Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Emergency Response Section (ERS), in the Response Support Branch (RSB), within the Coordination Division (CD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is the 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. Within OCHA, ERS is the custodian of several international emergency response mechanisms, including INSARAG, which is a global network of more than 90 countries and organizations under the United Nations umbrella that deals with urban search and rescue (USAR) related issues. This position-specific job opening is being advertised for the position of Humanitarian Affairs Officer in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent will report to the Chief of Emergency Response Section (ERS).

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

• Functions as the head of the secretariat for the global network of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). At present, these are over 90 member countries in the Regional Groups Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific and the Americas, and 57 INSARAG Classified Teams. The task includes the development of international urban search and rescue techniques, organization of annual meetings in each of INSARAG’s three regions, the organization of the annual INSARAG Steering Group, INSARAG Team Leader’s Meeting and support to INSARAG Working Group Meetings. In addition, the role requires facilitation and coordination of the implementation of projects requested by the INSARAG Network (updating INSARAG Guidelines, managing the ongoing Governance Review, etc)

• Manages the system of independent INSARAG External, Classification and Reclassification (IEC/R) of international urban search and rescue teams of Member States and NGOs. This involves the selection of international USAR experts in different disciplines to form an international team which will then oversee the classification of USAR Teams, ensuring quality control of the INSARAG classification process worldwide.

• Oversees the development and updating of international collapsed structure urban search and rescue methodology including the INSARAG and OSOCC Guidelines based on best practices and experience, in close cooperation with the INSARAG network and the United Nations Disaster and Assessment Coordination (UNDAC) Unit. Development of International USAR Guidelines and Methodology

• Oversees the development of OCHA’s emergency response and field coordination practices relating earthquake response and collapsed structure rescue into comprehensive guidelines to be included in the INSARAG, USAR Coordination (UC) and OSOCC Guidelines. This task includes the development of recommendations for modifications of respective documents based on the evaluation of field missions and related exercises.

• Oversees the development and improvement of training modules for the field coordination based on experience from field missions and exercises. The training module is to be applied in UNDAC induction and refresher courses and well as in INSARAG regional USAR and other exercises. This task requires the development of exercise scenarios in order to test and evaluate revised methodology in exercises, after which lesson plans can be developed to introduce the methodology into respective training concepts (UNDAC and INSARAG) and applied in the Earthquake Response Exercises (EREs).

• Oversees the maintenance and further development of the INSARAG website and USAR and Flood Response Directory. This task includes development of specifications for contents and webpage design in cooperation with OCHA and INSARAG stakeholders and the modification of the website design according to OCHA templates and management of up-to- date directory of Teams capacities and Focal points respectively.

• Acts as certifying officer for information to be published by Member States and NGOs international urban search and rescue issues. This task includes the development and supervision of procedures for content control of information to be posted to avoid misuse of the system by its users and management of user accounts.

• Oversees the INSARAG Coordination and Management System (ICMS) for field coordination of deployed USAR teams and the subscription arrangements funded by member states.

• Supports and advises the Chief of ERS as the INSARAG Secretary, and the Global Chair on strengthening the effective global coordination and management of the INSARAG framework and workplan goals and activities.

• Provides global INSARAG guidance to ERS Regional Focal Points to effectively manage the INSARAG networks in their respective regions.

• Prioritises and plans events with RFPs and based on the guidance from the INSARAG Steering Group (ISG) meeting in the Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Weeks (HNPW), and support regional preparations for other relevant policy and technical initiatives to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance, Urban Search and Rescue and related humanitarian issues. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g., civil strife, natural disasters, and human misery). 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.

• JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

An 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 is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

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. At least five (5) years of professional practical experience in national and/or international organizations in the area of collapsed structure rescue is required. Experience working with the UN common system organization and/or comparable international organization and/or international member states networks in the field of emergency response is required. Experience of Urban Search and Rescue Operations within the INSARAG Network is desirable. A minimum of three (3) years in the last seven (7) years of international field experience in aid operations (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented, complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is funded for a finite period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and the availability of the funds. 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. 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. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30th September 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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 TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.