National Field Coordinator – UNOCHA – Kauda, Sudan.

February 15, 2025

14 minutes read

This National Field Coordinator role with UNOCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) is essential for managing and coordinating humanitarian aid in Sudan. Here’s a deeper breakdown of the job:

Key Responsibilities:http://National Field Coordinator – UNOCHA – Kauda, Sudan

Coordination of Humanitarian Efforts:
- You will establish partnerships with local and international humanitarian organizations to plan and execute emergency relief programs.
- You’ll be involved in disaster response, working with authorities to ensure access to areas in need.
- You’ll assess and analyze the situation on the ground and communicate unmet needs, ensuring that humanitarian efforts are aligned with the actual requirements of the affected populations.
- You’ll organize and represent OCHA in sectoral coordination meetings, ensuring cooperation among different agencies involved in emergency relief.
Information Management & Advocacy:
- Gathering and disseminating humanitarian data will be a significant part of the role. This includes preparing situation reports and analyses about the humanitarian crisis.
- You will also contribute to the creation of profiles, maps, and databases that show who is providing assistance in specific areas.
- Advocacy is a critical part of the role, ensuring the protection of civilians and raising awareness about key humanitarian issues.
Support to Project Management:
- You will help in managing the projects related to humanitarian assistance, ensuring they are implemented efficiently, effectively, and within timelines.
- This involves developing and drafting proposals for new projects and providing technical support to colleagues working in the field.

Skills and Qualifications:wordpress-6.7.1

Educational Requirements: A Master’s degree in fields like political science, public administration, or international studies is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree combined with 2 years of experience in relevant humanitarian work is also acceptable.
Experience: Candidates should ideally have some experience in humanitarian operations, especially in disaster relief, emergency management, or working with international NGOs or UN agencies.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

Competencies Expected:

Professionalism: The job demands someone who understands the complexities of humanitarian work, can navigate sensitive political and cultural issues, and who can efficiently manage resources.
Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary. You will have to interact with various stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and affected populations.
Teamwork: This role involves working collaboratively with different teams and partners, so being a good team player is crucial.
Planning & Organizing: You will need to prioritize tasks and resources effectively, ensuring that humanitarian programs are completed on time and to the required standards.

Work Environment:

The position is based in Kauda, South Kordofan, with the possibility of relocation depending on the needs of the humanitarian situation.
You’ll frequently interact with local authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and other humanitarian stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of humanitarian services.

Impact:

This role plays a vital part in coordinating humanitarian responses, ensuring that emergency relief reaches those who need it most in a timely and efficient manner. Your work will directly affect people in crisis, ensuring their needs are met and that international actors are working together to address those needs.

To fully explain the position of National Field Coordinator with UNOCHA in Sudan, it’s essential to dive deeper into the specific responsibilities, the required competencies, and how the role fits into the broader scope of humanitarian work. The explanation will also explore how the work impacts local populations, and why this role is significant in managing complex emergency situations, particularly in areas affected by conflict and disaster.

Understanding the Role of a National Field Coordinator

The National Field Coordinator role in UNOCHA serves as a linchpin in ensuring that humanitarian responses in Sudan are efficient, coordinated, and aligned with the needs of the affected populations. UNOCHA is part of the United Nations Secretariat and is tasked with coordinating global humanitarian efforts, ensuring that international aid reaches those in need while working to prevent further humanitarian crises.

In the context of Sudan, a country grappling with a history of conflict, natural disasters, and large-scale humanitarian needs, this position is integral to the success of humanitarian programs. The role is both dynamic and multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities that demand a combination of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities of the National Field Coordinator

As the National Field Coordinator, you will be involved in a range of critical tasks that contribute directly to the success of humanitarian efforts in the region. These tasks can be broadly categorized into several key areas:

1. Humanitarian Coordination and Liaison with Partners

The cornerstone of your role will be coordination. Humanitarian assistance is often fragmented, with various organizations working in different areas with different mandates. One of the main goals of UNOCHA is to bring these actors together, ensuring that their efforts are complementary rather than duplicative.

Establishing Partnerships: You will be tasked with building and maintaining strong partnerships with local, national, and international humanitarian organizations. These partners may include NGOs, UN agencies, local governments, and community-based organizations. These partnerships are vital to creating a cohesive response that addresses both immediate relief needs and longer-term recovery.
Liaising with Authorities: A significant aspect of your work will involve maintaining regular contact with local authorities, government representatives, and other stakeholders. You’ll need to ensure smooth communication and collaboration between the humanitarian community and local actors. This often includes negotiating access to crisis-affected areas, understanding the political and cultural environment, and ensuring the protection of civilians.
Disaster and Emergency Coordination: In situations of disaster or crisis, you will be responsible for quickly mobilizing humanitarian efforts. This will involve coordinating the delivery of aid, conducting assessments, and analyzing the situation on the ground. In addition, you will ensure that aid is reaching the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
Representing OCHA in Coordination Meetings: As part of the coordination efforts, you will represent UNOCHA in various sectoral coordination meetings. These meetings bring together various humanitarian actors to discuss and plan responses to specific humanitarian challenges. Your role will be to ensure that the UNOCHA perspective is included and that all stakeholders are aligned in their approaches.

2. Information Management and Reporting

A key part of your role will be managing information about the humanitarian situation in the region. Accurate, timely, and comprehensive information is critical for making informed decisions and directing aid effectively.

Monitoring Humanitarian Developments: You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing information about the humanitarian situation. This will involve monitoring developments in the region, such as displacement, food insecurity, health crises, and conflict. Your ability to analyze this data will help shape responses, prioritize needs, and identify areas requiring urgent attention.
Producing Situation Reports: Regular reporting is essential for keeping all stakeholders informed. You will contribute to the production of weekly and monthly situation reports, which provide detailed updates on the humanitarian situation, the status of ongoing relief efforts, and emerging challenges. These reports will be shared with partners, donors, and the wider international community.
Data Management: You will maintain and update databases that track who is doing what and where in the region. This is crucial for avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring that all areas are adequately covered. You will also be responsible for maintaining contact lists, hazard maps, and preparedness plans that will guide future humanitarian interventions.
Advocacy and Advocacy Reports: Based on the data collected and your analysis of the humanitarian situation, you will contribute to advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness of the needs on the ground. You will work to highlight the protection needs of civilians, particularly in conflict zones, and advocate for the inclusion of vulnerable groups in humanitarian responses.

3. Project Management and Technical Support

While much of your work will be centered on coordination, a significant portion will involve providing technical support to ensure the success of specific projects in the field.

Managing Project Implementation: You will oversee the implementation of humanitarian projects within your region of responsibility. This could involve providing direct support for programs related to food assistance, shelter, education, health, or water and sanitation. You will ensure that these projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with international standards.
Project Proposal Development: You will help in the development of proposals for new humanitarian projects, working with local partners and stakeholders to identify priority areas for intervention. You will be responsible for ensuring that proposals align with OCHA’s strategic priorities and are relevant to the needs of the affected population.
Providing Technical Guidance: Your experience and expertise will be crucial in providing technical support to field teams. You will assist in solving challenges on the ground, from logistical issues to resource allocation. You may also provide advice on best practices for delivering emergency aid, ensuring that programs are effective and appropriately tailored to the context.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

Humanitarian efforts must be constantly monitored and evaluated to ensure their success. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects and interventions.

Project Monitoring: You will monitor the progress of humanitarian projects in your region, ensuring they are implemented according to plan. This includes tracking timelines, budgets, and resource use. You will also be responsible for ensuring that project activities meet the required standards of quality.
Evaluation and Reporting: After the completion of projects, you will assist in evaluating their impact. This could involve conducting field visits to assess how well the project achieved its objectives, collecting feedback from beneficiaries, and writing evaluation reports. These evaluations will inform future interventions and help improve the overall quality of humanitarian work in the region.

5. Cultural and Political Sensitivity

Understanding the cultural and political landscape of Sudan is crucial for successful humanitarian coordination. The National Field Coordinator will need to work sensitively within the complex dynamics of the country.

Cultural Competence: Sudan has a rich and diverse culture with various ethnic, religious, and political groups. Your ability to navigate these complexities will be vital. Whether working with local authorities, community leaders, or aid recipients, understanding and respecting local customs and traditions will be essential.
Political Awareness: The political landscape in Sudan has been marked by conflict and instability. As the National Field Coordinator, you will need to stay attuned to these dynamics, understanding how they affect humanitarian access and the ability of aid organizations to work effectively in certain areas. You will work with local authorities and the UN to ensure that the political situation does not impede humanitarian efforts.
Protection of Civilians: One of the most critical aspects of your role will be to ensure the protection of civilians. This includes monitoring the security situation, ensuring that aid reaches vulnerable populations, and advocating for the protection of women, children, and other at-risk groups.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

To succeed in this role, the following qualifications and competencies are essential:

Educational Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in political science, international relations, law, public administration, or a related field is required.
- A Bachelor’s degree combined with at least two years of relevant humanitarian experience may be considered as an alternative.
Experience:
- A minimum of two years of experience in humanitarian work, emergency relief management, or crisis response is required.
- Previous experience working with international organizations or NGOs in a humanitarian context is strongly preferred.
- Experience in the Nuba Mountains or South Kordofan State is desirable due to the unique challenges posed by those regions.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required.
- Fluency in Arabic is desirable, as it will be vital for communication with local communities, partners, and authorities.
Core Competencies:
- Professionalism: Demonstrating a deep understanding of humanitarian operations and maintaining neutrality in politically sensitive situations.
- Communication: Being able to clearly convey information to diverse audiences and facilitating communication between various stakeholders.
- Teamwork: Working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners to achieve common goals.
- Planning and Organizing: Prioritizing tasks effectively and managing resources to ensure the success of humanitarian programs.

Conclusion

The National Field Coordinator position with UNOCHA in Sudan is a highly impactful and demanding role. It requires an individual with a deep commitment to humanitarian principles, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a challenging environment. The role is essential to ensuring that aid is delivered effectively and that humanitarian actors collaborate seamlessly to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

By coordinating efforts, gathering and analyzing data, and providing technical support, the National Field Coordinator helps ensure that humanitarian interventions in Sudan are not only efficient but also respectful of the local context and the needs of the affected populations. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding, providing an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people

Certainly! To provide further depth to the National Field Coordinator role with UNOCHA in Sudan, we can explore the broader context of humanitarian work, the significance of the role within UNOCHA’s mission, and the impact that the coordinator will have on the field operations, as well as an in-depth analysis of the required professional qualities and responsibilities.

This extended explanation will encompass the intricacies of managing humanitarian interventions, the challenges faced in Sudan, and why this role is so crucial in the field.

The Importance of Humanitarian Work in Sudan

Sudan, like many regions affected by conflict and disaster, has a complex humanitarian landscape that demands a well-coordinated and highly strategic approach to emergency response. The National Field Coordinator plays a pivotal role in managing and facilitating this response, ensuring that aid reaches those in need, and that the humanitarian efforts on the ground are both efficient and effective.

Humanitarian crises in Sudan often stem from internal conflicts, displacement, and natural disasters. These challenges are compounded by political instability, and the humanitarian sector is often faced with obstacles related to restricted access, logistical difficulties, and safety concerns. The National Field Coordinator ensures that UNOCHA and its partners can navigate these complexities and deliver life-saving assistance.

The role provides the opportunity to contribute to disaster preparedness, relief coordination, and humanitarian advocacy, all of which have a direct impact on the lives of Sudanese people affected by conflict and crisis.

The Broader Scope of UNOCHA’s Mission and the Role of the National Field Coordinator

UNOCHA’s Mission: UNOCHA is tasked with coordinating humanitarian responses across the globe, but in complex emergencies like those in Sudan, the need for precise coordination and careful management is paramount. The organization’s primary objectives are to:

Mobilize humanitarian aid in crisis situations.
Coordinate with various actors, from governments and UN agencies to NGOs, to ensure the timely and effective delivery of humanitarian relief.
Advocate for the protection of civilians and human rights during emergencies.
Monitor the ongoing situation, ensuring that humanitarian organizations have the information necessary to make well-informed decisions and respond to evolving needs.

The National Field Coordinator functions as a critical link in this effort by facilitating communication between local, national, and international actors. Their job is to ensure the coordination of relief efforts in regions that are often isolated or affected by ongoing conflict. By liaising with local authorities, managing operations in the field, and producing detailed reports, the Field Coordinator ensures that humanitarian responses remain focused on the populations most in need.

Complexities of Humanitarian Work in Sudan

Sudan presents unique challenges for humanitarian aid workers. The country is diverse, with regions marked by distinct social, cultural, and political landscapes. Additionally, the conflict in Sudan has led to mass displacement, exacerbating the already difficult task of ensuring that aid is delivered to those who are most vulnerable.

Conflict Zones: Sudan has faced persistent internal conflict for many years, with areas like Darfur, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile becoming hotspots of humanitarian crises. These conflicts have led to millions of people being displaced, both internally and across borders, creating long-term humanitarian challenges.
Security Concerns: Access to affected areas is often restricted by security concerns. The National Field Coordinator must work within these constraints, negotiating safe access routes and ensuring that aid convoys can reach areas cut off by violence or natural barriers.
Logistical Barriers: In many regions of Sudan, infrastructure is limited, making it difficult to distribute aid effectively. The National Field Coordinator must coordinate transportation, warehousing, and distribution efforts to ensure that relief reaches its destination in a timely manner.
Cultural Sensitivity: Sudan is home to a variety of ethnic groups, each with their own language, traditions, and governance structures. Humanitarian assistance in Sudan requires cultural competence and the ability to navigate local customs, practices, and political sensitivities. The National Field Coordinator plays a critical role in understanding these dynamics and ensuring that humanitarian programs are not only effective but culturally appropriate.

Key Responsibilities in More Detail

While the position may seem broad, its components can be broken down into several distinct functions. The National Field Coordinator will be required to manage a complex array of tasks and projects, making it a challenging but rewarding job. Let’s explore each of these responsibilities in greater detail.

Coordination of Humanitarian Activities

The Field Coordinator will be at the heart of coordinating diverse humanitarian activities across various sectors, including:

Health: Ensuring the delivery of medical supplies and healthcare services, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Water and Sanitation: Providing clean water, sanitation services, and hygiene education to prevent the spread of disease.
Shelter and Food Security: Organizing the delivery of food assistance, shelter materials, and essential household items.

Key Activities:

Sectoral Coordination: You will ensure that all humanitarian actors are aligned with the sector-specific needs and that duplication of efforts is minimized.
Strategic Partnerships: Building relationships with local and international NGOs, UN agencies, and government officials to strengthen the collective response.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with affected populations, local authorities, and humanitarian partners to gather feedback, identify gaps, and adjust response strategies.

Information Management and Advocacy

The National Field Coordinator is also a key player in information management, ensuring that decision-makers have accurate, up-to-date information about the crisis. This role involves a lot of data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that humanitarian actors are informed about developments on the ground.

Key Activities:

Gathering Humanitarian Data: Collecting and consolidating data on needs, the status of projects, and the evolving humanitarian situation.
Situation Reporting: Writing clear, concise, and factual reports on the status of the humanitarian situation, providing insights to field staff, senior management, and external stakeholders.
Advocacy: Advocating for the protection of civilians, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, and ensuring that international actors are aware of the situation’s urgency.

Project Management

The coordination of humanitarian programs requires hands-on project management. The National Field Coordinator is responsible for overseeing specific projects in their region, ensuring that they are completed efficiently and effectively.

Key Activities:

Budget and Resource Management: Monitoring the allocation of resources, ensuring that funds are used effectively, and that projects stay on budget.
Monitoring Progress: Regularly visiting project sites to assess the progress of activities, ensuring that quality standards are met.
Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving challenges that arise in the course of project implementation, whether related to logistical issues, personnel, or unforeseen obstacles.

Personal and Professional Qualities for the National Field Coordinator Role

In addition to technical skills and qualifications, there are a number of personal and professional qualities that are essential for success in the National Field Coordinator role. These attributes are key to ensuring that you can navigate the complexities of humanitarian work in Sudan and that you can work effectively within a diverse and challenging environment.

1. Strong Leadership Skills

You will often be required to lead teams and coordinate multiple actors, from field staff to local partners. The role demands decisiveness, clarity, and the ability to inspire others to act in the best interests of the affected populations. Your leadership will also require empathy and the ability to support your team during difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.

2. Diplomacy and Negotiation Skills

Negotiating access to affected areas, collaborating with local authorities, and navigating political sensitivities require a high level of diplomacy. You must balance the demands of humanitarian principles with local political realities, all while maintaining the integrity of humanitarian efforts.

3. Cultural Sensitivity and Emotional Intelligence

Given Sudan’s diversity, understanding cultural nuances is crucial. An ability to empathize with local communities and understand the stresses of living in a conflict zone will allow you to build trust and ensure that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries without causing unintended harm.

4. Analytical and Strategic Thinking

The National Field Coordinator must be able to analyze complex situations, identify priority needs, and design strategies to address them. This requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to quickly adapt plans to the changing dynamics on the ground.

5. Resilience and Flexibility

Humanitarian work can be stressful, especially in conflict zones or when faced with emergency situations. Resilience is key to maintaining focus, even when faced with unexpected challenges such as security threats, supply chain disruptions, or political roadblocks.

Conclusion

The National Field Coordinator role with UNOCHA is a complex, demanding, and high-impact position that plays a critical role in ensuring the success of humanitarian efforts in Sudan. As part of UNOCHA, you will be at the forefront of managing humanitarian response efforts, coordinating with local authorities, partner organizations, and affected communities to provide essential services and protect those most vulnerable in times of crisis.

By managing operations on the ground, ensuring the coordination of humanitarian activities, and advocating for the rights and protection of civilians, the National Field Coordinator plays an essential part in the successful delivery of humanitarian assistance. This position requires strong leadership, cultural competence, and the ability to work under challenging conditions.

February 15, 2025

14 minutes read