Background
Under the overall guidance of the Head of Office, OCHA Syria, the National Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Access) reports to the Head of Access Unit. The incumbent will ensure a high quality of work, through accurate, timely and properly recorded/documented service delivery. The incumbent will be required to perform his/her duties with minimal supervision and promote a client, quality and results-oriented approach.
Position Purpose
The National Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Access) works in close collaboration with the OCHA Syriaโs management and coordination teams, UNDSS, NGOs and program staff in other UN Agencies.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the OCHA Syria Head of Office and under the day-to-day guidance of the Head of OCHA Syria โs Access Unit, the incumbent is expected to perform the following tasks:
Summary of Key Functions:
Supports OCHAโs access team in the engagement with relevant actors on humanitarian access issues, space and principles, including advocacy and negotiations with all relevant actors (e.g. government, armed groups, communities, etc.), provide conduit for liaison and information-sharing with armed forces on ongoing humanitarian issues/assistance, including on humanitarian coordination mechanisms. Support OCHAโs chairing of the humanitarian access working group, which will monitor and analyze activities by armed forces to support and assess implications on the humanitarian response and humanitarian actors, identify issues and trends relevant for humanitarian operation. 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. Maintain a network of local contacts among key stakeholders, including de facto authorities and the humanitarian community. Support the development of OCHAโs access products (e.g. snapshot, maps, reports, etc.) and ensure coherence and consistency in the development and implementation of internal access initiatives, products and key messages. Contributes to the preparation of various written documents, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines,ย ย Monitors, analyses and reports on access constraints, trends and initiatives.ย Supports preparation of briefing materials and presentations providing up-to-date analysis on the access situation.ย Supports engagement with relevant actors on humanitarian access issues, including advocacy and negotiations with all relevant actors (e.g. government, armed groups, communities, etc.);ย In consultation with the Head of the access Unit, monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief management, or emergency situations in Syria. Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues.Results Expected:ย
An organized and inclusive approach to humanitarian access enabling safe, unimpeded and sustained provision of essential good and basic services and protection for people in need as well as facilitating the voluntary movement of civilians to access humanitarian assistance or transit in and out of conflict-affected areas.ย
The key results have an impact on theย efficiency of the office.ย Accurate analysis and presentation of information strengthens the capacity of the office and promotes the image of OCHA as an effective contributor to support humanitarian assistance in Aleppo.ย Incumbentโs own initiative is decisive in results of work and timely finalization.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:ย
Professionalism:ย Knowledge of wide range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues.ย 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.ย 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.ย Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social and human rights programmes in affected country/region.ย 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.ย Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.ย Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Communication:ย 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.ย Teamwork:ย Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing othersโ 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.ย Planning& Organizing:ย 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.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Experience:
Applicants with a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in access is required. Familiarity with and good knowledge of the Syria crisis and humanitarian assistance to Syria is strongly desired. Excellent networking and engagement skills are strongly desired. Previous experience working with UN would be advantageous. Experience in the usage of computers and office softwareย packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). is strongly desired.Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Probation
For all new UNOCHA fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNOCHA does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
ย