Background

The incumbent supports the implementation of OCHA’s mandate focusing on the following sets of activities: a) improving inter-agency humanitarian preparedness and response; b) improve access to areas in need; c) development of humanitarian information networks and d) strengthen coordination with national actors. For this purpose, OCHA works with humanitarian partners in the country.

This position is based within the Coordination Unit. The incumbent will support OCHA Syria office to ensure:

• An effective functioning humanitarian coordination system.
• Humanitarian planning is based on evidence, common situational awareness and coordinated mechanisms.
• Analysis and verification of response is made using context-appropriate corporate tools and methodologies.
• Centrality of Protection is reinforced.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Office and the direct supervision of the Head of Coordination Unit, the incumbent is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Support the overall implementation of office work plan.
• Assist in the coordination of delivery of humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations; support in the identification of humanitarian needs and unmet requirements of affected areas;
• Assist in the implementation of Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP) exercises, including liaising with sectors and field offices on the development of related contingency and providing technical support as required;
• Establish partnerships with other humanitarian agencies in order to plan and evaluate assistance, programs activities, including gender-related considerations;
• Conduct field visits with the aim to improve the humanitarian response;
• Provide secretariat support to the Inter Sector Coordination (ISC) group and attend regular coordination meetings as appropriate;
• Assist in the establishment and maintenance of contacts with other UN agencies, NGOs, other humanitarian actors and relevant government counter parts;
• Support field missions of OCHA staff, donors and other visitors and conduct briefings visitors on the overall humanitarian situation as well as the activities of OCHA and other humanitarian agencies; 
• Organize, participate and/or assist in organizing meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters; 
• Support sectors to improve the efficiency of the humanitarian response through effective facilitation of coordination meetings, identification of needs and joint planning. 
• Support advocacy efforts concerning humanitarian issues based on analysis of needs;
• Contribute to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, e.g. draft sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, briefings, case studies, presentations (including PowerPoint), correspondence, etc., as required;
• Perform other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• UN agencies 
• International and national humanitarian actors 
• Relevant government authorities.

Results Expected: 

The key impact is a timely and coordinated humanitarian response which responds to assessed needs, identifies gaps and addresses these in a coherent manner. 

Competencies

Functional Competencies: 

Professionalism: 

Ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Ability to maintain accurate records, review and interpret a wide variety of data. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; remains calm in stressful situations. 

Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. armed conflict, civil strife, natural disasters and human misery).

Judgment and Decision-making: 

Apply sound judgment to resolve a range of issues/problems. Will abide by security guidelines. 

Technological Awareness: 

Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and relevant software packages, including e-mail. 

Communication: 

Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum information, making and defending recommendations.

Accountability:

Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences, or related field is required; OR
• First level university degree in Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences, or related field combined with 2 years of experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years (Master’s degree) or 4 years (Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian preparedness and response.
• Knowledge about the UN and humanitarian coordination structures would be an advantage. 
• Familiarity 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 be an asset. 
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information is highly desirable. 
• Ability to express clearly, concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form are highly desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) is 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. 

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. 

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.  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.

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