Job Description

This position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which 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 temporary job opening is being advertised for the position of Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Coordination Officer in Khartoum with OCHA Sudan. Under the overall leadership of the Head of Office OCHA Sudan, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Coordination Officer reports to Deputy Head of Office, OCHA Sudan.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Coordination Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serves as a senior policy officer; advise on overall policy direction on specific issues; 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).
• Prepares policy position papers for review.
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management programmes or emergency situations in assigned country/area; develops and maintains a “watch list” of countries with potential for humanitarian crisis.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex projects, to include disaster assessment or other missions; coordinates international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations; ensures necessary support (e.g. staff, funding, specialized equipment, supplies, etc.); prepares situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries.
• Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
• Assists member states in capacity-building for handling emergency situations; develops country-specific indicators for countries of concern in collaboration with area experts and ensures the subsequent monitoring of these indicators; recommends actions based on the analysis of pertinent information.
• Initiates and coordinates activities related to technical cooperation and technical assistance projects in disaster response and disaster response preparedness; formulates project proposals and relevant project documents; provides technical support to field work; reviews and clears project reports for submission to governments.
• Analyzes and assists in introducing new technologies for disaster warning/management.
• Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; organizes follows-up work, including inter-agency technical review meetings to support policy development work and decision-making on important issues; and ensures the implementation of recommendations emanating from relevant studies.
• Assists or leads, as appropriate, in the preparation of OCHA reports, studies, background papers, policy guidelines, correspondence, presentations, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents, etc.; with respect to the latter, takes the lead in providing support and information to relevant councils or other entities on specific issues.
• 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 government officials, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, media, etc.; ensures appropriate mechanisms to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information both in and outside the UN system, including on early warning and contingency planning, etc.
• Serves as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, donors, etc., ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provides information and advice on a range of related issues.
• Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required.

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience at the international level is required.
• Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is required.
• Experience in the UN Common System is desirable.
• Experience in the region is desirable.

  Languages

  English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

  Assessment

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

  Special Notice

  • This temporary position is intended to fill the functions of duration of 364 days with the possibility of extension. The selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible.

• A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further "stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…" Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified.

• 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.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed on positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions.

• The expression "Internal candidates", shall mean staff members who have been recruited after a competitive examination under staff rule 4.16 or after the advice of a central review body under staff rule 4.15.

• Please note that candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

• For information on special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17. For more details on the administration of temporary appointments please refer to ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1.

• The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English.

• Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

• Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" hyper-link on the upper right side of Inspira account holder homepage.

• Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

• Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time)on the deadline date.

• Candidates found suitable and not selected for the announced duty station, may be selected for deployment to other duty stations. The selection will be for similar functions with similar requirements at the same level.

Please note that due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by national authorities, selected candidates may be required to start the assignment/appointment remotely, in agreement with the hiring manager, and until further notice.

United Nations Considerations

According 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.

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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TR

Agency

UNDP

Title

Re-advertisement - Coordinator - Strategic Planning, Partnerships and Communication

Job ID

31848

Practice Area - Job Family

Management

Vacancy End Date

(Midnight New York, USA)

05/08/2020

Time Left

14d 16h 7m

Duty Station

Khartoum, Sudan

Education & Work Experience

I-Master's Level Degree - 5 year(s) experience

Languages

Required:

Desired:

 

English

Arabic

Grade

P3

Vacancy Type

FTA International

Posting Type

External

Bureau

Arab States

Contract Duration

1 Year with possibility for extension

Background

Following a historic revolution in 2019, Sudan has recently embarked on a major three-year transition with civilian led government in the direction of democracy with key transitional priorities towards stabilization of economy, sustainable peace process, promotion of women’s rights and youth participation, equitable social welfare and state institutional and structural reforms. As a key development partner of the Government of Sudan, UNDP strives to deliver a programme that is responsive to the transition goals as well as to the main development challenges facing the country including reduction of inequalities and extreme poverty of vulnerable and conflict affected populations.

UNDP supports stabilization and governance for peace as well as environmentally sustainable livelihoods and development, paying particular attention to the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women and youth representing the most promising potential for change in Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP Sudan’s Strategic Planning, Partnerships and Communication (SPPC) Unit is responsible for two multi-disciplinary interrelated functions. First in implementing corporate results-based management for Country Office (CO) through planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of programmatic performance and effectiveness founded firmly on data driven analysis. Second in designing and executing CO communication, outreach and partnership strategy based on UNDP results and activities; building resourceful partnerships with all UNDP stockholders.

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Representative, the incumbent leads a team supporting CO senior management, programme and project teams in the development of high-quality substance-driven outreach and partnerships, ensures linkages between strategy and programme implementation, monitors programme effectiveness, reports on development impact, formulates and supports multilevel resource mobilization approaches and performs evidence-based development situation analysis embedding innovation in all its functions. In exercising these roles, s/he supervises a central unit comprised of international and national staff members. The incumbent works in close collaboration with all country office units, key government, national and international partners.

Ensures effective Country Office RBM processes in delivery of strategic results by focusing

• Guides and directs the Planning and Monitoring team, ensuring the quality of programme annual work planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Ensures facilitation of results-based management and results reporting, effective application of RBM tools, establishment of management targets, results monitoring, ROAR reporting, collaboration with programme portfolio teams / projects and the integrated operations teams;
• Ensures support to programme and project quality assurance including facilitation and guidance for submissions to pre-LPACs and LPACs; formulation of internal guidance on corporate programme quality standards; and facilitation of internal capacity building for programme and project quality;
• Coordinates and manages inputs of country office units into the Corporate Planning System, especially Enabling Actions and CO priorities in the IWP.
• Coordinates CO inputs into the Results Oriented Annual Report (ROAR).

Ensures effective development and implementation of communications and partnerships strategies.

• Guides and / or conducts analysis of national and international partner landscape, donor priorities and funding preferences, including private sector partners and IFIs.
• Supports the development of CO partnerships, communication and outreach strategy, linking partner intelligence, and programmatic positioning and results achievement.
• Manages external engagement with private sector partners and stockholders providing technical support in business development pitches, and proposals for UNDP’s value added in leveraging private sector partnerships for development, as well as innovative financing solutions.
• Monitors the implementation of the CO communication strategy and provides guidance to the SPPC communication staff overseeing the development of results and advocacy-based communication products for national and international target audiences.
• Ensures effective provision of communications, analytic and data visualization services to all country office and project units.
• Regularly informs Senior Management and country office units about programmatic partner preferences, opportunities and requirements.

Coordinates the monitoring of programme effectiveness through the application of IM, monitoring and evaluation tools, systems and processes.

• Guides the SPPC monitoring and information management staff in the development and application of monitoring and evaluation policies and processes.
• Uses and guides the further development of CO information management tools and processes, monitors overall programmatic results achievement at outcome, output and activity level.
• Under the guidance of the CO Senior Management and in close collaboration with the Performance, Compliance and Resources team supports the regular maintenance and update of the CO programme delivery and effectiveness dashboard.
• Leads and guides the SPPC team and establishes the Unit ‘s annual work plan in consultation with direct supervisors and in collaboration with team members. Sets priorities, objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected.
• Establishes annual and monthly priorities. Monitors progress identifies bottlenecks and manages and motivates the team to overcome challenges and positively undertake corrective actions.

Contributes to innovation, knowledge transfer and engagement

• Manages the CO innovation portfolio and resources to facilitate innovations in UNDP’s approach;
• Ensures support and building of capacities of projects and programme teams to integrate innovation into their work as well as identify innovations that can be used at the Country Office, and regional level.
• Supports the senior management in supervising and guiding the Accelerator Lab team and ensures integration of their work into the programme and projects.
• Facilitates knowledge building and management and ensures innovation and knowledge transfer in the country office, region and global community of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the success of country programme. In particular, the key results have an impact on the continuous monitoring and achievement of results, the creation of strategic partnerships as well as reaching resource mobilization targets.

Competencies

CORE

• Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow. Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers.
• People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction. Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others.
• Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform. Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others
• Delivery: Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement. Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Technical/Functional:

• Strategic Planning: Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for nnovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
• Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
• Quality Assurance: Ability to perform administrative and procedural activities to ensure that quality requirements and goals are fulfilled. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
• Collaboration and Partnership: Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside (Programmes/projects) or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic relationships contributing to the overall positioning of UNDP. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Innovation: Ability to manage organizational resources and deployment in pursuit of innovative approaches and initiatives. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
• Influencing and Agenda Setting: Ability to plan and deliver communication initiatives that make an impact, persuades intended audiences, shapes perceptions of the UNDP and creates positive demand for UNDP's value propositions. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.
• Knowledge Management: Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge. Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Development Studies, Information Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience at the national and international level;
• Proven track record in country office strategic planning and programming, monitoring and demonstrated ability to use data and analytic to inform strategy;
• Proven experience in identifying and building partnership to support programming including private sector and government, both for resource mobilization and programming, and facilitating external communication;
• Experience in delivery and facilitation of innovative approaches and solutions in development programming;
• Excellent communications, interpersonal, management and supervisory skills, coupled with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams;
• Experience in country office programme and project management;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
• Experience with private sector is an asset

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in oral and written English. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Disclaimer

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.