Switzerland: Humanitarian Affairs Officer (P-3)
Date of issue: 11 October 2012
United Nations Department: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
Post title and Level: Humanitarian Affairs Officer (P-3)
Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: Six months
Entry on Duty: 15 January 2012
Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/65/2012
Deadline for applications: 25 October 2012
Special Mention: The initial duration of the appointment is limited to the above indicated period.Appointment against this post is limited to temporary replacement of incumbent.
United Nations Core Values: INTEGRITY / PROFESSIONALISM / RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
BACKGROUND: The Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Branch (PRMB) was established in Geneva to ensure a greater focus and coherence in OCHA’s existing and future partnership initiatives. The Branch is the custodian of OCHA’s corporate partnership strategies with Member States, intergovernmental, regional organizations, and the private sector. The Branch will also engage with the partnerships/external relations entities of other IASC members to ensure complementarity of approaches and will provide strategic advice to the newly created Programme Support Branch (PSB) on fundraising for the humanitarian system.
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: This Humanitarian Affairs Officer (P-3) position is located within the Office of the Chief of the Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Branch (PRMB) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) based in Geneva, Switzerland. Within the limits of delegated authority, under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide substantive support and advice to the Chief of Branch in the day-to-day management of the PRMB; support the development and facilitation of PRMB workshops, meetings and/or retreats with an aim to ensure PRMB’s internal and external work is effectively meeting the needs of its internal and external clients; ensure smooth correspondence flow in and out of the Chief’s Office and ensure timeliness and quality control of documents submitted for the Chief’s approval/review; represent PRMB on OCHA-wide initiatives such as taskforces, inter-branch meetings, Management Task Teams and regularly liaise with the offices of other OCHA Senior Management Team (SMT) members; prepare or contribute to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, for example, draft section of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, briefings, case studies, presentations, correspondence, etc.; assist with the preparation of PRMB strategies, work plans and cost plans;support the work of the different Sections and Liaison Offices within the Branch and contribute to their work in the field of partnerships and external relations; participate in the review of OCHA’s partnership work and external relations efforts, including setting up and participating in bilateral consultations with selected donors, UN and non-UN partners, along with the necessary follow-up to the conclusions of such meetings; undertake liaison on behalf of the Chief with relevant staff of relevant Secretariat Departments, UN Agencies, Programmes and Funds, non-governmental organizations and other interlocutors as required; serve as the PRMB focal point for information management issues;undertake consultations with OCHA sections and field to develop strategies and products aimed to raise awareness of resources and support needs for humanitarian operations through existing partnerships, forums, annual and ad-hoc key events; perform other tasks as necessary.
Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of humanitarian issues in general and OCHA’s mandate in particular is a requirement; ability to undertake research and conduct analysis with minimal supervision and to convey ideas, both orally and in writing, in a logical and convincing fashion; ability to work under pressure and in a culturally diverse environment; flexibility, initiative, dependability are important qualities; 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. 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. 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. 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 & ExperienceEDUCATION: Advanced university degree (i.e. Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, social science, law or related area is required; a first-level university degree (i.e. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in one of the above mentioned academic disciplines in combination with qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
WORKING EXPERIENCE: A minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience preferably in humanitarian affairs, information management, business administration or related field, two (2) of which should be within the UN system; previous experience working with donors and/or the public and private sector is desirable; field experience in a natural disaster and/or complex emergency is an advantage.
LANGUAGE: For this position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another official UN language, French in particular, is an advantage.
Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. All posts are subject to availability of funds.
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.
Upon selection candidates will be subject to satisfactory reference checks to be completed by the recruiting department/office which shall include verification of the highest required academic qualification(s) and record with the last employer.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context all staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Applications from qualified female candidates and from nationals of non- and under-represented countries are particularly encouraged.
How to apply: all applicants are requested to email documents to schermer@un.org with copy to ochavacancies@un.org
Please state your full name and the OCHA vacancy notice number (OCHA/G/65/2012) as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every vacancy announcement.
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All application forms can be found by clicking on the following link: http://ocha.unog.ch/OCHAvacancies/
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