CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Country: Ethiopia
Closing date: 17 Oct 2014

BACKGROUND

The creation of the African Union in 2012 has allowed it to play a larger and evolving role in resolving African problems and crises. Over the last twelve years, the AU has assumed roles and responsibilities much wider in scope and complex in nature, including leading efforts to mediate and settle crises in many countries (Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Central African Republic, south Sudan, DRC, Mali, etc.).

The AU has become the principal strategic entry point for the UN and other international organizations in Africa. To date, more than 47 non-African states, and regional and international organizations are accredited to the AU, including DPKA, DPA, WFP, UNAIDS, UNEP, HCR, OHCHR, ICRC, etc. many international humanitarian organizations have established their representations in Addis Ababa.

As Africa hosts the majority of the current humanitarian crises, and constitutes approximately 70% of OCHA’s global presence, the establishment of OCHA-AU liaison office buttresses cooperation with the AU that is critical in building effective mechanisms and capacity to address the prevailing humanitarian challenges. The Liaison office is therefore central in facilitating the AU interaction with the relevant OCHA Regional Offices and Headquarter Divisions and Branches at the same time working to increase the impact of OCHA collaboration with the AU within the larger United Nations African Union Cooperation Framework for the Ten Year Capacity Building Programme (TYCBP) for the African Union.

ORG .SETTING AND REPORTING

This position is located in the OCHA Liaison Office of the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Addis Ababa. The Humanitarian Affairs and Liaison Officer will report to the Head of Office. She/he will lead a small OCHA Unit hosted seconded to the African Union.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Within delegated authority, under the direct supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) and in coordination with the relevant OCHA HQ, Field and Regional Offices in Africa, the Humanitarian and Liaison Affairs Officer is responsible for the Humanitarian Affairs and Liaison Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Provide professional support to the HoO in performing his/her liaison role with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) including drawing the Head of Office's attention to issues of concern to OCHA in general and to the Liaison office in particular
2. Under the guidance of the Head of Office, work to strengthen of partnerships with AU, NGO Partners other UN agencies and Red Cross and Government partners. In this regard, incumbent will help identifying and proposing areas of collaboration with these organizations/partners
3. Assist in promoting strengthened coordination including dialogue and outreach on humanitarian issues with the above stakeholders. In this regard the incumbent, will undertake planning and organization of events or meetings with the relevant departments Sections of the AUC, ECA, UN Agencies, NGO liaison Offices and other partners, including ICRC, diplomatic missions, media, etc.
4. Facilitate planning and implementing of official missions including visits by HQ or regional missions in connection with the areas of responsibility of the Liaison Office. The incumbent will participate in missions as appropriate and ensures requisite collaboration with the AU and the ECA.
5. Draft or contribute to the preparation of various information products including written reports, documents and communications. e.g. background papers, briefings, position papers, talking points, presentations correspondence, etc.
6. Function as the primary focal point and provide secretariat support as OCHA'S contribution to the relevant coordination mechanisms of the AUC and the ECA.
7. Support the Head of the Office in the preparation of reports including- the monthly note the Emergency, Relief Coordinator and upon request and on behalf of Head of Office, maintains direct links with counterparts in relevant regional field e offices and HQ departments and section:
8. Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the HoO.

COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency-relief and related human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Analytical capacity and in particular the ability to analyse 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 including evaluation and integration of information from a variety of sources and determine humanitarian trends. Ability to work under extreme pressure on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife. natural disasters and human misery). Ability to provide guidance to new junior Staff. Shows pride in 'Work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matters; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing g 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; take 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 in having two-way communication. Tailors language tone style and format to match audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise’s willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda support and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishment 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. Allocate 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 of efficiently.

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 keen informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, Emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, preferably in a regional context or another related area is required. Sound knowledge of OCHA’s mandate and of Humanitarian coordination tools, process and services is desirable. Demonstrated experience in supporting humanitarian coordination and response in crisis situations resulting from complex political developments or natural disasters in Africa is desirable. Strong understanding, knowledge and/or experience regarding the role and mandates of the African Union including the process governing their relationship with the United Nations and other regional and sub-regional entities particularly in Africa is an advantage. Strong analytical capacity including the ability to quickly analyse and clearly articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require Joint/coordinated response from the UN and regional/ sub regional organizations is desirable.

Education:Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent / in International Relations/Studies, Political Science or related field. A combination of relevant academic background at least a first level university decree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Languages:English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

How to apply:

The position is intended to fill functions of short-term duration This temporary position is for an initial period of four (4) month with possible extension. All posts are subject to availability of funds.

Please state your full name and the temporary job opening notice number OCHA/G/132/2014 as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every temporary job opening announcement. Documents should be saved as pdf file, with the title formatted as follows: FAMILY NAMEgiven name Doc-t type.pdf. For example: GREY_Joe _PHP.pdf.

All applicants are requested to submit a completed personal history profile (PHP) to Mr. Bisanukuli Huliro Alexis bisanukuli@un.org with a copy to ochavacancies@un.org .Please indicate the temporary job opening number OCHA/G/132/2014 in the Subject of your e-mail.

Note that applications to United Nations Secretariat positions can be generated in the new Inspira recruitment system. We encourage you to create an electronic personal history profile and to apply to these and other positions for which you are interested and qualified at http://inspira.un.org

Note that applicants’ eligibility cannot be fully assessed if the personal history profile is not properly completed. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Potential candidates under serious consideration will be contacted by hiring manager directly. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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