To apply for this position, please go tot he following link:https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.U... Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Head of OCHA Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) directly reports to the Director of the Coordination and Response Division (CRD) of OCHA.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, and working closely with OCHA Regional Offices in Africa, the Head of the OCHA-AU Liaison Office will be responsible for the following duties:
-Provide senior level technical and policy advice to the AU and its Member State officials, international and regional organizations on programmes and issues of significant impact on humanitarian, emergency relief and disaster response/management efforts in Africa -Support the AU to develop and implement policy and programme changes to address country, regional and continent wide humanitarian issues including humanitarian/disaster response and preparedness strategies and procedures -Undertake Representation functions on behalf of OCHA to the AU including participating in meetings, forums and events. Articulate views and policies of OCHA to the AU and other relevant regional bodies/organizations -In consultation with the AU and the relevant OCHA branches, lead AU capacity building initiatives in the humanitarian sector; identify bottlenecks and gaps and develop proposals to improve response systems and mechanisms, including support for the design of specific coordination mechanisms -Assess the AU's humanitarian coordination and response capacity and facilitate coordinated and relevant OCHA/IASC support to the AU -Serve as primary liaison with non-UN entities in Addis, including senior member state officials, donor representatives, NGO officials, the media, etc., which are present in Addis Ababa in a regional capacity -Organize and/or chair inter-agency and other regional meetings, conferences, task forces relating to UN cooperation with the AU on humanitarian policy, operations and practice -Serve as the primary interface with UN bodies accredited to the AU and work with OCHA branches to ensure appropriate representation of key issues -Initiate, supervise and finalize position papers and related submissions; contribute to, and prepare diverse analytical reports, briefing papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents, statements and presentations, related to humanitarian assistance in Africa -Organize and participate as trainer/resource person in relevant AU- related training, workshops and seminars -Establish overall work plan and budget for the office, in consultation with the AU and relevant OCHA offices and branches -Lead, direct and provide professional/technical guidance to the team in the office, and oversee all activities including planning and allocating of work assignments; coach, mentor and evaluate staff; participate in recruitment, selection and training of new staff and in the development of training programs -Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the Director CRD NY.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Professionalism: -Excellent knowledge of complex humanitarian issues, including sound knowledge of humanitarian and emergency relief coordination -Knowledge and expertise in African issues and African regional and sub-regional organizations including practical working experience in Africa -Ability to advise senior management and other senior officials on approaches and techniques to address highly complex/sensitive issues -Ability to effectively handle major policy and project development and its implementation -Ability to work under extreme pressure and at the same time be highly productive and effective -Recognized expertise in the field with demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership -Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of humanitarian and emergency relief issues/problems -Demonstrated original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other issues/problems in Africa -Strong diplomatic skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues -Ability to provide leadership on strategic partnerships within the UN and with non-UN regional organizations on peace, security and recovery -Excellent knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to humanitarian affairs and seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.
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
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.
Managerial Competencies:
Leadership: -Serves as a role model that other people want to follow -Empowers others to translate vision into results -Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives -Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support -Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions -Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo -Shows the courage to take unpopular stands -Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Managing Performance: -Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority -Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member -Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills -Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines -Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff -Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative -Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff -Appraises performance fairly
Education
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political or social science, international studies, public administration, economics, law, or other relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience, including management experience, in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation and development, or other related area, including experience at the international level. Experience in complex emergencies, including humanitarian emergency efforts is required. Experience in relation with regional/sub-regional organizations preferably on humanitarian issues is required. Experience in advocacy including high profile forums is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, excellent command of oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Portuguese is highly desirable.
Assessment Method
A competency-based interview and/or other form of assessment will be used to evaluate applicants. Language skills may be tested as part of the assessment method.
Special Notice
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.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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