Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in the Crisis Response Division (CRD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 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 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 multiple duty station temporary job opening is being advertised for three (3) positions of Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Risk Management and Compliance) located in OCHA Regional Humanitarian Financing Units located in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Panama City (Panama). Under the overall supervision of OCHA Head of Office, the incumbent reports to the Head of Humanitarian Finance Unit/Fund Manager or envelope manager. The Humanitarian Fund Units in OCHA Regional and Country Offices manage multi-donor country-based pooled funds under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator and/or Humanitarian Coordinator. These funds receive unearmarked contributions from donors. The funds are allocated to humanitarian actors for ongoing humanitarian operations and to respond to new emergencies. The Risk Management and Compliance officer may supervise staff. The incumbent is expected to surge to other countries in the region as needed and at short notice.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Risk Management and Compliance) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serves as a senior policy officer; advise on overall policy direction on specific issues related to the oversight functions of Country & Regional Pooled funds; and, more generally, reviews and provides advice on a diverse range of policy issues related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and the linkages with other related areas (e.g. human rights).
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned country/area which may impact performance of the Humanitarian Financing Unit (HFU).
• Undertakes and provides risk management and compliance training for Implementing Partners (IPs) staff.
• Prepares or contributes to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, briefings, case studies, presentations, correspondence, etc. related to risk management and compliance in the context of Country & Regional Pooled Funds.
• Reviews and provides advice to HFU on policy issues related to risk and compliance.
• Supports and monitors compliance by IPs with global policy requirements on accountability and risk management, leads the Eligibility Process and oversees response to non-compliance by IPs with contractual obligations and Country & Regional Pooled Fund requirements.
• Provides technical capacity to respond to alleged and proven incidents of misconduct (financial misconduct or sexual exploitation and abuse) by IPs. Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.
• Prepares policy position papers for review.
• Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues and organizes follow-up work management response related to audits and evaluations of Country & Regional Pooled Funds. Assists or leads, as appropriate, in the preparation of OCHA reports, studies, background papers, policy guidelines, correspondence, presentations, background papers, policy guidelines.
• Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate complex humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes; helps ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other key stakeholders to enable early detection of compliance issues in HFU funded projects and verifies prevention and control mechanisms.
• Serves as the primary focal point on monitoring and risk management and compliance of the HFU; keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, , etc., ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms in line with global country & regional pooled fund guidelines.
• Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners.
• May participate in planning and preparation of unit budget and work program.
• Provides leadership and work direction to assigned work team, and/or mentors and supervises the work of new/junior officers.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other duties as required. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of wide range of 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. 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. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Education Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, public administration…