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the humanitarian rights situation in assigned area.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment; ability to provide guidance to new/junior staff; ability to provide advice to senior level officials.
• 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. Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.

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; tailor’s language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Creating synergies through self-control, sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others.