Latest Vacancies at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)

Job ID: 32816
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Practice Area - Job Family: Crisis Prevention and Recovery - Public Information
Grade: NOA
Vacancy Type: FTA Local
Posting Type: Common System
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension

Background

• This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Abuja, Nigeria. The Public Information Officer reports to the Head of Public Information and Spokesperson for the Humanitarian Coordinator. OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to tackle the most pressing humanitarian crises, and do whatever it takes to help humanitarians save lives.
• OCHA works to ensure humanitarians have the knowledge, funds and resources they need to deliver vital assistance. OCHA ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.
• Communicating current, reliable information from the field to various audiences is the focus of the public information unit, as well as advocacy and supporting donor relations. Using information and communicating strategically in order to achieve the organization’s objectives, requires technical skills, professional knowledge, creativity, good judgement and resourcefulness. Because communications activities vary greatly in the field, the job also calls for a pragmatic and dynamic approach.
• The Public Information Officer needs to possess excellent written and spoken communications skills and a good understanding of media practices in Nigeria. Experience with social media tools and platforms, or experience in storytelling will be relevant assets.

Duties and Responsibilities
Communications coordination:

• The Public Information Officer will support other team members in coordinating communications that reflect the interests and efforts of the whole humanitarian community.
• Provide secretarial support to the Humanitarian Communications Working Group (HCWG) by facilitating and managing the HCWG activities including meeting schedules, follow-up on action points, drafting minutes of meetings, and dissemination of key information to ensure a coordinated approach to humanitarian response.
• Support the development of country-level messaging under the guidance of the Head of Unit
• Contribute to the development and implementation of joint communications strategies in coordination with senior leadership and key stakeholders around priority advocacy issues  
• Clarify agency, cluster, NGO and other system focal points for communications and maintaining contact lists
• Support a fluid flow of information and shared analysis of developments in the country/region, including tracking trends and sharing reports with HQ, and key partners.
• Facilitate engagements with key actors including relevant ministries, NEMA, SEMA, military high command and other stakeholders to ease national and international media access to operational areas to promote visibility of the crisis and response activities of the UN and partners
• Organize or support joint media field trips, press events, interviews and other outreach initiatives
• Work with partners on advocacy initiatives to ensure coherence of coverage.

Media Relations:
Communications Officers promote media coverage at local, regional and global levels

• Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion and press, identify issues and trends, and support the Head of Unit in advising the RC/HC, the DHC and OCHA Head of Office on media developments and approaches for media relations
• Build and maintain relationship with national and international media to promote visibility of the humanitarian situation including the gaps and response activities of humanitarian partners
• Build and update contact lists of leading national and international media agencies and influencers
• Write public statements, press releases and op-eds
• Arrange materials and logistics for press briefings and ensuring full participation of leading media agencies at press briefings; and moderate press briefings whenever required
• Follow up to ensure wide and accurate dissemination of OCHA press releases/reports in national and international media;
• Arrange interviews and briefings for high level delegations with leading media;
• Organize regular meetings for humanitarian leadership with editors of leading national media to promote understanding and visibility of key issues relating to the crisis and response
• Organize regular media dialogues to promote understanding and reporting on the crisis by national media providers.
• Support the Public Information Head of Unit in representing OCHA and the RC/HC or DHC and in providing on-the-record information to journalists and media  
• Produce and disseminate media materials such as press kits, Q&As, background briefings
• Organize strategic media coverage of key issues and events, including support for high-level missions  
• Conduct regular media monitoring.

Content Production:

• The Public Information Officer develops and disseminates quality communications material to broaden public awareness of priority humanitarian issues and response and the role of OCHA
• Make regular field trips to interact and collate information from multiple sources including partners and affected populations
• Facilitate missions for national and international media agencies to ensure global visibility for the crisis and response.
• Propose ideas and support the production of text-based materials including feature articles, blogs, opinion pieces and explainers
• Prepare, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.
• Support the production or commissioning of quality visual content including photos, photo galleries (with captions), infographics, social media graphics and films  
• Manage local-language translations of key communications materials
• Work closely with OCHA information officers (reporting, information management) to leverage available information for public communications
• Under the guidance of the Head of Unit, support other units in editing, proofreading, producing and disseminating various OCHA products and information.

Digital Media:

• The Public Information Officer supports the development and maintenance of OCHA web platforms and social media initiatives.
• Open/maintain relevant social media accounts at country level  
• Plan and coordinate engaging social content, including awareness-raising campaigns  
• Identify new opportunities and innovative ways to continually engage supporters and/or improve the perception of aid workers
• Monitor social media initiatives by other UN agencies, non-profit organizations at country level, Governments and other stakeholders, and look for opportunities to collaborate, including with opinion influencers
• Liaise and work with graphic designers as needed to produce visuals and infographics for use in social media campaigns
• Produce written, photo and audio-visual stories and other content and publish on relevant platforms.

Corporate Communications:

• The Public Information Officer supports internal and HQ-led communications activities
• Conduct daily reporting and develop humanitarian updates whenever necessary
• Collect, collate and analyze information on key humanitarian, security and political issues from multiple sources including sub-offices, media reports, policy documents from government and reports from partners to update senior leadership and headquarters on key developments in the operational context.
• Ensure coherence between country-level communications initiatives and OCHA Communications Strategy
• Propose story ideas, undertake research and source material for OCHA corporate communications
• Support HQ communication, advocacy and media relations activities
• Provide content for OCHA corporate web platforms and other products
• Promote and implement OCHA corporate campaigns and initiatives such as the World Humanitarian Day (19 August) at field level with local partners, media, creative community and humanitarian stakeholders
• Promote the visibility of the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund and support advocacy, resource mobilization and donor visibility efforts.
• Support corporate fundraising and marketing
• Contribute to drafting, editing and providing inputs for donor reporting and resource mobilization efforts
• Support efforts to highlight the value-added role of OCHA to Member States as well as the media and the public, in support of fundraising and brand awareness and visibility of OCHA.

Communications Capacity:

• The Public Information Officer ensures communications activities support the overall humanitarian response
• Provide support in organizing training, seminars and workshops to build writing/reporting capacity of colleagues and partners
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor and/or the Head of Office.

Impact of Results:

• Contribute to strong and analytical communications products through good research and analysis of assigned topics, and through well-reasoned written contributions, effective and timely liaison and interaction with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.
• Play a strategic role in identifying trends related to humanitarian issues. Develop innovative approaches to deal with technical reporting issues.
• Ensure timely high-quality delivery of outputs, in accordance with overall objectives and policies.
• Serve as an effective spokesperson and form strong partnerships with humanitarian actors to help meet OCHA’s objectives with respect to overall policy initiatives and coordination of humanitarian and emergency assistance.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in International Relations, Communications, Journalism or a related field or;
• A first-level university degree with relevant academic qualifications with a combination of 4 years of relevant work experience may exceptionally be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience and Aptitude:

• Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, preferably in humanitarian/development reporting and communications work.
• Candidates with experience working in media and/or reporting greatly preferred.
• Excellent communication, drafting and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Good team player and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel to north-east Nigeria.
• Ability to work with initiative (minimum supervision), efficiency, competence, integrity and people of different national backgrounds.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English required.
• Fluency in oral and written Hausa will be an asset.

Competencies
Functional Competencies:  

Preparing information for advocacy:

• Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UN’s priorities
• Maintains a functioning network of contacts with a variety of stakeholders to promote a better understanding of OCHA’s work and to support advocacy efforts

Building Strategic Partnerships:
Maintaining a network of contacts:

• Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
• Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
Basic research and analysis:

• Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches
• Innovation and Marketing New Approaches.

Enhancing processes or products:

• Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
• Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches.

Job Knowledge / Technical Expertise
Fundamental knowledge of own discipline:

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current.

Client Orientation:
Establishing effective client relationships:

• Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Informed and transparent decision making.

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Job ID: 32818
Agency: UNOCHA
Practice Area - Job Family: Management - Human Resources
Grade: NOA
Vacancy Type: FTA Local
Posting Type: Common System
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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance and supervision of the Admin / Finance Officer, the HR/Admin Analyst is responsible for transparent implementation of HR strategies in COs, effective delivery of HR services and management of the CO HR Unit.
• He/she analyses, interprets, and applies HR policies, rules, and regulations, establishes internal procedures and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex HR issues.
• The HR / Admin Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach and contributes to the maintenance of high staff morale.
• The HR/Admin Analyst supervises and leads the staff of the HR Unit or is a team member of the HR Unit. The HR / Admin Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO and UNDP HQs staff ensuring successful CO performance in HR management.

Functions / Key Results Expected
Implementation of HR strategies and policies:

• Full compliance of HR activities with UN rules and regulations, UNDP policies, procedures, and strategies; effective implementation of the internal control, proper design and functioning of the HR management system.
• Continuous analysis of corporate HR strategies and policies, assessing the impact of changes and making recommendations on their implementation in the CO. Continuous research of the matters related to conditions of service, salaries, allowances, and other policy matters. Elaboration and introduction of measurement indicators, monitoring and reporting on achievement of results.
• CO HR business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in HR management, control of the workflows in the HR Unit.
• Implementation of the strategic approach to recruitment in the CO, proper use of contractual modalities, forecast of the staffing needs, performance evaluation and staff career development management.

Effective Human Resources Management:

• Management of International staff entitlements and position funding delegated to the HR Unit.
• Management of recruitment processes including job descriptions, job classification, vacancy announcement, screening of candidates, chairing interview panels, making recommendations on recruitment. Oversight of recruitment under UNDP projects.
• Review and certification of submissions to the Local Appointment and Promotion Board (LAPB).
• Management of contracts in and outside Atlas. Monitoring and tracking of all transactions related to positions, recruitment, HR data, benefits, earnings/deductions, retroactivity, recoveries, adjustments, and separations through Atlas. Upon delegation of responsibility, performs HR Manager functions in Atlas.
• Development and management of rosters.
• Validation of cost-recovery charges in Atlas for HR services provided by UNDP to other Agencies.
• Provide management support to OCHA administrative operations with the following results:
• Full compliance of operations with UN/OCHA/UNDP rules, regulations and policies, effective implementation of corporate operational strategies, achievement of management targets, monitoring and reporting of results.
• Provide support on all issues related to staff travel (domestic & international) and office/staff compliance with the security procedures.
• Support the office transport fleet and ensure that all vehicles are all MOSS compliant and are always in road worthy condition and properly maintained including the provision of adequate spare parts.
• Plan and organize office events including retreats, meetings and other events and ensure that all participants are informed in advance and that the necessary logistics is in place including booking of venues, hotels etc
• Provide supervisory support and manage the performance of the Administrate support staff
• Has the role of Travel Administrator, and thus can provide support to submit Travel Requests/Expense Reports into OCHA ERP system “Umoja”.    
• Knowledge building and sharing with regards to financial management and general administrative operations, contributing to OCHA’s best practices.
• Prepare letters and other correspondence relating to administrative activities and related reports for internal use.

Staff Performance Management and Career Development:

• Elaboration and implementation of the protocol for performance appraisal process, facilitation of the process, elaboration of performance evaluation indicators in consultation with the Senior Management.
• Support to effective learning management including establishment of the Whole Office Learning plan and individual learning plans in collaboration with the Senior Management and Learning Manager.
• Implementation of the Universal Access strategy ensuring access to role appropriate learning activities.
• Provision of effective counseling to staff on career advancement, development needs, learning possibilities.
• Implementation of strategic staffing policies in line with career development.

Conduct of UN-related Surveys:

• Organization and coordination of comprehensive and interim local salary, hardship, and place-to-place surveys in coordination with the Operations Manager.

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO:

• Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in HR.
• Organization of trainings for operations/ programme staff on HR issues.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Master's Degree or equivalent in HR, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field., or a relevant first level university degree with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• HR Certification programme.

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing HR advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems is required
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Knowledge of OCHA’s ERP UMOJA would be an asset
• Experience in the UN Common System or other international organization is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language and national language of the duty station would be desirable.

Competencies

Core Competencies:
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.

Technical / Functional Competencies:

• Building Partnerships
• Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
• Job Knowledge / Technical Expertise
• Promoting Organizational Change and Development
• Client Orientation.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP's mission, vision, and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

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Job ID: 32817
Practice Area - Job Family: Management - Information and Communication Technology
Grade: NOB
Vacancy Type: FTA Local
Posting Type: Common System
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 in order 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Administrative Officer or Head, Admin & Finance, the ICT Officer manages ICT services, develops and implements ICT management systems, provides information management tools and technology infrastructure in medium and large Country Offices.
• The ICT Officer is responsible for review of and advice on the use of new technologies that will enhance the CO productivity. The ICT Officer promotes a client-oriented approach.
• The ICT Officer heads the ICT Team and supervises staff in the team. The ICT Officer works in close collaboration with the Front Office, Management Support and Business Development, Programme and Operations teams in the CO and OCHA sub-office staff for resolving complex ICT­ related issues, liaises with OCHA HQ IMB-ISS various Teams and in principal with ISS Field Support Unit (FSU).
• The ICT Officer is receiving ICT technical guidance and standards to be applied from OCHA HQ-IMB-ISS.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Implementation of ICT strategies and introduction/implementation of new technologies
• Development of information and documentation management system
• Management of CO hardware and software packages
• Networks administration
• Provision of web management services
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures implementation of ICT strategies and introduction and implementation of new technologies, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with corporate information management and technology standards, guidelines and procedures for the CO technology environment.
• Analysis of the requirement and elaboration of internal policies and procedures on the use of ICT.
• CO ICT business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in ICT management, control of the work/lows in the ICT team.
• Participation in the office business process re-engineering activities and ensure that business needs drive IT solutions related to corporate resource management.
• Provision of advice on and assistance in procurement of new ICT equipment for the CO and projects, provision of technical specifications and information on best options in both local and international markets.
• Development and update of the ICT annual plan and road map. Development and update of the business continuity plan, disaster recovery plan, ICT infrastructure and training plans. Follow up on their implementation.
• Leadership of the ICT team for effective and client-oriented services.

Ensures development of information and documentation management system focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Development and implementation of CO information and documentation management system by using OCHA’s corporate applications and tools.

Manages CO hardware and software packages, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• CO hardware and software platforms meet OCHA’s corporate standards.
• Provision of advice on maintenance of equipment and acquisition of hardware supplies
• Supervision of the implementation of corporate OCHA systems.
• Ensures efficient networks administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Monitoring of the computing resources to provide a stable and responsive environment.
• Operation of network utility procedures defining network users and security attributes
• Establishing directories, , configuring network printers and providing user access.
• Timely upgrade of LAN infrastructure and Internet connectivity to meet OCHA requirements as per corporate standard.

Impact of Results:

• The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the Country Office including improved business results and client services.
• Forward-looking ICT management has an impact on the organization of office management, knowledge sharing, and information provision.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Master's degree in Information Systems, Information Management or Bachelors with four years of experience in, Computer Science or related discipline.
• Cisco Certified Network Engineer (CCNE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is required.

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant working experience, including development and implementation of ICT strategies, management and supervision of ICT services and teams, hardware and software platforms, telecommunications facilities, knowledge of Windows-based packages/application ns, experience in Share Point
• Experience in the UN Common System or other international organization is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is a requirement.
• Knowledge of another UN official language and national language of the duty station would be desirable.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to OCHA's mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Shares knowledge and experience and provides helpful advice to others in the office.
• Ability to develop systems for structuring, codifying and providing access to information and knowledge.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to lead planning and reporting
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to provide ICT support services including ICT hardware/infrastructure support, , other IT applications support and maintenance,
• Excellent knowledge of PC/LAN operating systems, Microsoft Office 365, corporate ICT security and viral protection systems, knowledge of network administration and maintenance.
• Ability to provide input to business process re-engineering, elaboration and implementation of new systems.
• Excellent supervisory skills.

Leadership and Self-Management:

• Focus on results for the clients and respond positively to feedback.
• Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexity.

Client Orientation:

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
• Responds to client needs promptly.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management:

• Gathers and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems.