Humanitarian Affairs Officer

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The UN Secretariat's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York seeks a Humanitarian Affairs Officer to provide expert policy and technical advice on humanitarian access, sanctions, and related restrictive measures. The role coordinates with UN and IASC partners and supports preserving humanitarian space in complex emergencies.

You will conduct studies, plan and evaluate relief programs, liaise with government officials, NGOs, and media, prepare policy papers and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, or crisis relief management is required.
• Experience in a legal profession providing advice on public or private legal matters is also required.
• International field experience in aid operations and humanitarian coordination or policy advice desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy and technical advice on principled humanitarian access and operations.
• Serve as OCHA's focal point on sanctions, counter-terrorism, and related measures; liaise with UN and IASC entities.
• Coordinate with humanitarian agencies on access and operations related to restrictive measures; support IASC Community of Practice initiatives.
• Organize and prepare studies on humanitarian relief issues; facilitate policy development and decision-making.
• Partner with agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian programs; incorporate lessons learned and gender considerations.
• Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media.
• Undertake field missions for reviews of coordination mechanisms.
• Prepare reports, background papers, policy guidelines, and other communications.
• Act as a primary focal point on specific policy issues; monitor developments and provide advice.
• Review policies for safeguarding humanitarian principles and effective assistance delivery.
• Organize and participate in work groups and consultations.
• Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff.

Skills

Professionalism

Analytical skills

Research skills

Work under pressure

Communication

Client orientation

Attention to detail

Gender perspective

Education

Advanced degree in political science or international studies

Alternate degree with two additional years of qualifying experience

Job description

Organizational context: The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) within the UN Secretariat coordinates humanitarian actors for effective emergency response. The Policy Branch provides advice on humanitarian law, access, and gender equality, supports intergovernmental processes, and advises the Security Council on civilian protection. This role is based in New York, reporting to a P4 officer in Geneva.

Job purpose: This Humanitarian Affairs Officer position within OCHA's Policy Branch focuses on providing expert policy and technical advice on humanitarian access and operations, particularly concerning sanctions, counter-terrorism, and other restrictive measures. The role involves serving as OCHA's focal point on these issues, coordinating with other humanitarian agencies, and contributing to the preservation of humanitarian space. The incumbent will conduct studies, plan and evaluate assistance programs, liaise with external stakeholders, and prepare various reports and documents. This position is crucial for ensuring principled humanitarian action and effective delivery of assistance in complex environments, while also supporting intergovernmental processes and advising on policy direction.

Responsibilities: Provide policy and technical advice on principled humanitarian access and operations, with a focus on sanctions and counter-terrorism measures. Serve as OCHA's expert and focal point on these issues, liaising with relevant UN and IASC entities. Coordinate with humanitarian agencies on access and operations related to restrictive measures, supporting OCHA's co-chairmanship of the IASC Community of Practice on Preserving Humanitarian Space. Organize and prepare studies on humanitarian relief issues, facilitating policy development and decision-making. Partner with agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media. Undertake field missions for reviews of coordination mechanisms. Prepare reports, background papers, policy guidelines, and other communications. Act as a primary focal point on specific policy issues, monitoring developments and providing advice. Review and advise on policies for safeguarding humanitarian principles and effective assistance delivery. Organize and participate in work groups and consultations. Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., political science, international studies, public administration) is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may substitute for an advanced degree.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, or crisis relief management is required. Experience in a legal profession providing advice on public or private legal matters is also required. International field experience in aid operations and experience in humanitarian coordination or policy advice are desirable.

Skills: Professionalism, analytical capacity, research skills, ability to work under pressure, communication (written and verbal), client orientation, attention to detail, and ability to incorporate gender perspectives.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French