This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Somalia. The Humanitarian Affairs Specialist typically reports to the head of a unit or a senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer. 

The IASC-endorsed "cluster approach" operates at two levels. At the global level, the aim is to strengthen system-wide preparedness and technical capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies by designating Global Cluster Lead Agencies who are accountable for ensuring predictable and effective inter-agency responses within the particular sectors or areas of activity concerned. At the country level, the aim is to strengthen the coordination framework and response capacity by mobilizing clusters of agencies/organizations/NGOs to respond in particular sectors or areas of activity, each cluster having a clearly designated lead, as agreed by the HC and the UNCT. To enhance predictability, where possible, this should be in line with the cluster lead arrangements at the global level. The Cluster Approach was rolled out in Somalia in 2006.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of the Inter-Cluster Coordination Unit, the Humanitarian Affairs Specialist supports the Inter-Cluster Coordinator in leading key strategic and operational priorities and ensuring high quality of work in the unit and will play a key role in ensuring the primary objectives of OCHA Somalia are met.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Specialist will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned country/area.
• Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; 
• Support inter-cluster emergency preparedness and contingency planning; support Clusters' efforts geared to enhancing national and community-level early warning preparedness. 
• Participates in large, complex projects, to include multi-sectoral needs assessments, disaster assessment or other missions; assists in the coordination of international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations and in ensuring the necessary support.
• Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes and help ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations.   
• Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with government officials and serve as a technical liaison focal person.
• Undertakes and provides support to technical assistance and other field missions, e.g. participates in field trips to undertake in-depth reviews of specific country coordination mechanisms.   
• Prepares or contributes to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents, briefings, case studies, presentations, correspondence, etc. 
• Serves as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, donors, etc., ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provides information and advice on a range of related issues. 
• Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff. 
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Staff at all levels within OCHA both in Mogadishu and various field locations.
• Cluster Coordinators and information managers designated by respective Cluster Lead Agencies
• Relevant government counterparts such as Somalia Disaster Management Agency

Results Expected: Provides sound analytical inputs and advice that contribute to improving institutional capacity and articulates policy on a growing number of humanitarian and relief assistance issues. Takes action to identify humanitarian affairs and related issues/problems and develops creative approaches to problem resolution. Provides timely delivery of assigned outputs. Develops partnerships and interacts effectively with colleagues internally and externally.

COMPETENCIES:

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 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, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the humanitarian rights situation in assigned country/area. 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 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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 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; 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.
• 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• 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.

Education:  

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field in combination with five (5) years of relevant work experience is required. 

OR  

A first-level university degree in combination with seven (7) years of qualifying experience, preferably in the humanitarian context and response may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years with a master’s degree or 7 years with a Bachelor's Degree of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management is required. 
• Experience in Somalia, including a thorough understanding of the relief, social, economic, and political situation, as well as excellent communication, report writing, and analytical skills, are required;
• Experience in using computers and office software packages (MS Access, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Word) is required.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in humanitarian coordination is desirable.
• Experience in working effectively in a multicultural environment, under pressure, and sometimes in arduous circumstances, along with preferred personal qualities such as diplomacy, tact, and integrity, is desirable;
• 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, is desirable;
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information is desirable;
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form is desirable;
• Work experience within the UN system or an International Organization is desirable.
• Knowledge/working experience in UNOCHA is an asset

Language requirements

• Fluency in English and Somali is required; 
• knowledge of the other working languages of the UN Secretariat is an advantage.

Note:

• “Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)”

Applicant information about rosters

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 descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

• UNOCHA has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 
• UNOCHA is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

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