Job: Associate Humanitarian Affairs

Location: KhartoumEmployer: UNDeadline: Thursday, 25 July 2013

Description

Department/ Office

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Job Opening number

13-HRA-OCHA-28852-R-KHARTOUM (X)

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

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator's Office in Khartoum, Sudan. The incumbent supports the UN RC/HC under the overall guidance and supervision of the Deputy Head of OCHA Sudan.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides regular support to the Humanitarian Coordinator.
• In consultation with the Humanitarian Coordinator and OCHA Head of Office, assists in the design and preparation of studies on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and related issues and in various follow-up activities.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written documents, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents etc.
• 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.
• Assists in the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, work shops, etc. with other agencies and partners to facilitate exchanges of professional expertise and views on specific humanitarian-related subjects/issues; serves as reporter to such events.
• Maintains awareness 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.
• Participates in technical assistance, disaster assessment or other missions.
• Participates in project/programme formulation and mobilization of relevant resources.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related humanitarian issues. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). 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.

Education

An 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 two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or related area is required. Work experience in the field (actual setting where a mission or project is being implemented) is desirable. Experience working in the context of natural disaster response or complex emergencies is desirable. Experience in developing, analyzing and reviewing reports for senior management is desirable.

Qualifying years of experience are calculated following receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

No experience is required for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P)

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Assessment Method

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 finite period of at least 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.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.