Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Coordination Division (CD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Geneva. 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. The position leads the IASB and IASC secretariat and other global interagency support functions within OCHA (such as initiatives to strengthen and support interagency capacity on PSEA, Gender, Protection and peer-to-peer support). The position facilitates the highest-level humanitarian coordination forum of the UN system, the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) created in response to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution 46/182. At the highest level chaired by the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC); the IASC brings together the executive heads of 24 UN and non-UN organizations, to deliberate on the most pressing and strategic matters that require high level collective action, advocacy and decision. This further supported by the Deputies, OPAG and Emergency Director Group, which are key platforms for collectively deliberating and advancing key policy, strategic and operational matters. The IASC Secretariat facilitates all these coordination forums towards ensuring a coherent and timely response to humanitarian crisis. The Committee is supported by subsidiary bodies; groups of decision-makers and experts who inform and carry out the priorities set by the IASC. This temporary job opening is being advertised for the position of Chief of IASB and IASC in Geneva. The Chief of the IASB and IASC Secretariat reports directly to the Head and Representative of OCHA Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division and works in close coordination with the USG/ERC, ASG/DERC and OAD Director.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head and Representative of OCHA Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division, the Chief of the IASB and IASC Secretariat will be responsible for the following duties: • Act as Secretary of the IASC at the Executive Heads of Agency level, the Deputy Executive Heads of Agencies level, and the OPAG level, and other subsidiary bodies level, to proactively maintain communication channels with the ERC, DERC and other chairs and co-chairs of the IASC subsidiary bodies, and amongst IASC organizations. • Lead, in full consultation with the DERC and all relevant entities and concerned agencies, the development and implementation of a coherent annual IASC workplan. • Coordinate preparatory processes for the regular and ad hoc IASC Principals meetings (Executive Heads of Agencies), IASC Deputies Group meetings (Deputy Executive Heads) and Operational Policy and Advocacy Group (OPAG) meetings (Director level). • Coordinate and oversee the preparation of data, analysis and background documentation to support agenda items and strategic decision-making, as required. • Ensure effective monitoring and follow-up to the decisions and action points of the IASC Principals, IASC Deputies Group and IASC OPAG, providing advice as appropriate to the ERC and IASC Principals, DERC and Deputies Group members, OPAG co-chairs, EDG co-chairs, other subsidiary bodies and its members. • Ensure connectivity between the IASC, OPAG, the Emergency Directors Group and subsidiary bodies, ensuring development of guidance in line with strategic decisions made by the IASC, and collaborating with the EDG in identifying and elaborating policy matters with a direct bearing on humanitarian operations. • Monitor progress made by IASC Subsidiary Bodies in delivering against agreed ToRs and workplans and provide advice to the Chair of the IASC Principals, and chairs of other IASC subsidiary bodies, i.e. Deputies Group, OPAG, and others, on necessary action. • Advise the Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator/ASG OCHA on consultations and coordination processes with other humanitarian actors and the diverse, humanitarian eco-system at international and regional level • Interact with Director-level heads of relevant coordination bodies to ensure due attention to humanitarian concerns and contribute to the development of a cohesive and/or complementary inter-agency approach in relevant policy. • Engage with IASC partners to formulate, refine, field-test, endorse and disseminate humanitarian policy. • Engage with OCHA Directors and other IASC members on work undertaken by relevant sections to take forward tasks emanating from decisions of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and its subsidiary bodies. • Chair inter-agency briefings, consultations and briefings at the request of/as agreed with the ERC and/or DERC/Chair of the IASC Deputies Group. • Represents the IASC Secretariat (and OCHA on request), in various UN, inter-governmental and non-governmental international, regional or national forums. Management • Provides strategic vision and leadership to all sections in IASB, and substantive guidance to the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC), the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and its subsidiary bodies. • Ensure the effective and efficient management of the IASB and IASC Secretariat, through the establishment of effective management practices, including supervision of staff and measures to ensure staff development. • Ensure the smooth function of the IASB and IASC Secretariat through effective internal administrative support services, including through recruitment of staff, establishment of a budget/cost plan, monitoring of expenditure and internal/external reporting as required. • Contributes, as a member of OCHA’s General Management Team (GMT), to policy development at corporate level that enhances OCHA’s overall effectiveness. • Provides leadership and oversight to ensure that IASB adheres to relevant areas of OCHA’s Strategic Plan and its results framework. • Discharge any other functions as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related humanitarian issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Analytical capacity and in particular the ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian and protection dimension of issues which require a coordinated UN response. Ability to identify issues and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration or management, 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required. Experience in leading humanitarian operations in the field is required. Experience in coordinating inter-agency processes is required. Experience in developing humanitarian policy and guidance is desirable. Experience engaging with senior leadership of the humanitarian system; horizon scanning and facilitating agenda setting is desirable. At least five (5) years of humanitarian experience at the international level in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in aid operations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, 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 through 31 July 2025 and may be subject to extension. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment”. A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further “…stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed one year, effective 1 January 2013…”. Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment based on a temporary appointment for 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, concerning a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Subject to the funding source of the position, this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment and placed in a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed in positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions. Staff members of the United Nations Common System organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Staff members are not eligible to apply for the current temporary job opening if they are unable to serve the specified duration of temporary need before reaching the mandatory age of separation. Applying or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. The United Nations is Secretariat and is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for these positions. An impeccable record of integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. The expression “Internal candidates” shall mean staff members who have been recruited after a competitive examination under staff rule 4.16 or after the advice of a central review body under staff rule 4.15. Please note that candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offenses and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. For information on special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17. For more details on the administration of temporary appointments please refer to ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules, and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: https://hr.un.org/handbook. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on “The Application Process” and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on the “Manuals” hyperlink on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening based on the information provided in the application. Concerning the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information on their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted based on the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

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.