National Humanitarian Affairs Officer

This position is open to Lebanese nationals only

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)'s overall goal in Lebanon is to support the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) in his/her function to ensure a principled, efficient, and accountable collective humanitarian response to all people in need in Lebanon.

OCHA Lebanon's focus is to:

• In support of the RC/HC and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), coordinate emergency response to crises in Lebanon and promote a timely transition from emergency response to longer-term recovery and development action.
• Enhance coordination mechanisms at the strategic and operational levels and support planning, implementation, and monitoring of a principled, efficient, and accountable collective response to humanitarian needs in Lebanon. 
• Strengthen situational awareness in a fluid context, and support a coherent collective analysis of humanitarian needs, gaps, and response, promoting the development of a coherent narrative shared across the aid community on humanitarian needs and response priorities. 
• Mobilize flexible and predictable humanitarian funding for the collective response to humanitarian needs in Lebanon. 
• Advocate for and support efforts to enhance access, protection, and operational space for all humanitarian actors engaged in the collective response.

Position Purpose: 

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and direct management of the Deputy Head of Office, the National Humanitarian Affairs Officer will support humanitarian coordination in the area of assignment; monitor, analyze and report on humanitarian developments; support field coordination and partnership development; lead/contribute to advocacy initiatives on humanitarian concerns and issues; and ensure response preparedness measures and tools are in place. 

Key Duties and Accountabilities:

1.) Contribute to Humanitarian Coordination Leadership in Lebanon

• Facilitate, in accordance with the priorities established by the HC, HCT, and OCHA Head of Office, operational interagency and intersectoral coordination in the area of assignment to prioritize and guide humanitarian response, including chairing meetings, preparing agendas, and drafting background documentation and minutes.
• Support and facilitate the operationalization of the humanitarian response plan and HCT decisions on the area of assignmen,t ensuring an inclusive planning, implementation, and monitoring of the response that reflects the views of affected populations.
• Support interagency emergency preparedness mechanisms, monitor humanitarian risks, and tailor measures and tools for a rapid response.

2.) Support Operational Field Coordination and Partnerships

• Plan and, where appropriate, lead rapid, multi-sectoral assessment missions to identify and address response gaps, and enhance multisectoral coordination; lead high-level missions ensuring close coordination with key partners and concerned authorities. 
• Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, and NGOs; establish or strengthen partnerships with NGOs (particularly LNGOs), civil society, and local communities to enhance localized response. 
• Facilitate engagement with communities to ensure that humanitarian response is community-led and responsive to their concerns, and support the mainstreaming of gender considerations and approaches, communication with affected populations, accountability, and protection.

3.) Monitor, Analyze, and Report on Humanitarian Developments 

• Conduct regular analysis of the humanitarian situation on assigned topics and areas of assignment, contributing to OCHA products and reports that support operational response coordination and advocacy on the humanitarian needs of populations in need. 
• Prepare or contribute to reports on developments and/or data related to the humanitarian situation in the area of assignment, monitor the situation, and provide information and advice on a range of related issues. 

4.) Contribute to Collective Advocacy Efforts

• Review and provide advice on policy issues related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.
• Ensure regular information sharing and coordination with authorities and relevant actors to promote a humanitarian space and ensure compliance with international standards. 
• Perform other duties as requested by the Supervisor and/or Head of Office.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Social Science, Public Administration, Law, Development Studies, International Affairs, or other related fields; 

OR

• A first-level University degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the related fields, with an additional 2 years of relevant experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Minimum 2 years with a Master's degree or 4 years with a Bachelor's degree of progressive relevant experience in Humanitarian / Development fields is required.
• Previous experience working with the United Nations or NGOs is required.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining effective professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government, UN, and NGO counterparts, is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research and analysis, identifying key issues, and proposing appropriate solutions is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in interagency humanitarian or development coordination at sectoral and/or intersectoral level, and/or humanitarian or development programme or operations management is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNOCHA fixed-term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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 a similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

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