View all jobs
UNHCR-Humanitarian Affairs Specialist (Access and Civil-Military Coordination)-P4-Port Sudan, Sudan
Port Sudan, SudanPosition Title: Humanitarian Affairs Specialist (Access and Civil-Military Coordination)
Receiving Agency: UNHCR
P Level: P4
Location: Port Sudan, Sudan
Duration: 3 months with the possibility of an extension
Language: English and Arabic fluency is required
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Education:
a. Advanced university degree in International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, or a
related field. Relevant military or civil-military coordination experience is an asset.
Experience:
a. A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or other related areas, with a specific focus on civil-military coordination.
b. Proven experience in negotiating access in complex security environments.
c. Previous work experience in conflict zones, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable.
Skills and Competencies:
a. Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to coordinate large-scale humanitarian operations.
b. Negotiation: Expertise in negotiation and conflict resolution, particularly in engaging with military entities and non-state actors.
c. Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
d. Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of the cultural and political context of Sudan, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse team.
e. Resilience: Ability to work under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing situations.
Language:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge another relevant language is an asset.
BACKGROUND
The operational context in Sudan changed drastically when, on 15 April 2023, armed conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing conflict is the latest development in Sudan's stunted transition to democratic governance following the military takeover on 25 October 2021. The conflict has dramatically worsened the humanitarian conditions in Sudan, exacerbated pre-existing intercommunal and ethnic tensions, and triggered massive displacement. As of March 2024, over 8.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict, including 6.6 million internally and over 1 . 8 million who fled outside the country in search of safety and security. Combined with old IDP caseload, Sudan is the largest internal displacement crisis in the world. Current interagency estimates for internal displacement are higher than the recorded IDP movements of the last four years combined, highlighting the largescale humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan and which continues to affect its neighboring countries. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HRP) for Sudan estimates that there are 24.8 million in need of humanitarian assistance mainly due to the ongoing conflict. Ten out of 18 states are considered hard to reach and the humanitarian response in these areas is delivered mainly through cross line and cross border modalities.
Sudan has historically hosted one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. Prior to the conflict, Sudan hosted 1.1 million refugees, majority of whom resided in Khartoum State. Since the start of conflict, UNHCR and partners have been able to map the internal movement of refugees within Sudan. Over 217,000 refugees have moved towards safer areas mainly in White Nile and Eastern states. There are an estimated 917,470 refugees and asylum seekers remain in Sudan.
Despite the conflict, UNHCR remains committed to stay and deliver inside Sudan. International and national staff are present in eight locations across the country, delivering protection and assistance to the forcibly displaced population both in response to the emergency and in line with UNHCR's regular programmes. UNHCR Representation in Sudan has continued presence in Darfur, Kordofan, East Sudan, Northern Sudan, White Nile, Blue Nile and the Country Office, which was initially based in Khartoum, has been strategically restructured into three separate locations Port Sudan, Gedaref and Nairobi to better facilitate its oversight functions.
During the deployment period, the office plan to build strong national capacity to facilitate humanitarian access in complex and volatile environments. As part of the deployee's tasks, she/he will assist in capacitating the staff in civil-military coordination and interaction between humanitarian actors.
DESCRIPTION OF TASKS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES WITHIN THE OVERALL PROTECTION STRATEGY
Under the supervision of Deputy Representative will:
a. Access Coordination: Develop and implement strategies to ensure safe and unhindered access to affected populations.
b. Civil-Military Relations: Liaise with military actors to facilitate understanding and adherence to
humanitarian principles, ensuring that military operations do not hinder humanitarian efforts.
c. Security Analysis: Conduct regular security assessments to identify risks to humanitarian operations and propose mitigation measures.
d. Capacity Building: Train UNHCR staff and partners on humanitarian access, negotiation strategies, and civil-military coordination.
e. Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate records of access incidents, civil-military
interactions, and any barriers to humanitarian work, providing regular updates to senior management.
f. Support UNHCR Sudan to facilitate and, where possible, expedite, UNHCR's operational delivery,
including cross-line and cross-border passage based on humanitarian principles;
g. Cultivate a strong relationship with UNHCR colleagues working in Sub-Offices, Field Offices, field units and operational partners to build a network of various internal and external stakeholders to exchange advice on what is needed, and what could be done to resolve, logistical challenges and other bottlenecks.
h. Advise Supply, Programme and other Sections as to "no go" geographic areas as well as
opportunities to expedite the logistical passage, delivery and distribution of CRis and other goods to
waypoints, warehouses and distribution points;
1. In consultation with supply colleagues, review cross border and cross line points to consider and pursue opportunities to ensure safe passage of goods Undertake a mapping of support regional supply access routes, including cross-line and cross-border;
j. Support UNHCR's participation in the Humanitarian Access Working Group, including to gain and
share knowledge of stakeholders, methodologies, advocacy opportunities and best practices.
k. Ensure strong interface with UNHCR and UN security, including opportunities to tap into Humanitarian Civil-Military coordination, including developing policy advice related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance;
I. Advice on policy direction on specific issues related to engagement with armed actors, humanitarian
access and protection issues, preparing policy position papers, SOPs or other tools as requested.
Deliverables:
a. Regular access reports and security assessments.
b. Strategic plans for civil-military coordination and humanitarian access.
c. Training materials and workshops conducted for UNHCR staff and partners.
d. Documentation of best practices and lessons learned in humanitarian access and civil-military coordination.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Deployee will be required to prepare reports following standard forms and deadlines:
• An Initial Report within the first 6 weeks of assignment - optional
• A Final Report (at the end of the assignment or end o f the year)
• A Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) as per Annex
• The quarterly reports and the Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) must be signed by the direct UNHCR supervisor, the technical supervisor and by the regional entity, where applicable and sent to the NGO employer.
OTHER INFORMATION
Living Conditions:
The climate in Port Sudan is hot desert with hot summers and moderately hot winters. The average annual
rainfall is 76 mm. January, February and March are the coldest months with mean daily minimum temperature of 23 ·c whereas June, July and August are the hottest months with daily mean temperature
between 32 to 35 C. There is a UN clime in Port Sudan. Subsequently, Port Sudan is classified as E and non-family duty station with 4 weeks R&R cycle. Sensitivity to the Sudanese culture and dress code is very important. Port Sudan office has a guesthouse for international staff accommodation combined with the office space and there is another guesthouse across the office. The guesthouse is equipped with TV. Food stuffs are available in the local markets and one can eat/buy food in the local restaurants. Bottled water and water dispensers are recommended for drinking as the quality of the tap water is not adequate. The internet connectivity even though stable, can be erratic at times. Staff members are strongly recommended to bring toiletries, medicines that they use regularly, books etc. Assigned staff need to have completed the BSAFE module and produce copies of certification to obtain UN identification card in Sudan and update the TRIP profile.
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.
Receiving Agency: UNHCR
P Level: P4
Location: Port Sudan, Sudan
Duration: 3 months with the possibility of an extension
Language: English and Arabic fluency is required
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Education:
a. Advanced university degree in International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, or a
related field. Relevant military or civil-military coordination experience is an asset.
Experience:
a. A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or other related areas, with a specific focus on civil-military coordination.
b. Proven experience in negotiating access in complex security environments.
c. Previous work experience in conflict zones, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable.
Skills and Competencies:
a. Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to coordinate large-scale humanitarian operations.
b. Negotiation: Expertise in negotiation and conflict resolution, particularly in engaging with military entities and non-state actors.
c. Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
d. Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of the cultural and political context of Sudan, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse team.
e. Resilience: Ability to work under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing situations.
Language:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge another relevant language is an asset.
BACKGROUND
The operational context in Sudan changed drastically when, on 15 April 2023, armed conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing conflict is the latest development in Sudan's stunted transition to democratic governance following the military takeover on 25 October 2021. The conflict has dramatically worsened the humanitarian conditions in Sudan, exacerbated pre-existing intercommunal and ethnic tensions, and triggered massive displacement. As of March 2024, over 8.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict, including 6.6 million internally and over 1 . 8 million who fled outside the country in search of safety and security. Combined with old IDP caseload, Sudan is the largest internal displacement crisis in the world. Current interagency estimates for internal displacement are higher than the recorded IDP movements of the last four years combined, highlighting the largescale humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan and which continues to affect its neighboring countries. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HRP) for Sudan estimates that there are 24.8 million in need of humanitarian assistance mainly due to the ongoing conflict. Ten out of 18 states are considered hard to reach and the humanitarian response in these areas is delivered mainly through cross line and cross border modalities.
Sudan has historically hosted one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. Prior to the conflict, Sudan hosted 1.1 million refugees, majority of whom resided in Khartoum State. Since the start of conflict, UNHCR and partners have been able to map the internal movement of refugees within Sudan. Over 217,000 refugees have moved towards safer areas mainly in White Nile and Eastern states. There are an estimated 917,470 refugees and asylum seekers remain in Sudan.
Despite the conflict, UNHCR remains committed to stay and deliver inside Sudan. International and national staff are present in eight locations across the country, delivering protection and assistance to the forcibly displaced population both in response to the emergency and in line with UNHCR's regular programmes. UNHCR Representation in Sudan has continued presence in Darfur, Kordofan, East Sudan, Northern Sudan, White Nile, Blue Nile and the Country Office, which was initially based in Khartoum, has been strategically restructured into three separate locations Port Sudan, Gedaref and Nairobi to better facilitate its oversight functions.
During the deployment period, the office plan to build strong national capacity to facilitate humanitarian access in complex and volatile environments. As part of the deployee's tasks, she/he will assist in capacitating the staff in civil-military coordination and interaction between humanitarian actors.
DESCRIPTION OF TASKS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES WITHIN THE OVERALL PROTECTION STRATEGY
Under the supervision of Deputy Representative will:
a. Access Coordination: Develop and implement strategies to ensure safe and unhindered access to affected populations.
b. Civil-Military Relations: Liaise with military actors to facilitate understanding and adherence to
humanitarian principles, ensuring that military operations do not hinder humanitarian efforts.
c. Security Analysis: Conduct regular security assessments to identify risks to humanitarian operations and propose mitigation measures.
d. Capacity Building: Train UNHCR staff and partners on humanitarian access, negotiation strategies, and civil-military coordination.
e. Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate records of access incidents, civil-military
interactions, and any barriers to humanitarian work, providing regular updates to senior management.
f. Support UNHCR Sudan to facilitate and, where possible, expedite, UNHCR's operational delivery,
including cross-line and cross-border passage based on humanitarian principles;
g. Cultivate a strong relationship with UNHCR colleagues working in Sub-Offices, Field Offices, field units and operational partners to build a network of various internal and external stakeholders to exchange advice on what is needed, and what could be done to resolve, logistical challenges and other bottlenecks.
h. Advise Supply, Programme and other Sections as to "no go" geographic areas as well as
opportunities to expedite the logistical passage, delivery and distribution of CRis and other goods to
waypoints, warehouses and distribution points;
1. In consultation with supply colleagues, review cross border and cross line points to consider and pursue opportunities to ensure safe passage of goods Undertake a mapping of support regional supply access routes, including cross-line and cross-border;
j. Support UNHCR's participation in the Humanitarian Access Working Group, including to gain and
share knowledge of stakeholders, methodologies, advocacy opportunities and best practices.
k. Ensure strong interface with UNHCR and UN security, including opportunities to tap into Humanitarian Civil-Military coordination, including developing policy advice related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance;
I. Advice on policy direction on specific issues related to engagement with armed actors, humanitarian
access and protection issues, preparing policy position papers, SOPs or other tools as requested.
Deliverables:
a. Regular access reports and security assessments.
b. Strategic plans for civil-military coordination and humanitarian access.
c. Training materials and workshops conducted for UNHCR staff and partners.
d. Documentation of best practices and lessons learned in humanitarian access and civil-military coordination.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Deployee will be required to prepare reports following standard forms and deadlines:
• An Initial Report within the first 6 weeks of assignment - optional
• A Final Report (at the end of the assignment or end o f the year)
• A Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) as per Annex
• The quarterly reports and the Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) must be signed by the direct UNHCR supervisor, the technical supervisor and by the regional entity, where applicable and sent to the NGO employer.
OTHER INFORMATION
Living Conditions:
The climate in Port Sudan is hot desert with hot summers and moderately hot winters. The average annual
rainfall is 76 mm. January, February and March are the coldest months with mean daily minimum temperature of 23 ·c whereas June, July and August are the hottest months with daily mean temperature
between 32 to 35 C. There is a UN clime in Port Sudan. Subsequently, Port Sudan is classified as E and non-family duty station with 4 weeks R&R cycle. Sensitivity to the Sudanese culture and dress code is very important. Port Sudan office has a guesthouse for international staff accommodation combined with the office space and there is another guesthouse across the office. The guesthouse is equipped with TV. Food stuffs are available in the local markets and one can eat/buy food in the local restaurants. Bottled water and water dispensers are recommended for drinking as the quality of the tap water is not adequate. The internet connectivity even though stable, can be erratic at times. Staff members are strongly recommended to bring toiletries, medicines that they use regularly, books etc. Assigned staff need to have completed the BSAFE module and produce copies of certification to obtain UN identification card in Sudan and update the TRIP profile.
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.