Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting The position is located in the Crisis Response Division (CRD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 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 efforts. 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 job opening is being advertised for the position of Humanitarian Affairs Officer in Abuja, Nigeria. The incumbent reports to the Head of Office (HoO). Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Works closely with the Head of Office in supporting Abuja based coordination mechanisms, including the Humanitarian Country Team and Accountability and Impact Team, preparing agendas, position papers and supports the humanitarian transition in Nigeria. Supports the HoO and manages liaison with the Government of Nigeria, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Nigeria Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). This includes efforts aimed at building capacity for government counterparts as part of the humanitarian transition in Nigeria. 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; organizes follow-up work, including interagency technical review meetings to support policy development work and decision-making on important issues. Participates in large, complex projects, to include 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 (e.g. staff, funding, specialized equipment, supplies, etc.); drafts situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries. 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. • Manages or assists 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, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, media, etc. • Undertakes and provides sup