Date of issue: 08 November 2011
Post title and level: Humanitarian Affairs Officer P-4
Duty station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duration: Six months (with possibility of extension)
Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/53/2011
Deadline for applications: 15 November 2011
United Nations Core Values: INTEGRITY / PROFESSIONALISM / RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer position is located within United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), African Union Liaison Office (AULO), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent will report to the Head of Office of the UNOCHA AULO.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Within delegated authority, under the direct supervision of the Head of Office of the AULO, the incumbent will be on full time secondment to the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission. S/he will work directly with the Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees, Returnees and Displaced Persons Division of the Commission, and will be responsible for the following duties:
Support in the organizing of the AU Pledging Conference on Drought in the Horn of Africa: Provide appropriate, professional and technical advice and support to the AUC and established mechanisms for the Conference in planning and execution of specific activities such as the organization of meetings, missions, and preparation of invitations, information packages and all related correspondence for the Conference; Maintain contact with AUC entities involved in preparations for the Conference on the Horn of Africa, this will include, but is not limited to the various departments of the AU Commission, OCHA-AULO, the Steering Committee and other related structures; Maintain contact with Regional Economic Communities (RECs), UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, as well as other AU partners, ensuring timely and accurate flow of information relating to the Conference; In close coordination with the relevant OCHA and AUC Department of Communication, facilitate the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive communication and advocacy strategy and activities; Identify opportunities that could be used for advocacy for the Conference and its possible outcomes; Prepare briefing notes, communication and correspondence for use by the AUC, Member States and Partners; Provide support to technical assistance and other field missions, e.g. participates in AU in-depth reviews of responses and challenges being encountered; Participate in various AU, regional and international fora on Horn of Africa; Renders advice to AU in strengthening its policy and coordination role; Supports AU in drafting situation reports to Member States, RECs and the international community, appraising of situation and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries; Within the established framework of the Conference and in close liaison with AULO Humanitarian and Liaison Affairs Officer, support AU efforts in monitoring, analyzes and reporting on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/emergency response; Keeps abreast of latest developments; Prepares or contributes to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications and briefings for the AU leadership, e.g. concept, background papers, policy guidelines, briefings, presentations, correspondence, etc.; Facilitate the organisation of After-Action Reviews to evaluate humanitarian and emergency responses to the Horn of Africa crisis, while incorporating latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc.; Provide advice and organize and facilitate post-conference engagement between the AU, RECs, Member States and stakeholders particularly in the dissemination, popularization and implementation of outcomes of the Pledging Conference; Facilitate in organizing interactions between AU and Stakeholders in development of durable solutions and strategies straddling relief to development within the framework of the Pledging Conference and Plan of Action for implementation of the Outcomes of the AU Special Summit on refugees and IDPs related to the situation in the Horn of Africa; Support towards the Ratification, Domestication and Implementation of the IDP Convention: Support AU efforts in promoting the speedy signature, ratification and domestication and implementation of the IDP Convention, specifically; Propose a practical result-oriented action plan based on collective and shared responsibility and commitments of the AU Commission, RECs and Member States and Partners towards the promotion of the IDP Convention; In close coordination with the AUC Department of Communication, facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive communication and advocacy strategy and activities aimed at creating awareness and in the popularization of the Convention, such as regional and continental workshops and seminars, and in the preparation of advocacy materials like flyers, brochures, explanatory notes etc.; Make recommendations on and formulate strategies for engaging Member States and the RECs in the domestication of the IDP Convention, including in assessing required resources, capacity building and technical assistance needs; Implemmenation of AU Plan of Action on Outcomes of Special Summit on Refugees, Returnees and IDPs in Africa: Facilitate and render technical advice to AUC in the implementation of priorities under the Plan of Action on outcomes of AU Special Summit on Refugees, Returnees and IDPs; Facilitate in organizing AU engagement with RECs and Member States on regional priorities, within the context of the Plan of Action; Support the organization of regional and continental meetings to analyze the status of implementation of the Plan of Action; Performs other duties as required by the OCHA AULO Head of Office.
Competences
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian coordination issues, emergency relief and related human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems; Display of in-depth understanding of the displacement phenomenon in Africa; Knowledge of the inter-governmental processes and international legal framework on forced displacement; Knowledge and understanding of the African Union, the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities (RECs); Analytical capacity and the ability 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 and to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources; Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery); Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Experience with the Cluster Approach aspect of humanitarian reform is desired.
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.
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; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the 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.
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.
Qualifications & Experience
EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics or a related field; A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
WORKING EXPERIENCE: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area; Preferably, of which at least two (2) years have been in a field position based in the Africa and /or Horn of Africa region.
LANGUAGE: For this particular post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
***SPECIAL NOTICE *** Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
All posts are subject to availability of funds.
Applications from qualified female candidates and from nationals of non- and under-represented countries are particularly encouraged.
Diploma of completed University degree may be requested in due course.
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions at the same level in other field duty stations.
Candidates will be expected to move periodically to new functions throughout their careers and are subject to the assignment by the Secretary-General to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations.
All applicants are requested to email the following documents to Alfred Nabeta at nabeta@un.org with a copy toochavacancies@un.org
- Cover letter, explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular position;
- Completed Summarized Personnel Information Form;
- Completed P-11 and P-11 Supplementary Forms. All Application Forms can be found by clicking on the following link: http://ocha.unog.ch/OCHAvacancies/
Please state your full name and the OCHA vacancy notice number (OCHA/G/53/2011) as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every vacancy announcement.
"The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Also, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts".
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