Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.
Global Portfolios Office (GPO), New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement defined activities in support of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is on the forefront of addressing complex emergencies and spearheading vital reforms to create a more resilient and adaptive humanitarian ecosystem. Our work is grounded in an unyielding commitment to systematically identify and analyze emerging risks, understanding their profound implications, and formulating transformative strategies within, across, and beyond the organization. The aim is to navigate ever-accelerating global change and ensure that the humanitarian sector remains fit for purpose and ahead of the curve.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
UNOPS is seeking a dynamic and insightful Communications Senior Officer to collaborate closely with the OCHA Policy Branch team to implement the Flagship Initiative, document lessons and practice, support the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum, as well as other tasks, as required. The incumbent will contribute to research and document practice and lessons, drafting of reports, memos, notes, speeches and talking points, as well as the organization of policy events, relevant to the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum and the rollout of the Flagship Initiative.
The incumbent will work closely with the Policy team to identify and define the specific requirements as the project progresses. The assignment involves researching and preparing reports and background papers for the Flagship Initiativeโs Global Learning Forums, the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum (GHPF), and related events. Key tasks include drafting documents, supporting the 2023-2026 OCHA Strategic Plan implementation, organizing events, coordinating with OCHA offices and partners to share expertise, and preparing statements, key messages, and presentations.
The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional ResponsibilitiesUnder the close collaboration with OCHA Policy Branch and direct supervision of UNOPS Project Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
Conduct research and prepare reports, studies and background papers for the Flagship Initiative Global Learning Forums, Global Humanitarian Policy Forum (GHFP) and related events. Draft high-level background documents and analytical reports to inform decision-making. Facilitate and monitor the implementation of the 2023-2026 OCHA Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. Organize the Flagship Global Learning Forum and GHPF and related events. Reach out to OCHA Offices, agencies and partners to document lessons, practice and facilitate exchanges of expertise and views on specific humanitarian issues. Prepare statements, key messages, correspondence, presentations, summaries and other required materials for the Flagship Global Learning Forums, GHPF and related events. Provide inputs for the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum including additional related reports relating to the Flagship Initiative. Follow-up on report of the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum. Provide Inputs to and follow-up the implementation of the 2023-2026 OCHA Strategic Plan. Education/Experience/Language requirements*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
a. Education:
b. Work Experience
Required: Relevant experience is defined as experience in research and analysis. Prior experience in desk research issues related to humanitarian action is required.
Desirable (The following experience and skills are optional, candidates who do not have them are welcome to apply)
Prior experience working within the UN system or similar organization is desirable. Prior experience in organizing events and workshops is desirable.
c. Language:
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 1)/ICS9
Contract duration: Open-ended (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration)
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.