OCHA: Field Coordinator – Khartoum

Organization Mission

OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.

OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

This position-specific job opening is being advertised for IUNV Humanitarian Affairs Officer in Port Sudan, OCHA Sudan. This position-specific job opening is being advertised for the position of IUNV Humanitarian Affairs Officer in Port Sudan, OCHA Sudan. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, OCHA Sudan, the incumbent reports to the Head of Coordination, Strategic Coordination and Support Unit.

Context

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:
• Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment.
• Support with arrival administration.
• Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal.
• Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address.
• Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning.
• Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations.
• Leave management.
• DSA for official travel, when applicable.
• All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Sub Office in Khartoum or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer National Field Coordinator will:

• Coordination:
o Under the supervision of the Head of the Sub Office, coordinate the delivery of humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations; complete / lead rapid assessments; prepare situation reports; context analysis and situational awareness.
o Establish partnerships with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate complex humanitarian and emergency assistance programs; help ensure the latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into activities including gender and accountability to affected people.
o Support and facilitate activities of the various coordination mechanisms such as the Area Inter Sector Coordination Group and the Area Humanitarian Coordination Team meetings.
o Coordinate disaster response / preparedness; lead coordination of response efforts

• Information Management / Advocacy:
o Collect, monitors, and analyze information on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management programs, or emergency situations in the assigned region; help develop and maintain a “watch list” or hot spot areas with potential for humanitarian crisis.
o Assist in the establishment and maintenance of contacts with other humanitarian partners, relevant government counterparts etc. in the assigned region.
o Produce analytical reports on the humanitarian situation and assist in strengthening information networks to gather humanitarian data
o Help establish, consolidate, and maintain a database of information on who is doing what where; assist in developing profiles for localities in the assigned region, hazard maps, contact list, etc.
o Support advocacy efforts concerning humanitarian issues based on analysis of the humanitarian situation.
o Keep abreast of latest developments, help liaise with other humanitarian organizations, donors, government counterparts; assist in establishing appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provide information and advice on a range of issues.
o Contribute to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, e.g. Draft sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, presentations (including power point) etc. as required.
o Organize, participate, and / or assist in organizing work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations, etc. with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief related matters.
o Perform other duties as required.

• Resource mobilization:
o Assist in the production of appeals, including those channeled through OCHA including SHF, CERF, ERF, etc.; ensure proper use of funds.
o Perform other duties as required

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency, relief management, or other areas preferably with experience with a UN organization or an NGO.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, reporting skills.
• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required. Candidates will be tested on their linguistic ability
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license
• Sound security awareness;
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Core Competencies

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OCHA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and OCHA in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority;
•Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards OCHA mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living Conditions

This position is based in Khartoum with specific focus on Al Jazeera, Khartoum, Northern and River Nile States (Sudan), under direct supervision of the OCHA Head of Sub-Office in Khartoum.

Sudan is a unique country and humanitarian operation in area of responsibility is unpredictable. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.