This position is open to Iranian Nationals Only 

BACKGROUND

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is 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 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 the position of National Humanitarian Affairs Officer (NOA) in the Humanitarian Advisory Team (HAT) in Tehran, Iran, within the Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA).

This position is part of the HAT in Tehran and will be key in improving the efficiency of the HAT in terms of its work in support of disaster response in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of ROMENA Amman Office, the incumbent reports directly to the Head of Iran HAT / Humanitarian Affairs Officer.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

• Support to the UN Disaster Management Team (UN DMT) Secretariate on operational and technical matters.
• Contribute and support the UN system, IASC partners, and Government counterparts to implement tools, services, and mechanisms available for emergency response, preparedness, and readiness.
• Support UN agencies, IASC partners, the Government, and other relevant actors to implement the Hyogo Framework of Action 2, particularly in relation to priority 5 on strengthening disaster preparedness for effective response.
• Support the coordination of humanitarian action, and assist in establishing and maintaining contacts with key operational partners, relevant government counterparts to enable effective, timely, and efficient response in the eventuality of a disaster (floods, earthquakes etc.)
• Prepare research, context analysis and monitoring of humanitarian and development situation and their humanitarian impact on population.
• Monitor and prepare reports on early warning indicators and support the development of UN and inter-agency contingency plans in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• Assist in development and implementation of inter-agency disaster response capacity plans.
• Contribute to the preparation of various written reports, documents, and communications, e.g. regular reports/updates, draft briefing notes, talking points, presentations (including PowerPoint), etc. or assigned topics/ issues.
• Assist in identification of capacity-building opportunities and training needs for the national partners in the field of disaster response and preparedness and assist in organizing training workshops.
•  Provision of support to the implementation of the OCHA – Government of Iran Plan of Action including its periodic review and following up on agreement on new activities under the supervision of HoO HAT.
• Facilitate of missions to the Islamic Republic of Iran by OCHA senior leadership.
• Ensure the maintenance of the humanitarian database and repository of documents, templates, tools, reports, etc.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor/HoO HAT and ROMENA.

In case of imminent danger (when a disaster can be anticipated) 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of relevant Inter-agency Contingency Plan.
• Support the secretariat of the DMT to identify and maintain close contact with national early warning systems, such as the meteorological service and national seismological institute to monitor potential threats.
• Support the development and timely circulation of early warning information within the UN System and relevant partners.
• In case of an imminent impact within the next 24-48 hours, prepare updates and information and assist in the implementation of actions/ steps that need to be taken.
• Support the chairperson of the DMT/the RC and HoO in setting up an Emergency Operations Centre as required.
• Contribute to the development and submission of flash updates or situation reports as required.

During the disasters or emergency situations

• Provision of technical and operational support to the HoO HAT in the establishment and implementation of coordination mechanisms and action points defined in the Inter-agency Contingency Plan.
• Monitoring, analysis, and reporting on the humanitarian situation, and prepare situation reports, needs analysis, and key messages on needs and responses.
• Facilitate, organize, participate, and support inter-agency needs assessment exercises and missions.
• Facilitate and  coordinate requests for international relief efforts, including the deployment of UNDAC and other emergency responders, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
• Assists in resource mobilization and the production of appeals for international assistance such as Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) as required.
• Support the overseeing, planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the humanitarian projects and track use of financial resources.
• Contribute to the development of strategies for addressing humanitarian needs as appropriate.
• Assist the communication, public information, and advocacy efforts.
• Ready to be deployed by OCHA to the field as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, or a related field is required.

OR

• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Up to two years of professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness management, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development affairs, or related areas is required.
• Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Experience and good knowledge of social, political, and economic conditions in Iran and the region are required.
• Experience and good knowledge of humanitarian and development context in the UN Common System or other comparable international organizations are desirable.
• One year or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Others:

• Proven abilities in data collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting with the ability to write clearly and concisely and effective oral communication are desirable.
• Proven skills in coordination, monitoring, and reporting are desirable.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work with multicultural teams and international professionals.
• Availability and fitness for travel.

Language Requirements:

• French and English are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For the position advertised fluency in English and Farsi are required.
• Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism:

Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance, and related humanitarian issues. Ability to identify issues, analyze, and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet, and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure, and on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g., civil strife, natural disasters, and human misery). Shows pride in work and 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style, and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

Applicant information about UNOCHA rosters

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 similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

• UNOCHA has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
• UNOCHA  is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

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