Background
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 for the rights of people in need
- promote preparedness and prevention
- facilitate sustainable solutions.
In December 1991, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 46/182 designed to strengthen the United Nation’s response to both complex emergencies and natural disasters. In addition it aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the UN’s humanitarian operations in the field.
OCHA has recently established a Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF) in Nigeria and is recruiting the staff necessary to run the Humanitarian Financing Unit which will act, within OCHA, as the CHF’s Secretariat. Given the potential for natural disaster and the ongoing country conflict, it is of utmost importance that the current staffing gaps are filled in order to support CHF funding requirements to humanitarian operators in-country. Expectations by stakeholders of the CHF funding in terms of timelines and institutional capacity are high.
The NHAO is expected to help strengthen OCHA’s humanitarian financing, programmatic and reporting quality and follow-up, and support the HFU’s senior management. Main duties will include supporting the correct running of the Grant Management System-based allocation and reporting timelines, sensitization and awareness-raising among NGOs and Participating United Nations Organizations of the CHF’s work, and supporting reporting and monitoring activities, or other functions as required.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the OCHA Head of Office and under the direct supervision of the CHF Fund Manager, the incumbent will be expected to be able to perform the following, prioritized according to operational requirements: Summary of key functions:
- Program Management
- Monitoring & Reporting
- Management of Partnerships
- Administration
Program Management
- Attend cluster and other humanitarian coordination fora as required in order to support CHF awareness-raising on strategic issues and guidelines;
- Support the preparation and delivery of trainings and workshops related to the CHF’s goals and objectives, grant management and eligibility procedures, monitoring and reporting, development of proposal logframe and budgets etc.;
- Support the HFU Program Officer with the review and revision process of project proposals through consultation with cluster leads and other technical partners and advise NGOs on recommended revisions, assisting partners in revision drafting if required;
- Prepare paperwork related to Humanitarian Coordinator project approval and disbursement actions (Fund Transfer Requests, agreements, MoU, etc.);
- Support preparation of and execution of transfer agreements to be signed by NGO and HC, following up on requests to the HFU to arrange for fund transfers to partners;
- Communicate concerns about proposals, project documents, or implementing partners to the relevant HFU manager;
- Contribute ideas and innovative practices for funding support and strategies;
- Support the compilation of CHF Annual Reports and other progress or ad-hoc reports.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Prepare and participate in conducting regular field visits to project sites to monitor implementation of CHF-funded projects, ensuring that implementation is in line with the project proposal and the grant agreement;
- Participate in the conduct of remote call monitoring campaigns for CHF funded projects as required;
- Prepare field monitoring reports and recommendations to partners following visits to partners, ensuring timely communication of concerns about status of projects to the relevant HFU manager;
- Ensures findings and results of monitoring visits are shared with appropriate stakeholders and partners in a timely manner;
- Follow up with partners to ensure timely submission of narrative and financial reports pertaining to CHF-funded projects;
- Track, collect and review narrative and financial reports from CHF partners to ensure accuracy and compliance with CHF guidelines and provides feedback to partner and HFU senior management as necessary;
- Keep performance management section updated in the Grants Management System;
- Provide support and information to the contracted entities in charge of monitoring of NGOs as necessary.
Management of Partnerships
- Proactively map out potential partners and create linkages to the CHF, especially focusing on national NGOs;
- Conduct presentations and consultations with partners and potential applicants and other members of the humanitarian community in order to clarify and raise awareness for the CHF’s goals and objectives and eligibility procedures;
- Participate in the review of documents submitted under the Due Diligence process by organizations and in drafting reports on the partner’s capacity, following up with the partner on additional documents or information required and responding to queries as necessary;
- Provide support and information to the contracted entities in charge of the Capacity Assessment process of NGOs as necessary;
- Ensure the partners’ database and information records are kept up to date.
Administration
- Update and maintain data on the Grant Management System (GMS).
- Act as interpreter/translator in English, Hausa and Kanori, as required.
- Prepare documentation and reports for country-level coordination forums.
- Support the convening and preparation for CHF Advisory Board meetings.
- Provide logistical support to the Humanitarian Financing Unit.
- Support preparation of briefing packs and venue booking as required.
- Maintain correct, updated partner contact list at all times.
- Perform other duties as required.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
- Senior HAOs and Fund Manager
- National and International HAOs
- National and International NGOs
- United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programs
- Provincial authorities
Impact of Results: Develop well-reasoned, innovative suggestions and approaches to problem resolution in dealing with complex policy/technical issues. Assist in the management of funding programming projects and partners, ensuring timely delivery of outputs. Help meet organizational objectives and provide sound analytical inputs and advice with respect to coordination of humanitarian financing and monitoring.
Competencies
Professionalism: Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions. Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political economic, social and human rights programs. Strong negotiation skills: ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team endeavor, and to articulate coherent arguments to reach agreement. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. armed conflict, civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.
Judgment and Decision-making: Apply sound judgment to resolve a range of issues/problems. Will abide by security guidelines.
Planning and Organizing: Proven ability to plan and organize, establish priorities, manage and monitor work plans, coordinate competing demands, and work to tight deadlines.
Technological Awareness: Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and relevant software packages, including e-mail.
Communication: Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum information, making and defending recommendations.
Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Required Skills and Experience Education:
- Master’s Degree preferably in Political or Social Science, Law, International Studies, Public Administration, or other relevant science is required.
Experience:
- Up to 2 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in emergency humanitarian programming, crisis/emergency relief management or other related area, preferably with at least two years with a UN organization or an NGO.
- Very good drafting and report writing skills are required, as is experience with project budgeting and proposal writing.
Language Requirements:
- Professional fluency in oral and written English and Hausa and/or Kanori is required.
- Candidates will be tested on their linguistic ability.
Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
Languages – Essential: English, Hausa
Languages – Desirable:
More Information
- Job City Borno State
