Jobs

Recent Vacancies at The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), 7th May, 2018


UNOCHA 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. We are recruiting to fill the position below:     Job Title: Admin Finance Associate Job ID: 16168 Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria Grade: G6 Vacancy Type: FTA Local Agency: UNOCHA Posting Type: External Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension Background

  • Under the guidance of the Administrative & Finance Officer in Borno, the Administrative & Finance Analyst is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of, finance, general administration, human resources, procurement, logistical and common services support to OCHA/Nigeria sub offices and operations consistent with UN rules and regulations.
  • The Administrative and Finance Analyst leads and provides guidance to OCHA sub Offices administrative staff, fostering effective collaboration within the teams, with relevant OCHA and UNDP counterparts at headquarters and in the field, and with other UN agencies, promoting a client-oriented approach and ensuring optimal performance and efficient delivery of services.
Duties and Responsibilities Summary of Key Functions:
  • Efficient administrative support
  • Budget management and organization of cost recovery system
  • Human resources support
  • Support to supply and assets management
  • Logistical support
Ensures implementation of operational strategies, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Full compliance of activities with UN/UNDP/OCHA rules, regulations, policies and strategies;
  • Provision of inputs to OCHA's business processes mapping and internal standard operating procedures (SOPs);
  • Provision of inputs to the plan;
Ensures effective and efficient functioning of the OCHA office, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Organization and coordination human resources related activities including support on recruitment activities;
  • Coordination of admin and HR arrangements;
  • Performing Travel Administrator, Requisitioner role in OCHA UMOJA ERP system for preparation of POs, travel and other administrative functions. In addition, prepare payments, service entry sheets, good receipts related to approved POs into Umoja.
  • Verification and recording Rn R, all types of leaves, attendance records of the Field Staff members with related reconciliation;
  • Update HR documents on regular basis;
  • Provide routine Administrative & logistical support to the all units/staff on all matters related to general office administration, transport, protocol/visas applications, duty free privileges & custom clearances for office goods and for staff personal effects
  • Management of up-to-date accounting system/records to ensure timely, accurate and reliable monthly financial reporting;
  • Monitor expenditure levels under the approved Cost Plan/Quarterly Financial Authorizations and prepare monthly reconciliations with UNDP charges for all payments/expenditures.
  • Proper planning and tracking of common services budget and of Agencies contributions to the common services account
Ensures effective administrative and logistical support, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Administrative support to conferences, workshops, retreats;
  • Manage petty cash, maintaining accurate and complete records and receipts and ensuring that replenishment is done in a timely manner. In collaboration with the Country Office submit expenditure report for replenishment;
  • Maintenance of the filing system ensuring safekeeping of confidential materials;
  • Extraction of data from various sources;
  • Follow up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of the reports to head of unit;
  • Support with protocol matters, registration of staff, coordination with local authorities, on space and other administrative matters
Provides support to office maintenance and assets management, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Ensure that office inventory database is updated on regular basis and that both the financial and physical status of all office Non-Expendable Properties is regularly reported
  • Maintenance of records on assets management;
  • Maintenance of files and records relevant to office maintenance;
  • Provision of support to maintenance of common premises and common services
Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the OCHA office, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Training of staff on UN rules and regulations and related procedures;
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice
Impact of Results:
  • The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the OCHA office. Accurate presentation of information strengthens the capacity of the OCHA office and promotes the image of UN as an effective contributor to the development of the country.
Competencies Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Shares knowledge and experience;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Ability to perform a variety of standard specialized and non-specialized tasks and work processes that are fully documented, researched, recorded and reported;
  • Ability to review a variety of data, identify and adjust discrepancies, identify and resolve operational problems;
  • Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;
  • Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations;
  • Strong IT skills;
  • Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems;
Leadership and Self-Management:
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Required Skills and Experience Education:
  • Secondary education is required. Certification in Administration, University Degree in Business or Public Administration is desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
  • Up to 6 years of relevant professional experience in business, public administration, Human Resources, logistics, programme support service or other related area is required.
  • Good knowledge on Administration/Operations is required. Experience working with the UN or other international organizations is desirable.
  • Experience in using UN ERP system (Umoja) in the area of travel and procurement is highly desirable. Good computer skills (Windows, MS Word, Excel/Spread sheets, the internet/Web) is required.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English language and national language of the duty station.
Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply     Job Title: Humanitarian Field Coordinator Job ID: 16165 Location: Maiduguri, Borno Grade: NOB Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension Background Given the current crisis in Nigeria, OCHA has to scale up its support to the Humanitarian Coordinator in mobilization and coordination of an effective and principled humanitarian response. OCHA is particularly concerned about vulnerable communities and those at risk due to current conflict. Under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, OCHA maintains an office in Abuja and a field presence in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in North East; the primary objectives of OCHA Nigeria include the following:
  • Advocate for access to basic services, especially water, sanitation, education and health for vulnerable communities, including collection, analysis and dissemination of information and negotiation of access.
  • Coordinate the implementation of humanitarian response in Nigeria with UN agencies and programmes, national and international NGOs and local authorities/communities as appropriate with focus on strengthening the Cluster Approach.
  • Enhance a protective environment that respects the human rights of all, including IDPs, returnees and minority clan.
  • The HAO is expected to have comprehensive knowledge of North East of Nigeria, UNOCHA operations, humanitarian partners, operations of the government and NGOs. As such the HAO provides the elements of institutional memory and local networking essential to the credibility and authority of the statements and documents provided by OCHA and the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator. They work with little supervision in the field, and are expected to prepare concise reports and analysis and are an integral part of the OCHA Team in Nigeria.
Summary of Key Functions
  • Information Collection in support of Humanitarian Analysis and Response,
  • Information Sharing
  • Development of coordination and cooperation mechanisms among stakeholders
  • Monitoring and Reporting
Ensure accurate Information Collection in support of Humanitarian Analysis and Response, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Review incoming field reports, prepare summaries of field activities and flag important issues to senior management
  • Actively contribute to the Inter-Sector Coordination Working Group and ensure its functionality. Actively collaborate with the various Sectors to ensure an effective, efficient and principled humanitarian response.
  • Actively contribute to the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and Humanitarian Needs Overview process, and HRP/HNO Mid-Year Review and End-year Review processes.
  • Gather and verify information on issues affecting the humanitarian situation, emphasizing opportunities for response.
  • Supports field analysis and interface with the AIM working group to extract key action points that need follow up from assessments undertaken and the humanitarian Dashboard.
Ensure facilitation of information sharing among partners focusing on achievement of the following:
  • Pro-actively share information with OCHA and relevant stakeholders on pertinent issues.
  • Identify key pieces of information that will assist with organizational decision-making with a particular focus on improving humanitarian response.
Ensure the development of coordination and cooperation mechanisms among stakeholders focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Support existing coordination mechanisms and assist in the establishment of new field coordination wherever required.
  • Establish relationships with key stakeholders, including non-traditional humanitarian actors, in areas of operation to ensure humanitarian information flow from OCHA to partners and vice versa and ensure their participation in operations
Ensure proper monitoring and reporting focusing on achievement of the following:
  • Field visits to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and support the collection of field information to monitor and improve ongoing response, coordination activities and information products.
  • Prepare succinct reports on the key humanitarian issues in the districts and workings with state level partners provide analysis on response gaps and advocacy issues
Impact of Results
  • The key results have an impact on the overall coordination of humanitarian and emergency assistance. The root causes of the humanitarian/emergency situations are appreciated, ensuring that strong and effective responses are mounted. This facilitates operational agencies in succeeding in their core objectives, building of strong partnerships with relevant parties and the achievement of OCHA’s objectives.
Competencies Preparing information for advocacy:
  • Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating OCHA’s priorities
Building Strategic Partnerships:
  • Maintaining a network of contacts
  • Maintains an established network of contacts, including Sector colleagues, for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
  • Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders
Resource Mobilization:
  • Providing inputs to resource mobilization strategy
  • Collects, researches and analyzes information on resource mobilization and utilization, drafts reports and documents and maintains information/databases on potential and actual donors and donor funded projects
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
  • Basic research and analysis
  • Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
  • Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
  • Fundamental knowledge of own discipline
  • Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
  • Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments
Global Leadership and Advocacy for OCHA’s Goals:
  • Preparing information for global advocacy
  • Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for OCHA’s goals for a variety of audiences
  • Maintains a functioning network of contacts in the media and civil society, to promote a better understanding of OCHA’s priorities and to support advocacy efforts
Client Orientation:
  • Establishing effective client relationships
  • Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
  • Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients.
Required Skills and Experience Education:
  • Master's Degree or equivalent in Political Science, Sociology, Law, International Relations or other related fields with up to 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level.
Experience:
  • Up to 2 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in complex emergency and inter-agency contexts particularly the North East of Nigeria, dealing with relief and transitional issues.
  • 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.
  • Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information.
  • Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and experience in handling of web based management systems.
Language Requirements:
  • Professional fluency in oral and written English, Hausa and Kanori is required
  • Candidates will be tested on their linguistic ability.
Core Competencies:
  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
  • Self-development, initiative-taking
  • Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
  • Creating synergies through self-control
  • Managing conflict
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing are the responsibility of each staff member.
  • Informed and transparent decision making.
Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply     Job Title: Administrative & Logistic Associate Job ID: 16166 Location: Maiduguri, Borno Grade: G6 Vacancy Type: Service Contract (SC) Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension Background
  • Under the guidance of the Administrative & Finance Officer in Borno, the Administrative & Finance Analyst is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of, finance, general administration, human resources, procurement, logistical and common services support to OCHA/Nigeria sub offices and operations consistent with UN rules and regulations.
  • The Administrative and Finance Analyst leads and provides guidance to OCHA sub Offices administrative staff, fostering effective collaboration within the teams, with relevant OCHA and UNDP counterparts at headquarters and in the field, and with other UN agencies, promoting a client-oriented approach and ensuring optimal performance and efficient delivery of services.
Duties and Responsibilities Summary of Key Functions:
  • Implementation of Administrative policies and procedures
  • General office administration (operations)
  • Transportation fleet management
  • Logistical/travel support
Under the direct supervision of the Admin/Finance Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
  • Day-to-day support and coordination for all procurement arrangements with local service providers& ensure that common service agreements (cleaning, security, vehicle maintenance etc) are properly implement and services are to the standards required.
  • Close follow up on all issues related to staff travel (domestic & international), flight bookings and security clearances.
  • Prepare transportation plan, mission operational plan (MOP), security clearances, and cooperate with UNDSS and OCHA security focal point for all field mission/staff travels.
  • Checking, verifying and certifying of vehicle daily log matching with fuel consumption
  • Prompt reporting and investigation of cases of vehicle accident, damage, loss or theft of items. Update and maintenance of vehicle history report.
  • Manage the office transport fleet & drivers and ensure that all vehicles are properly maintained
  • with provision of adequate stock of spare parts and, MOSS compliant and road worthy
  • Ensure that office inventory database is updated on regular basis and that both the financial and physical status of all office Non-Expendable Properties is regularly reported.
  • Provide routine Administrative & logistical support to the all units/staff on all matters related to general office administration, transport, protocol/visas applications, duty free privileges & custom clearances for office goods and for staff personal effects
  • Plan and organize office events including retreats, meetings and other events and ensure that all participants are informed in advance and that the necessary logistics is in place including booking of venues, hotels etc.
  • Support with protocol matters, registration of staff, coordination with local authorities, on space and other administrative matters.
  • Organization of shipment, customs clearance arrangement, preparation of documents for OCHA shipments and all related necessary documentation, implementation and follow-up actions.
  • Custodian for management of office stationary suppliers including maintenance of stick list of stationary, distribution of stationary as required by staff and keeping a log of distribution
  • Maintenance of office premises and common services to ensure integrated activities on common services and implementation of the UN reform.
  • Performing Travel Administrator / Requisitioner role in OCHA ERP system “Umoja” for the preparation of travel/purchase orders and other administrative functions.
  • Prepare the Travel Authorizations when necessary. Analyze and calculate DSA/other travel entitlements, provide travel arrangement for the field staff.
  • Maintenance of records on assets management
  • Sound contribution to knowledge network and communities of practice.
  • Any other administrative duties as assigned by the office/supervisor.
Impact of Results
  • The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency of the Country Office including improved business results and client services. Forward-looking operations management has an impact on the organization of office management, knowledge sharing, and information provision.
Competencies Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Shares knowledge and experience;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Ability to perform a broad range of activities aimed at effective and efficient functioning, including dealing with multiple and routine tasks
  • Ability to provide efficient and quality administrative/log works;
Leadership and Self-Management:
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Required Skills and Experience Education:
  • Secondary education is required. Certification in Administration, University Degree in Business or Public Administration is desirable, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
  • Up to 6 years of relevant professional experience in business, public administration, logistics, programme support service or other related area is required.
  • Good knowledge on Administration/Operations is required. Experience working with the UN or other international organizations is desirable.
  • Experience in using UN ERP system (Umoja) in the area of travel and procurement is highly desirable. Good computer skills (Windows, MS Word, Excel/Spread sheets, the internet/Web) is required.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English language and national language of the duty station.
Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply     Job Title: Humanitarian Finance Officer Job ID: 16146 Location: Abuja, Nigeria Grade: NOB Vacancy Type: FTA Local Agency: UNOCHA Posting Type: External Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension Background
  • 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 for the rights of people in need
    • Promote preparedness and prevention
    • Facilitate sustainable solutions.
  • In December 1991, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 46/182 designed to strengthen the United Nation's response to both complex emergencies and natural disasters.  In addition, it aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the UN's humanitarian operations in the field.
Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall guidance of the OCHA Head of Office and reports to the Senior Humanitarian Financing Advisor (SHFA) and assists the Head of the NHF as required, the incumbent is expected to perform the following functions, prioritized according to operational requirements: Summary of key functions:
  • NHF Secretariat support
  • Private Sector Engagement
  • Humanitarian Financing/NHF: Donor Relations, communications and resource mobilization.
  • CERF in country support to grant proposal and reporting processes
NHF Advisory Board Secretariat support:
  • Support the SHFA to convene regular NHF Advisory Board (AB) meetings on behalf of the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) to establish NHF allocation strategies, endorse funding recommendations and to facilitate policy discussions.
  • Manage NHF AB meeting invitations and confirmations; maintain AB contact lists.
  • Coordinate with the Head of the NHF to ensure required logistics and venue support, set up of audio-visual, and documentation is prepared in folders.
  • Take detailed minutes, capturing basis for decisions especially on strategic priorities and endorsement of projects.  Ensure timely turnaround of minutes within 48 hours.
  • Support the SHFA in Abuja communications on the NHF and coordination meetings with partners, including the Abuja based UN agencies and NGOs.
Private Sector Engagement:
  • Support the SHFA to implement the NHF private sector engagement strategy to support the NHF objective to leverage the private sector in the humanitarian response.
  • Provide secretariat services for meetings and key events for private sector engagement as defined in the campaign strategy (i.e. visits/travel to Lagos and Kanu and visits to the northeast, etc.) Includes maintaining good records of events, trips and meetings, including minutes and follow up (48-hour turnaround).
  • Facilitate private sector partner due diligence processes, including preliminary research / vetting of potential private sector partners, and timely processing through to completion.  Ensure current, accurate and accessible records of private sector MOUs and due diligence documentation.
  • Ensures up-to-date maintenance of private sector database of contacts and communications, mailing lists, etc.
  • Manage logistics, travel of consultants and private sector partners as required, organizing venues, accommodation (with OCHA administrative support).
  • Supports SHFA in the management and receipt of private sector contributions in country, including in coordination with OCHA FCS financial unit in Geneva
  • Coordinates with the Head of the NHF and Maiduguri HFU team in relation to allocations supported by private sector funds.
  • Humanitarian financing/NHF—Donor relations, communications and resource mobilization
  • Support the SHFA in donor relations, advocacy and resource mobilisation for the NHF and the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).
  • Support the implementation of the NHF donor relations strategy.
  • Work closely with the HFU Finance Officer focal point for the OCHA Financial Tracking System (FTS) in support of humanitarian financing analysis.  Undertake FTS analysis to  generate FTS reports for inputs to advocacy materials and to prepare donor profiles.
  • Assist SHFA / Head of NHF and OCHA HoO to prepare for donor meetings (bilateral and NHF donors). Prepare and maintain sets of key donor profiles.
  • With Executive Associate, maintain current and accurate donor contact lists.
Central Emergency Response Fund Support:
  • Under guidance of the SHFA, provide in-country support to CERF grant management processes, including CERF underfunded grants and rapid response grants and reports.
  • Assist the SHFA to consolidate inputs from agency focal points, and prepare overarching strategies, concept papers in seeking CERF support at the request of the HC and HCT.
  • Provide guidance to agency partners to apply CERF life-saving criteria and comprehensively meet proposal and budget requirements (accurate representation of needs, disaggregated affected people numbers, etc.)
  • Reviews proposals for quality control and follows up with agency partners as required.
  • Ensures tight adherence to timelines and follow up (email, phone and meetings) due to complexities of CERF processes and criteria
  • Responsible for managing timely reporting on CERF grants, timely requests for no-cost-extensions and reminders and follow up.
  • Liaises with OCHA CERF Secretariat as required, in coordination with the SHFA.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
  • Senior HFA, Head of the NHF and the Maiduguri NHF/HFU Team
  • Private Sector Partners
  • Donors, including NHF and bilateral donors United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programs
Impact of Results:
  • Strategic decisions on NHF funding priorities are well documented and the Humanitarian Coordinator and Advisory Board are supported with efficient secretariat services.
  • Engagement with private sector partners leads to a more diverse set of donors contributing funds through the NHF in support of the humanitarian response.
  • Effective donor communications are underpinned with current humanitarian financing analysis and up-to-date donor profiles leading to increased contributions to the NHF and HRP.
  • UN agencies are supported to access the CERF to address life-saving humanitarian needs.
  • Assists to meet organizational objectives and provide sound analytical inputs and advice with respect to coordination of humanitarian financing and private sector engagement.
Competencies Professionalism:
  • Proven analytical capacity and ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • In particular, ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, political and economic, social and human rights in the presentation of coherent analysis and reporting. Strong negotiation skills: ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team endeavor, and to articulate coherent arguments to reach agreement.
  • Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. armed conflict, civil strife, natural disasters and human misery).
  • 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.
Judgment and Decision-making:
  • Ability to identify issues and apply sound judgment using technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems.
Teamwork:
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Planning and Organizing:
  • Proven ability to plan and organize, establish priorities, manage and monitor work plans, coordinate competing demands, and work to tight deadlines.
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.
Required Skills and Experience Education:
  • Master's Degree in Political or Social Science, Economics, Business, Law, International Studies, Public Administration, or other relevant science is required.
Experience:
  • Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian and emergency relief management; or in public-private partnerships related to non-profit and corporate social responsibility; or other related area is required.
  • Experience in humanitarian programming, crisis/emergency relief management or other related area, preferably with at least one year with a UN organization, NGO or relevant governmental or private sector entity (i.e. philanthropic/corporate social responsibility) is preferred.
  • Very good analytical, drafting and report writing skills are required and experience with project budgeting and proposal writing is desired.
Language Requirements:
  • Professional fluency in oral and written English is required.  Candidates will be tested on their linguistic ability.
Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply    
Job Title: Humanitarian Affairs Officer - AAP Job ID: 16154 Location: Maiduguri Practice Area - Job Family: Crisis Prevention and Recovery Vacancy Type: FTA Local Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension Background Given the current crisis in Northeastern Nigeria, OCHA has to scale up its support to the Humanitarian Coordinator in mobilizing and coordinating an effective and principled humanitarian response. OCHA is particularly concerned about vulnerable communities and those at risk due to current conflict. Under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, OCHA has a presence in Abuja Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states; the primary objectives of OCHA Nigeria include the following:
  • Advocate for access to basic services, especially water, sanitation, education and health for vulnerable communities, including collection, analysis and dissemination of information and negotiation of access.
  • Coordinate the implementation of humanitarian response in Nigeria with UN agencies and programmes, national and international NGOs and local authorities/communities as appropriate with focus on strengthening the Cluster Approach.
  • Enhance a protective environment that respects the human rights of all, including IDPs, returnees and minority clan.
Another key activity of OCHA in Nigeria is to ensure accountability to affected populations (AAP). AAP is an active commitment of humanitarian workers to use power responsibly by taking account of, giving account to, and being held to account by the people humanitarian organizations seen to assist. Engaging communities through various channels and in a systematic manner, helps to improve the response. This is done through: information provision; feedback and complaint mechanisms; and meaningful participation of affected populations. The AAP Officer is expected to be the key support person to ensure all these activities take place and that both government partners and humanitarian actors across Nigeria are accountable to affected populations.  The AAP Officer should have comprehensive local knowledge of key partners in Borno such as; NOA, MOI, SEMA, NEMA and DSS. The AAP Officer is also expected to have either experience or solid knowledge of humanitarian operations conducted by UN agencies and NGOs, operations of the Government and Community leaders. They need to work with little supervision in the field, but will have regular support from the AAP Coordinator in Abuja. They should be a natural communicator that can build rapport with key humanitarian partners and support the development of an Information and Feedback Working Group or the equivalent in Borno. Summary of key Functions
  • Information Collection in support of AAP activities
  • Information Sharing in support of AAP activities
  • Development of AAP coordination and cooperation mechanisms among stakeholders
  • Monitoring and Reporting in support of AAP activities
Detailed Functions Ensure accurate Information Collection in support of AAP activities, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Formulate and develop an AAP working group for engagement with UN, INGO, government partners and other relevant stakeholders for North East Nigeria,
  • Gather and verify information from the communities on issues affecting them through the working groups and alternate avenues, emphasizing opportunities to tailor the response according to needs on the ground,
  • Develop a clear and concise method of providing this information on a regular basis to the humanitarian community.
Ensure facilitation of information sharing among partners focusing on achievement of the following:
  • Pro-actively share information with Sector leads and the AAP Coordinator on pertinent issues and affecting IDPs and ensure the key message are also delivered from the humanitarian community to the affected populations,
  • Arrange sessions to provide briefings to sector leads on a needs basis on key issues arising from the consolidation of community feedback mechanisms,
  • Identify key pieces of information that will assist with sector level and response level decision-making with a particular focus on improving humanitarian response to suit the key needs of affected communities,
Ensure the development of coordination and cooperation mechanisms among AAP stakeholders focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Establish and strengthen relationships to support UN, INGOs, Government partners and other stakeholders to build stronger community feedback mechanisms in North East Nigeria (i.e. toll-free hotline, information desks, text message alerts, radio station messaging, etc.),
  • Establish an AAP Strategy that is developed in coordination and cooperation with relevant stakeholders, and that there is sufficient buy-in. This strategy should ensure mechanisms are in place for information provision; feedback and complaint mechanisms; and meaningful participation of affected populations.
Ensure proper monitoring and reporting focusing on achievement of the following:
  • Provide and prepare weekly/monthly reports as appropriate for internal and external purposes.
Impact of Results: The key results have an impact on the overall effectiveness of the humanitarian response. Specifically, the impact of this position is:
  • Improved basis for affected communities on the ground to make informed decisions because of the increase of information from government partners and humanitarian partners,
  • Humanitarian response is becoming more coordinated and organized based on clear identified needs and priorities as identified by affected populations,
  • Greater incorporation of IDP views and voices in humanitarian decision-making,
Requirements, Skills and Experience Education:
  • Master's Degree or equivalent in Development, Business Administration, Community Engagement, Protection, International Relations or other related fields with up to 3 years of relevant experience at the national or international level.
Experience:
  • Up to 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably gained from working in the international development/humanitarian/government partners e.g. NEMA/SEMA/NOA.
  • 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.
  • Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information.
  • Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and experience in handling of web based management systems.
  • Experience of working in North East, Nigeria (BAY states etc) is an advantage.
Language requirements:
  • Proficiency in both oral and written English
  • Knowledge of local language (Hausa, Kanuri, Fulfulde etc) is an advantage
Competencies Preparing information for advocacy:
  • Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences on AAP priorities
Building Strategic Partnerships:
  • Maintaining a network of contacts
  • Maintains an established network of contacts for accountability to affected populations related initiatives and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues
  • Analyzes and selects key AAP initiatives for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders
Resource Mobilization:
  • Providing inputs to AAP principles
  • Collects, researches and analyzes information from affected populations, drafts report and documents and maintains information around the key needs of affected populations in North East Nigeria and relevant activities that are ongoing with partners
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
  • Basic research and analysis
  • Generates new ideas and approaches for integrating AAP into the North East response, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things
  • Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches to systematically
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:
  • Fundamental knowledge of own discipline
  • Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of community engagement, and/or key stakeholder knowledge relating to the position
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
  • Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and community engagement principles and utilizes these regularly in work assignments
Global Leadership and Advocacy for OCHA’s Goals:
  • Preparing information for global advocacy
  • Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for OCHA’s goals for a variety of audiences
  • Maintains a functioning network of contacts in the media and civil society, to promote a better understanding of OCHA’s priorities and to support advocacy efforts
Client Orientation:
  • Establishing effective client relationships
  • Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
  • Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
Core Competencies:
  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
  • Self-development, initiative-taking
  • Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
  • Creating synergies through self-control
  • Managing conflict
  • Preferably fluent in at least one local language in Borno state (e.g. Hausa)
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing are the responsibility of each staff member.
  • Informed and transparent decision making
Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply
Application Deadline 21st May, 2018   Note
  • UNDP 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.