Humanitarian Affairs Officer

About the role

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will support the Inter‑Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Secretariat in Geneva, reporting to the Chief of the IASC Secretariat. The role contributes to OCHA’s mission of coordinating principled humanitarian action and alleviating suffering in emergencies.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse and report on humanitarian developments, disaster relief and emergency situations.
• Facilitate inter‑agency coordination for the IASC Emergency Directors Group (EDG), including preparation and organisation of virtual and in‑person meetings and missions.
• Prepare studies, strategic outreach and technical review meetings to support policy development and decision‑making.
• Partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate emergency assistance programmes, integrating lessons learned and gender considerations.
• Maintain contacts with EDG members, government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, diplomatic missions and media.
• Provide technical assistance on field missions, including country coordination mechanism reviews.
• Draft reports, background papers, policy guidelines, briefing notes and other communications.
• Serve as focal point on specific policy topics, monitor implementation status and advise on safeguarding humanitarian principles.

Required profile

• Experience in monitoring humanitarian developments and emergency management.
• Proven ability to coordinate inter‑agency processes and organise high‑level meetings.
• Strong analytical and report‑writing skills.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, gender‑related considerations and policy development.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Required skills