Humanitarian Affairs Officer-UNOCHA-(Nationals Only)

This position is open to Syrian Nationals Only 

BACKGROUND

The SHF is a country-based fund established in 2014 to respond to humanitarian needs resulting from the crisis in Syria. The SHF aims to promote a strategic and coordinated response towards the highest priorities of the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) or acute emergency needs. 

The SHF primarily aims to support the delivery of strategic humanitarian response identified under the HRP while retaining the flexibility to cover unforeseen events or special requirements. The Fund will reinforce the leadership and coordination role of the HC by targeting funding to needs-based priority sectors and geographic areas. The Fund also aims for a more inclusive approach by working with a variety of implementing partners in a complex operational environment.

Position Purpose: 

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Humanitarian Financing Unit, and with methodological guidance from the Syria Humanitarian Fund (SHF), the incumbent will report to the international compliance and risk management officer and will facilitate the implementation of SHF activities in the country. He/she will support the SHF in eligibility application processing, project cycle management -grant management system, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of all SHF projects and liaise with OCHA-Hubs to ensure projects are implemented as planned. Core to that will be ensuring that suitable monitoring of the eligibility process is in place and implemented and reported on time.

Key Duties and Accountabilities

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Syria Humanitarian Fund, and under the direct supervision of the SHF International compliance and risk management officer the incumbent is expected to perform the following tasks:

Eligibly (Due diligence and capacity assessment) :

• As per established criteria and the SHF Operational Manual and the Global guideline, screen new applications seeking eligibility to the SHF, provide feedback, as necessary provide coaching and support to aspiring partners on their initial engagement with the Grant Management System.
• Manage the SHF due diligence application process (review applications, provide feedback, liaise within different functions of the SHF to process due diligence applications. 
• Update the due diligence and capacity assessment window in GMS to ensure completion of mandatory requirements.
• As per established guidance identify, organize, and review all internal capacity assessment documents. In consultation with the International risk management and compliance officer provide timely feedback, and recommendation on the capacity assessment results.
• Participate in prospective partners outreach, information provision, and orientation sessions. 

Technical support/Capacity enhancement on eligibility processes, grant processing, and the Grant Management System:

• Familiarization of prospective partners with the Fund’s requirements during Capacity Assessment and registration in UN partner portal to determine eligibility.
• Organize grant management training for stakeholders including SHF implementing partners and Sector Coordinators, as necessary.
• As appropriate guide partners in the SHF grant management system, provide skill transfer and technical support. 
• As appropriate and with guidance from the CBPFS, provide grant management training to new and aspiring partners, Sector coordinators and the SHF partners.
• In collaboration with OCHA IMU extract data from the GMS, assist in the development of infographics, donor briefing packs, maps, and information materials.

Information Management and Reporting

• Actively contribute to the SHF annual reporting process, undertake data mining, verify data accuracy, and assist in the development of relevant illustrative presentation materials.
• Support in data extraction of key data from GMS to support ongoing risk management processes.
• Assist in establishing appropriate windows on grant management system during allocations. And as appropriate update all the necessary entries on the system.

Program Management:

• Support in fund allocation processes, ensuring necessary coordination with relevant counterparts in line with the SHF Operational manual and allocation strategy. 
• Ensure prompt and thorough review of project applications to meet strategic objectives of allocations, sectoral focus and adhere to guidelines.
• Assess the feasibility and relevance of project applications, ensure proposals meet the set SHF standards.
• Support recipient organization through the project cycle and support compliance to SHF Operational manual and the Global guidelines.
• Oversee recipient organizations’ compliance with agreed grant agreement stipulations and the SHF operational manual.
• Oversee the timely submission, review, and feedback of progress narrative & financial reports of projects implemented by SHF partners.

Monitoring: 

• As appropriate participate in field monitoring of the SHF funded projects. 
• Undertake duty travel and field visits as required to monitor SHF supported projects. Prepare reports and follow-up action points.

Communication:

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. 

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Team Leader and other Humanitarian Affairs Officers.
• Sector Coordinators at national and sub-national level.
• UN agencies.
• SARC.
• International and national NGOs.
• Relevant government departments.

Functional Competencies: 

• Professionalism: A wide range of knowledge on humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues.  Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic, and social dimensions. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement.  Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters, and human misery). Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations.  Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social, and human rights programmes in affected country/region.  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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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& 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.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences, or related field.
• First-level university degree in Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or a related field combined with 2 years of experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced university degree

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in grant management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Relevant experience in the UN Common System or comparable international organization (NGO) is desirable.
• Relevant experience in pooled funding mechanisms, complex emergencies, or natural disasters is desirable.
• Experience in humanitarian financing (managing pooled funds; project administration; monitoring and evaluation) is desirable.

Other specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge about the UNCS and RC systems is highly desirable.
• Strong computer’s ability to use MS Office 365 software packages, and ability to handle web-based management systems is an asset. 
• Good knowledge of Project Monitoring and Evaluation approaches and the project life cycle is an asset. 
• Proven ability of planning, design and implementation of capacity assessment systems is an asset.

Language Requirements:

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

Other :

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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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