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Humanitarian Affairs Officer P-4

These positions are located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Iraq (Multiple Positions). The Humanitarian Affairs Officers report to the Head of Office in Iraq.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Officers will be responsible for the following duties:
• Serve as a senior policy officer; advise on overall policy direction on specific issues; and, more generally, review and provide advice on a diverse range of policy issues related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and the linkages with other related areas (e.g. human rights).
• Prepare policy position papers for review.
• Monitor, analyze and report on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management programmes or emergency situations in Iraq.
• Organize and/or chair inter-agency and other international meetings, conferences, task forces; present views and policies of the unit/institution. Lead and/or participate in large, complex projects, to include disaster assessment or other missions; coordinate international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations; ensures necessary support (e.g. staff, funding, specialized equipment, supplies, etc.); prepare situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries.
• Organize and prepare studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; organize follows-up work, including interagency technical review meetings to support policy development work and decision-making on important issues; and ensure the implementation of recommendations emanating from relevant studies.
• Assist or lead, as appropriate, in the preparation of OCHA reports, studies, background papers, policy guidelines, correspendence, presentations, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents etc.;
• Take the lead in providing support and information to relevant Secretariat’s entities, particularly the UN Security Council on humanitarian issues in the oPt.
• Partner with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate complex humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes; help ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations.
• Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, media, etc.; ensure appropriate mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information both in and outside the UN system, including on early warning and contingency planning, etc.
• Serve as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; keep abreast of latest developments, liaise with other humanitarian organizations, donors, etc., ensure appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provide information and advice on a range of related issues.
• Organize and participate in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partner humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• May participate in planning and preparation of unit budget and work program.
• Provide leadership and work direction to assigned work team, and/or mentor and supervise the work of new/junior officers.
• Perform other duties as required.
COMPETENCIES
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of wide range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic and social dimensions. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations. Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social and human rights programmes in affected country/region. 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.
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.
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, security management or other related area is required, of which at least 4 years must be at the international level. 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 the UN Common System is desirable. Experience in the region is desirable.
Education:Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Languages:English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
How to apply:
The position is intended to fill functions of short-term duration This temporary position is for an initial period until 31 December 2014 with a possibility of extension. All posts are subject to availability of funds.
Please state your full name and the temporary job opening notice number OCHA/G/84/2014 as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every temporary job opening announcement. Documents should be saved as pdf file, with the title formatted as follows: FAMILY NAMEgiven name Doc-t type.pdf. For example: GREY_Joe _PHP.pdf.
All applicants are requested to submit a completed personal history profile (PHP) to ochacrdstaffing@un.orgwith a copy to ochavacancies@un.org.Please indicate the temporary job opening number OCHA/G/84/2014 in the Subject of your e-mail.
Note that applications to United Nations Secretariat positions can be generated in the new Inspira recruitment system. We encourage you to create an electronic personal history profile and to apply to these and other positions for which you are interested and qualified at http://inspira.un.org
Note that applicants’ eligibility cannot be fully assessed if the personal history profile is not properly completed. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
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