Social Affairs Officer, P3 Full-time Job

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in Jerusalem, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The Social Affairs Officer reports to the Head of Office and, in their absence, the Protection Coordinator in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is mandated to serve as the United Nations’ focal point on major disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Social Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Monitors, analyzes and evaluates social and economic development trends and issues in the occupied Palestinian territory and its impact on the humanitarian situation, especially for the most vulnerable groups; identifies emerging issues and anticipates challenges in oPt; proposes policy options to relevant authorities, particularly on humanitarian issues and needs.
• Gathers and analyses data to identify trends and patterns of socioeconomic developments and their links to the humanitarian context. Conducts and coordinates data collection, verification and analysis in relation to specific thematic topics, related to OCHA’s overall work.
• Provides technical support to OCHA’s humanitarian and protection analysis; provides advice and support on the inclusion of social dimensions of development issues into humanitarian policies and programmes, specifically in areas related to poverty, social exclusion and discrimination, and gender equality.
• Plans, designs and executes studies and research activities on social development issues. Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources; prepare a variety of written outputs, such as background papers, analytical notes, advocacy papers, talking points and briefing notes.
• Assists in developing data collection tools (questionnaires, guidelines, data entry templates) including design of surveys and coordination of survey implementation and follow up.
• Participates in technical cooperation activities and capacity building efforts, particularly concerning humanitarian programming.
• Organizes and coordinates meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and other events. Provides programmatic and substantive support; drafts agendas, identifies participants; prepares background documents and presentations; prepares minutes and summaries of proceedings; and monitors follow-up actions.
• Develops and maintains relations with government authorities, international organizations, research institutions, civil society representatives and the private sector. Represents OCHA at conferences, seminars, workshops and other events. Cooperates with development partners to advocate for policy changes that contribute to the promotion of sustainable and inclusive development.
• Establishes and maintains network of partners from research institutions, academia and the private sector with specialized expertise, and involves them in activities when needed.
• Maintains awareness of relevant sustainable development and humanitarian issues and promotes integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into OCHA’s work, particularly on policy planning, analysis, reporting and advocacy activities.
• Provides support in OCHA’s advocacy and communication activities.
• Serves as a first responder in OCHA's emergency response, undertaking additional responsibilities, including supporting field assessments, emergency coordination and information management.
• Provides guidance to junior staff, as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as required.