Posting Title: Humanitarian Affairs Specialist, NOB

Job Code Title: Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Department/Office: Resident Coordinator System

Duty Station: DHAKA

Posting Period: 22 September 2023 – 21 October 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Humanitarian Affairs-RCS-218482-R-Dhaka (E)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organisational Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator – the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level – support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. This position is located in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh. The primary responsibility of the Humanitarian Affairs Specialist (HAS) is to assist the Humanitarian Affairs Advisor (HAA) in promoting and facilitating the effective implementation of a coordinated humanitarian approach. The HAS plays a critical role in supporting the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) and the Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAS), ensuring their smooth functioning. In times of emergencies, will also provide support to the HAA and the DRR/Nexus Specialist in the overall response. By working closely with the HCTT and the Intercluster Coordination Group (ICCG) members and leveraging these strong collaborative relationships, the HAS will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and harmonious coordination among all stakeholders involved in humanitarian activities. This collective approach will result in better support for the Government of Bangladesh and contribute to more effective and impactful. humanitarian responses to the country’s needs.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Specialist (HAS) will be responsible for the following duties: 1. FOSTERING EFFECTIVE COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION AMONG ALL HUMANITARIAN STAKEHOLDERS TO ENHANCE THE OVERALL RESPONSE MECHANISMS AND CAPACITIES TO ADDRESS HUMANITARIAN CRISES AND DISASTERS MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.

•  Provide assistance in organizing coordination group meetings such as the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG) and Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) gatherings with partners, focusing on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters, as well as preparedness efforts. Additionally, ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of the proceedings and outcomes of these events.
•  Actively participating in working groups and cluster meetings, contributing valuable insights and expertise to discussions and decision-making processes. Preparing reports based on the recorded information, summarising the main discussions and highlighting any critical issues or decisions made during the events.
•  Sharing the reports with relevant stakeholders and ensuring they are disseminated in a timely manner to keep all concerned parties informed of the progress and developments.
•  Collaborating with other team members and partners to facilitate smooth information exchange and follow-up on action items arising from the meetings.
•  Monitor, analyse and report on humanitarian responses and issues, disaster relief/management programmes or emergency situations in the region.
•  Facilitate the maintenance of essential contacts for the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) and Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG), including non-governmental organizations and government officials, to ensure a seamless and effective exchange and dissemination of up-to-date information.
•  Support the production of reports, studies, background papers, policy guidelines, correspondence, presentations and provide editorial and quality-assurance support as required. 2. ASSIST IN FACILITATING THE RESPONSE AND PRIORITIZATION OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS, AS WELL AS THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANS AND ACTIONS DURING DISASTER AND EMERGENCY EVENTS.
•  Support the rapid situation assessment in the event of a disaster and be prepared to create a comprehensive briefing presentation using available information for sharing with the Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). Additionally, be prepared for potential deployment to the field to provide coordination support to the Humanitarian Affairs Advisor (HAA) if the situation demands it.
•  Contribute to the development of reporting and information products, including Humanitarian Situation Updates and Reports during emergencies, Humanitarian Dashboard Monitoring, Humanitarian Snapshots etc.
•  Assist with the development of Humanitarian Response Plans (HRPs) and robust response monitoring including financial tracking.
•  Support develop the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and robust response monitoring including financial tracking system.
•  Support HAA to prepare and collect imputs from UN agencies to complete Central Emergency Fund (CERF) applications in case of emergencies as well to follow up the monitoring proceses. 3. FACILITATING THE IMPROVEMENT OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPAREDNESS (ERP) EFFORTS TO ENHANCE THE COUNTRY’S ABILITY TO RESPOND SWIFTLY, EFFICIENTLY, AND EFFECTIVELY TO DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES.
•  Assist in the development and updating of comprehensive ERP frameworks and action plans, ensuring they are in line with international standards and best practices.
•  Assist the organising and conducting workshops, training sessions, and simulation exercises to build capacity and awareness among key stakeholders on emergency response protocols and procedure.
•  Support joint contingency plans exercise with government and humanitarian community for effective preparedness for response.
•  Collaborate in the Anticipatory Actions efforts through the national cluster system and the ICCG, to enhance the country’s ability to anticipate and mitigate the impact of potential disasters.
•  Support the development and implementation of a collective feedback mechanism as a ‘common service’ to the entire humanitarian community including a comprehensive database of vulnerable people at risk of disasters to improve their resilience capacity including data sharing protocol.
•  Support the strengthening of the coordination of Sphere inter-agency initiatives for principles and minimum humanitarian standards to address the vulnerable people’s priorities.
•  Increase collaboration on Earthquake Preparedness and conducting joint exercises with GoB and other stakeholders, the aim is to foster a more coordinated and effective approach to earthquake preparedness in Bangladesh.
•  Facilitate the exchange of good practices as well as build coherence between national-level humanitarian initiatives and interventions in Cox’s Bazar.
•  Support the GoB in the implementation of its CMCoord priorities including Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) and CMCoord Assessment.
•  Support local level coordination and information work throught partnerhip with local and national actors. 4. SUPPORT THE IMPROVEMENT DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL FOR BETTER SITUATION ANALYSIS AND PRIORITIZATION OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS.
•  Support coordinated actions for functional Information Management Platform including formulation of a comprehensive Strategic Plan and Work Plan to support the use of data and information.
•  Support the design of IM tools and capacity development initiatives for data collection, analysis, mapping/visualization and sharing to improve decision-making.
•  Support in the development minimum set of standardized information products and services including Common Operational Data (COD) set, situation report, needs overview, 4W matrix, response monitoring and cluster-specific information management system.
•  Update coordinated products in the web-based platform for effective information management and communications to the national and global community. 5. SUPPORT FINANCIAL PLANNING AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR LOCAL MOBILISED RESOURCES (LMR).
•  Collaborate with RCO humanitarian team members to craft annual and project-centric budgets in line with LMR goals.
•  Monthly track LMR funding against the set budget and recommend appropriate measures to guarantee the effective and compliant use of resources.
•  Provide support to the Humanitarian Team to procure and organize goods and services for the smooth functioning of the humanitarian team workplan in coordination with the Programme Associate.
•  Support projection of upcoming expenditures and income streams, ensuring the availability of adequate resources for forthcoming staffing and activities.
•  Support high quality financial summaries, descriptive accounts, and project reporting to the donors timely and efficient manner.
•  Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
•  Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis.
•  Performs other duties as assigned.

CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Possess a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian operations and disaster risk management. Familiar with working with government, international, and national humanitarian coordination mechanisms. An in-depth understanding of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), Disaster Management and sustainable development goals is crucial to successfully navigating the humanitarian landscape. As a proactive leader, it is essential to connect different global agendas at the national level to provide high-quality technical support to the government and other stakeholders on information management. Professional in this field should also possess knowledge of information management tools. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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.

EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development, economics, disaster management, geography or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, development, or other related areas is required. Knowledge of information management is desirable. Knowledge in finance management and reporting is desirable. Work experience in the UN Common System is desirable A minimum of one (1) year or more of work experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Bengali/Bangla is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Note: “Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of’ equals a rating of “confident in two of the four areas.

AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment/written exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special NoticeThis is a project post. Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate or the availability of the funds. Staff Members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving, and their functions must have a national context, i.e. functions that require national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, institutions, and systems. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF BANGLADESH. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Bangladesh nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Bangladesh in the event of an employment offer. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a current General Service staff member (not on Continuing or Permanent Appointment) be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. “Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. ” The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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