Background:
In order to assist in addressing the humanitarian challenges being faced by Pakistani civilians due to heavy rains and flooding, OCHA is strengthening its presence in Pakistan in order to provide support to UN agencies, NGOs, donors and other humanitarian organizations working in Pakistan. One of OCHA's strategic priorities will be to support the Humanitarian Coordinator in the coordination of humanitarian affairs for timely and adequate delivery of humanitarian assistance and greater protection to the populations in Pakistan affected by the internal conflicts and natural disaster. As such, collation and dissemination of information and field-level coordination will be catalysts in improving the response to humanitarian needs. In this context, OCHA will intensify Information management, resource-mobilization and advocacy efforts.
Responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Head of Office / Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Senior HAO, the National HAO will be responsible for the following:
1.Provide substantial assistance in the implementation of inclusive, field-level humanitarian coordination mechanisms, including liaison with relevant UN operational agencies, NGOs, and local authorities;
2.Regular monitoring and analysis of developments in the designated country and support the preparation of analytical reports highlighting social, political, humanitarian and other relevant factors affecting the overall humanitarian situation;
3.Provide substantial support to sector / cluster working groups as required and facilitate exchange on cross cutting issues;
4.Support the collection of field information to improve coordination activities and information products such as who does what where and inter-agency reports;
5.Assist in matters related to natural disasters, including drafting situation reports and flash appeals, preparing costs plans for cash contributions made by/through OCHA and final reporting on their use; participation in/support to UNDAC missions;
5.Assist in liaising with humanitarian partners on the collection of information to effectively map areas of humanitarian needs and response activities in support of coordination efforts; and track information required for early warning of potential conflict and conflict-related vulnerability;
6.Perform other duties, as assigned by the Senior National HAO and the Head of Office or his/her designate.
7. Translate a variety of materials including reports, brochures, press releases produced by different units of OCHA Pakistan, the translations of these materials would be into English or Urdu as per requirement within allotted time frame.
8. Detailed comparison of content, facts and figures and making sure there are no omissions from the source; translations and proofreading all footnotes and/or endnotes, captions under photographs,lists etc; accurate and consistent usage of UN terminology adapted to Urdu.
9. Ensuring Urdu language excellence and proofreading, including excellent vocabulary, syntax, expression and grammar as well as all relevant terminology.
This position may involve travelling within the country.
Expected Outputs of this Position
Substantive support to the UN Humanitarian Coordinator through the OCHA Senior HAO / Deputy Head of Office/ Head of Office in servicing the humanitarian community;
Sound analytical inputs that contributes to implementation of appropriate humanitarian strategies;
Development of effective networks and communication channels that contribute to information sharing.
Core Competencies:
Professionalism – Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of humanitarian issues , emergency relief and related human rights issues; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to analyze and articulate the protection dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response; demonstrated problem-solving skills; and very good knowledge of region of assignment, including the political, economic and social dimensions; strong negotiating skills and ability 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); very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian protection 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 protection issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social and human rights programmes in affected region.
Communication – Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations to staff at senior levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.
Planning & Organizing – Ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
Client orientation – Ability to identify client’s needs and match them to appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain effective and productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; capacity to keep clients informed of [progress or setbacks in ongoing projects. Ability to monitor ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’’ environment to keep informed and anticipate potential problems.
Teamwork – Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.