The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) is recruiting to fill the position below:

POSITION : Programme Officer

Description

• 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. 
• This post is located in the Humanitarian Financing Unit (HFU) of the Country – Based Pooled Fund in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria. The post is based in Maiduguri, with possible travel to field locations such as Abuja and Yobe State.
• The incumbent reports to the Head of Office through the Pooled Fund Manager and works closely with the Field Coordination, Public Information and the Information Management Units.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that partners are informed and give them general guidance and support throughout the project cycle on issues of compliance with technical guidelines, administrative and financial rules and regulations, reporting times and/or any programming changes or extensions that may be required for the successful implementation of projects.  
• Maintain systematic track of the Fund’s overall operational performance, particularly focusing on the duration and timeliness of each step/stage of the project cycle, and keep the Fund Manager and Head of Office appraised of key trends and/or individual cases to facilitate evidence-based decision - making and actions.
• Assist the HFU by keeping systematic and readily available electronic and physical files for all projects funded by the NHF, as well as other key documentation and correspondence related with the operation of the Fund. Support (and accompany if required) the Fund Manager and/or the Monitoring and Reporting Officer in the logistic and substantive preparation of field missions, conferences, meetings and NHF related events.
• Support the work of the HFU throughout the project cycle, assisting in the coordination with relevant counterparts in line with the Fund’s Terms of Reference (ToR) and allocation guidelines (i.e. Review and/or Advisory Boards, cluster or sector leads; humanitarian organizations; and relevant OCHA HQ and field offices).
• Assist with the initial screening of project proposals and give guidance to implementing partners to ensure that their submissions are in line with priorities and in compliance with standards before they are presented for review to the Advisory Board.
• Work closely with the Information Section and the IMU unit in the production of info graphs, reports, briefing packs and any other publications.
• Perform other duties as required by the Fund Manager and the Head of Office.

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
• CHF contracted entities providing capacity assessment, monitoring and audit services
• Provincial authorities

Impact of Results: 

• Develop well-reasoned, innovative suggestions and approaches to problem resolution in dealing with complex financial/budget 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: 

• 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.
• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. armed conflict, civil strife, natural disasters and human misery).
• Ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Ability to maintain accurate records, review and interpret a wide variety of data.
• Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; remains calm in stressful situations.

Judgment and Decision-making:

 Apply sound judgment to resolve a range of issues/problems. Will abide by security guidelines.

 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.

 Accountability

Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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.

Skills 

• University Degree (Master's) in Political and Economic Sciences, Sociology, Law, International Relations, or related field. Background in international affairs or development with two to three years’ relevant experience.
• 2 years of relevant Experience in project management and budget management. UN or NGO experience required. Excellent inter-personal and communication skills. Proven experience on report writing in English. Excellent computer literacy and skills (word, excel, lotus notes, data bases and internet). Availability for travel in country. Ability to work with moderate supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national backgrounds. Willingness to work under pressure in an international, multicultural office.

Language Requirements:

• Professional fluency in oral and written English and Hausa and/or Kanori is required.  Candidates will be tested on their linguistic ability.