Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Syria)

Humanitarian Affairs Associate

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Last update: Oct 2, 2024 Last update: Oct 2, 2024

Details

Deadline: Oct 16, 2024 Deadline for applications has passed
Location: Syria
Job type:Contract, 12 months +
Languages:
Arabic, English
Arabic, English
Work experience:Min 3 years
Date posted: Oct 2, 2024

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Description

Organizational context

The incumbent supports the implementation of OCHA’s mandate focusing on the following sets of activities: a) improving humanitarian access and civil-military coordination; b) strengthening humanitarian inter-sector and inter-agency coordination; and c) improving inter-agency humanitarian preparedness and response in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate
Position Purpose

Support and promote humanitarian coordination and access in Deir-ez-Zor hub 

Functions / Key Results Expected 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the OCHA Head of Sub-Office in Deir-ez-Zor (FRO) and the OCHA Head of the Humanitarian Access and CMCoord Unit (SRO), the incumbent is expected to perform the following tasks: 

  • Support the OCHA Deir-ez-Zor Sub-Office in translating the HCT Humanitarian Access Strategy into actionable plans.
  • Assist the HoSO in developing scenarios to enhance preparedness efforts.
  • With the support of the HoSO, draft all correspondence related to improving humanitarian access in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate.
  • Assist the HoSO and access unit in supporting  the liaison with interlocutors representing authorities in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate, in support of the OCHA Deir-ez-Zor Sub-Office and the OCHA Syria Humanitarian Access and CMCoord Unit.
  • In support of the OCHA Deir-ez-Zor Sub-Office, liaise with OCHA Access and CMCoord Unit, OCHA Qamishli Sub-Office, and NES NGO Forum to identify gaps in the humanitarian response.
  • In support of the OCHA Deir-ez-Zor Sub-Office, serve as the main humanitarian access and CMCoord focal point in the Deir-ez-Zor AHCT, ISC, and sub-national sector meetings.
  • Assist in the regularly monitor and analyze of the HCT partners’ capacity to respond to affected populations in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate.
  • Assist in conducting the access trend analysis for Deir-ez-Zor and develop key advocacy messages through a participatory approach with relevant partners.
  • Assist in the regular monitoring of the access dynamics in areas within Deir-ez-Zor that HCT partners cannot reach and report main findings.
  • Assist in establishing a decentralized AMRF for Deir-ez-Zor Governorate and areas under de facto control, ensuring it reflects actual constraints.
  • Link the Deir-ez-Zor AMRF reporting to the central AMRF by engaging directly with other members of the Humanitarian Access and CMCoord Unit and relevant Field Coordination colleagues to ensure a coherent approach across all governorates.
  • Engage, along with the HoSO, with interlocutors if needed to negotiate improved access.
  • With the support of the OCHA Deir-ez-Zor Sub-Office, engage with Government of Syria focal points and other interlocutors for CMCoord purposes.
  • Engage, along with the HoSO, with interlocutors if needed to negotiate improved access.
  • Draft regular access snapshots and information products focused on Deir-ez-Zor, including areas under de facto control.
  • Draft talking points for senior-level advocacy on humanitarian access and CMCoord matters.
  • Develop and update stakeholder analyses for Deir-ez-Zor.
  • Assess the impact of critical civilian infrastructure on affected populations.
  • Serve as the main focal point for humanitarian notifications of static sites and movements in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate.
  • Monitor and report on developments, including geopolitical dynamics affecting humanitarian activities.
  • Facilitate focus group discussions on access severity with INGOs, NNGOs, and UN agencies working in Deir-ez-Zor.
  • Carry out analysis focused on cross-referencing access severity levels in Deir-ez-Zor sub-districts with reported access constraints, severity of needs, and humanitarian reach levels.
  • Undertake all secretariat activities pertaining to access-related themes, including drafting correspondence, meeting minutes, etc.
  • Contribute to the overall reporting of the sub-office, including daily and bi-weekly reports.
  • Assist the HoSO in implementing the overall strategy of the office.
  • Act as Officer-in-Charge (OiC) in the absence of the HoSO.
  • Support the implementation of coordination-related tasks as needed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following: 

  • UN agencies 
  • International and national humanitarian actors 
  • Relevant authorities 

Impact of Results: The incumbent will aim to take all required steps to improve humanitarian access and civil-military coordination in Deir-ez-Zor Governorate.

Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Functional Competencies: 

Functional Competencies: 

  • Professionalism: Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions. Very good knowledge of the program of assignment, including the cultural, political and economic dimensions. Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender, social-economic issues, 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. Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. 
  • 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.
  • 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
Required Skills and Experience

 Education:
  • Secondary education is required Or 
  • A first level university degree (Bachelor) in in Economics, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, or relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
  • Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian work.
  • Experience working in the humanitarian field with INGOs, NGOs and/or with the United Nation is required.
  • Good geographical knowledge of the political, and cultural context of the Deir-ez-Zor and NES are highly desirable.
  • At least three years of relevant experience in humanitarian affairs, development and/or project management is highly desirable.
  • Experience in humanitarian coordination, preparedness, and response in emergency situations (complex emergency and/or natural disaster) is highly desirable.
  • Proven experience managing humanitarian access in NES, negotiating and facilitating humanitarian access is highly desirable.
  • Substantial experience in developing and managing relief interventions and solid skills of area profiling with NGOs and other relevant international bodies are highly desirable.
  • Proficiency in using Windows OS and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation, analysis, and presentation purposes are an asset.
  • Expertise in working in the negotiations file. Experience in doing assessment to locations within the AOR is an asset.
  • Strong analytical skills to assess the context, identify risks, and analyze data relevant to humanitarian operations is highly desirable.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders is highly desirable.

Language:

  • Fluency in oral and written Arabic and English is required.