OCHA Cameroon maintains an office in Yaoundé and field offices in the Far North (Kousseri and Maroua) and in the South-West (Buea) and North West (Bamenda). The primary objectives of OCHA Cameroon include the following:

1.Transformed coordination for a more efficient and tailored humanitarian response;

2. More credible, comprehensive and evidence-based situational analysis;

3. An effective, innovative humanitarian financing system that meets the needs of crisis-affected people;

4. International acceptance of the centrality of international humanitarian and human rights law, access and protection that results in meaningful action for affected people, especially internally displaced people;

5. Leadership to drive transformative change for a more responsive and adaptable humanitarian system.

The HAO is expected to have relevant knowledge of all regions of Cameroon, in particular of OCHA operations, humanitarian partners, operations of the Government and NGOs, etc. In-depth knowledge of humanitarian principles and awareness of protection of civilian policies are required. The HAO will apply regional and contextual knowledge and corroborate information through use of local networking, considered essential to the credibility and authority of the statements and documents provided by OCHA and the Humanitarian Coordinator.

1. FUNCTIONS /KEY RESULTS EXPECTED

Summary of key functions:

• Information collection in support of response
• Humanitarian situation analysis
• Organise, facilitate and report on coordination mechanisms
• Reporting and monitoring of the humanitarian response.

1. Provide accurate Information Collection in support of Humanitarian situation analysis and response, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Review and analyze incoming field reports, prepare summaries of field activities and flag important issues to senior management;
• Actively participate in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and HRP Mid-Year Review and End-year Review processes, and analysis.
• Gather and verify information on issues affecting the humanitarian situation, emphasizing opportunities for response.
• Supports regional analysis.

2. Assists in information management focusing on achievement of the following:

• Pro-actively share information with OCHA and relevant stakeholders on pertinent issues;
• Identify key pieces of information that will assist with organizational decision-making with a particular focus on improving humanitarian response;
• Updating and roll out of OCHA information management tools;

3. Support the development of coordination and cooperation mechanisms among stakeholders focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Support existing coordination mechanisms and assist in the establishment of new field coordination wherever required.
• Establish relationships with key stakeholders, including non-traditional humanitarian actors, in areas of operation to ensure humanitarian information flow from OCHA to partners and vice versa and ensure their participation in operations.
• Partner and liaise with other humanitarian agencies and organizations to plan and evaluate humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes and help ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations.

4. Provide proper monitoring and reporting focusing on achievement of the following:

• Support the collection of field information to monitor and improve ongoing response, coordination activities and information products.
• Prepare succinct reports on the key humanitarian issues in the districts and workings with district level partners provide analysis on response gaps and advocacy issues.

2. IMPACT OF RESULTS

The overall effectiveness of the humanitarian assistance in the region is enhanced thanks to well-tailored functional coordination mechanisms. The priority needs of the affected population are identified and shape a robust, adequate and principled response. Strategic and operational coordination allow relief organizations in meeting their respective objectives, built on a strong partnership with relevant parties.

1. COMPETENCIES AND CRITICAL SUCCES FACTORS

Competencies:

Professionalism

Level 1.2: Preparing information for advocacy

• Identifies and communicates relevant information to relevant audiences and advocate OCHA’s priorities
• Demonstrate ability to prepare various written reports, documents and communication, e.g. meeting summaries, talking points, background papers, situation reports, humanitarian analysis and response reports

Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 1.2: Maintaining a network of relevant stakeholders

• Maintains an established network of contacts ensuring adequate information sharing and serves as catalyzer for building partnerships
• Maintains a functioning network of civil society partners and other relevant stakeholders, to promote a better understanding of OCHA’s priorities and to support advocacy efforts

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.2: Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of humanitarian affairs
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Client Orientation

Level 1.2: Establishing effective client relationships

• Explore potential solutions to internal and external partners’ needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet partners’ needs;
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners

Core Competencies

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
• Demonstrate OCHA corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating teamwork
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Informed and transparent decision making

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.

Functional competencies

• Awareness of UN institutional mandates, policies, rules and procedures, particularly in relation to humanitarian response and coordination
• Spirit of initiative, tact, negotiation skills, analysis and communication
• Ability to work in a multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multicultural environment
• Ability to work productively under pressure and to meet deadlines

1. RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, sociology, law, international relations, journalism and communication, or other related fields.
•   A first level University degree with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

         Experience / Skills:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in humanitarian and inter-agency contexts, dealing with relief issues.
• In-depth demonstrated knowledge of humanitarian principles and protection mainstreaming.
• Experience in collecting, analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing information.
• Excellent report writing skills, in French and English.
• Good computer skills with generic tools (in (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Females candidates are strongly encouraged to apply