Humanitarian Affairs Officer (HAO) - Gov't Liaison

Job Description

Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a âleave no one behindâ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 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.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is 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.

This job opening is being advertised for the position of Humanitarian Affairs Officer (SB4/1) located in the OCHA Abuja Office and reports to the Head of Government Liaison (P4).

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Government Liaison (P4), the Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Coordination support with government institutions ensuring accurate Information Collection in support of Humanitarian Analysis and Response:

Supports the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to coordinate humanitarian assistance by identifying and setting up appropriate structures and organizing relevant inter-sector coordination meetings at local government level when required.  Ensures close consultation and coordination with state and national authorities/partner. Supports the coordination of inter-agency needs assessments and contingency planning in the event of immediate threats. Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters. Build and maintain relationships with UN agencies, NGOs, and governmental officials to ensure effective exchange and dissemination of information. 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.  Identifies contacts in government, private sector, donors, other agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders in support of OCHAâs advocacy efforts. Support and ensure gender mainstreaming in all programmes and activities in OCHA. Review incoming field reports, prepare summaries of field activities and flag important issues to the Head of Government Liaison Unit. Actively participate in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and Humanitarian Needs Overview process, and HRP/HNO Mid-Year Review and End-year Review processes. Gather and verify information on issues affecting the humanitarian situation, emphasizing opportunities for response. Supports field analysis and maintains constructive working relationships with Federal Government entities involved in the humanitarian response.  Any other assignments at the request of the Coordination Unit Head and/or colleagues.

Ensure facilitation of information sharing among partners focusing on achieving the following:

Pro-actively share information with OCHA and relevant stakeholders on pertinent issues.  Identify key pieces of information that will assist with organizational decision-making with a particular focus on improving humanitarian response. Support of coordination mechanisms among Humanitarian Community and Federal Government Structures concerned by humanitarian related activities.  Establish and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including humanitarian actors, Federal and states government representatives, religious and traditional leaders in areas of operation to ensure humanitarian information flow from OCHA to partners and vice versa and ensure their participation in operations.

Ensure proper monitoring and reporting focusing on achievement of the following:

Field visits to Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States and support the collection of field information to monitor and improve ongoing response, coordination activities and information products.  Prepare succinct reports on the key humanitarian issues and workings with Federal Government partners to provide analysis on response gaps and advocacy issues.

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; tailorâs 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.

Client Orientation:  

Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view;  Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;  Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;  Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;  Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Required Skills and Experience
Education: Master's degree or equivalent in political science, sociology, law, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional four (4) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of 2 years with Masterâs degree and/or 4 Years with Bachelorâs degree of progressively responsible experience in political science, sociology, law, international relations, or a related field is required.  A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in the field preferably in complex emergency and inter-agency contexts particularly the North-East of Nigeria, dealing with relief and transitional issues is desirable.  Experience 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 is desirable.  Experience in research, analyzing, evaluate, and synthesize information is desirable.  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point etc.) and experience in handling web-based management systems.

Language Requirements

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of local language is desirable.

**QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY** Disclaimer Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications. 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. Non-discrimination UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.