Uche Isieke Profile

APPLY TO BE A YOUNG LEADER 2020 - UN

Ends on February 22, 2020 (in 2 days)


Apply to be a Young Leader!
Each class of 17 Young Leaders is selected through an open call for applications and rigorous assessment process. All interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are welcome to submit an application.

The call for applications for the selection of the 2020 Class of Young Leaders will be open until the 22nd of February 2020.


 Important information before you begin your application:

You will need to create a free Submittable account in order to complete the application. Click HERE https://submittable.help/en/articles/904856-how-do-i-submitfor a quick guide on how to get started.
You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.

International Climate Protection Fellowship for young climate experts from developing countries

Submit an application, if you are a future leader from a non-European transition or developing country (see list of countries)
are active in any of the following areas: scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health-related or social aspects of climate change
are interested in spending a year working with a host of your choice in Germany on a research-based project you have developed yourself in the field of climate protection and climate-related resource conservation

We offer you

a monthly fellowship of between €2,170 and €2,670, depending on your qualifications
individual mentoring during your stay in Germany
additional financial support for items such as family members accompanying you, travel expenses or a German language course
a three-week introductory phase, during which you will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany
extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help you sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during your entire professional career
 Apply here:https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/pls/web/pub_register.main?p_package=iks&p_lang=en


The closing date for applications is 1 March 2020. 20 fellowships can be granted.

UNILEVER UNVEILS THE FIRST 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC TOOTHBRUSH - ECOLO CLEAN TOOTHBRUSH, IN FRANCE

Meet Unilever’s first 100% recycled plastic toothbrush
Signal’s new Ecolo Clean toothbrushes break the mould. The brush handles are made from fully recycled plastic and come in recyclable paper packaging.


Unilever’s first toothbrush made from 100% recycled plastic has just launched in France, and it’ll be reaching further countries soon.

The new Signal Ecolo Clean toothbrush is made from 100% food-grade post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, while its smart design features a comfortable, ergonomic hollow handle with 40% less plastic than an ordinary toothbrush – saving 10 tonnes of plastic in its first year.

And at the end of its life, the toothbrush needn’t contribute to landfill or disturb fragile ocean ecosystems. It’s 100% recyclable, thanks to a consumer-return partnership with global recycling company TerraCycle®. Consumers in France can simply return their used toothbrushes to one of a number of TerraCycle collection points where they will be recycled. This launch builds on the partnership Unilever has with TerraCycle in many countries.

Ecolo Clean also comes in a paper pack, which is fully recyclable.


Zero plastic, less plastic, better plastic
With this launch, Signal has produced the first toothbrush to tick all the boxes on Unilever’s new commitment to creating a circular economy for plastic – cutting virgin plastic out of the process. And it’s a perfect fit with our agenda on plastics which has three strong pillars: no plastic (the box), less plastic (the light, smart design), and better plastic (the fully recycled plastic handle).

“At the start of 2019 we launched Signal’s first bamboo toothbrush to reduce the brand’s impact on the environment. Now, with Ecolo Clean, we’ve seized this opportunity to lead a massive sustainable change in the toothbrush category,” says Project Leader Leila Esmaeili.

“And this is just the beginning,” she adds. “Across every part of Unilever we have the objective to cut our use of virgin plastic by half and use 100% reusable, recyclable plastic by 2025. We’re working on it now.”

VACANCY: Hoffmann Fellow two-year joint appointment in partnership with World Economic Forum.

New Position: André Hoffmann Fellow: Ocean Innovations
February 12, 2020

The World Economic Forum and Stanford University seek a Hoffmann Fellow for a two-year joint appointment. The Fellow will be based jointly in the Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(“C4IR”) in San Francisco, California, which is dedicated to addressing the possibilities and challenges posed by the rapid pace of technological innovation, the increasing volumes of ocean data and how to
harness their power – from AI to blockchain – and Stanford’s Center for Ocean Solutions (“COS”), which is focused on spurring innovation to sustain the resilience of the ocean and the people who depend on it.

The Fellow will work with Forum partners and Stanford faculty on initiatives to harness the power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water. The Fellow’s primary role will be to lead projects advancing application of new and emerging technology to address ocean challenges.

Deadline for applying is March 22, 2020.

APPLY HERE:https://oceansolutions.stanford.edu/stories-events/new-position-andr-hoffmann-fellow-ocean-innovations-0

Farming for the disabled and orphanage homes is another way I could use to provide food on their dinning table - Liberian farmer

By  Uche Isieke


According to a United Nations account, 500 million small farms worldwide, most still rainfed, provide up to 80 per cent of food consumed in a large part of the developing world. Investing in smallholder women and men is an important way to increase food security and nutrition for the poorest, as well as food production for local and global markets.


Aloysius Robert , a young Liberian farmer,  acknowledging this fact, hence his resolve  to work to improve the live and livelihood of less privileged homes and orphans in his country  through sustainable farming methods to achieve food security.

For over two years, he has engaged more than 300 disabled children from Orphanage Homes, in agriculture production to strengthen their capacity to cope and improve their living conditions.

He said " as agric technician, I'm looking at the food insecurity problem among the disabled,and finding a smart ways of  farming, for the disabled and less fortunate, in sustainable agriculture to tackle hunger and poverty "

Robert's passion was bone out the need to bridge the emotional, physical and social developmental gap among the less fortunate, who are most likely to suffer depression and low self-esteem. Sustainable land management methods such as organic farming, is one way local communities should adopt to enhance or restore degraded soil production capacity, and for healthy foods,while contributing to  the global carbon emission reduction.


Robert is also a volunteer with  Rural Watch Africa Initiative- RUWAI , a non profit that focuses on strengthening the resilience of poor rural communities and the disadvantage groups facing environmental ( land) degradation, climate change impact and poverty. Amongst his  set targets is to acquire relevant skills such as sign language techniques to enable him communicate effectively with the deaf amongst the group. He is also in search of a new knowledge that would strengthen the capacity of  the blind to lead themselves through the farm, without much assistance. He's presently learning new methods to sustainable farming and land management; and better ways of  involving the disabled.

Part of farm produce  from the Orphanage Home garden are sold to food stores ,and income generated are use to carter for their needs.

Rural Watch Africa Initiative- RUWAI has been working with a large number of volunteers across countries of Africa to ensure effective implementation of  the SDGs, to reduce poverty among the rural dwellers, mitigate climate change,while introducing relevant adaptation skills for women,youth and the disabled. With its vision to achieve a greener,resilient and productive Africa, devoid of hunger and poverty induced crisis; RUWAI is transforming  Africa's landscapes for sustainability and prosperity.

SDGs in a Nutshell - a call to action for the goals

The  17 Goals of  the global Sustainable Development  calls for strategic action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

A Rural Watch Africa Initiative volunteer displaying his farm produce.

In achieving the ambitious global targets, the youth must be  at the forefront, armed with relevant skills, knowledge and strategy to accelerate innovative actions for the goals. Reducing poverty and ending hunger would largely be  measured on how much degraded landscapes are restored;  and our quest for environmental sustainability for Africa's prosperity!  #GetInolved  #LandDegradationNeutrality #LDN #SDG #FoodSecurity #ReducePoverty #EndHunger #AfricasProperity #NigerianYouth4ClimateAction

WORK HARD AND PROVE TO THE WORLD THAT YOU CAN BE MADE,USING YOUR HANDS- LATE CANADA BASED - BORN NIGERIAN - CHRISTIAN NWACHUKWU- MESSAGE TO ALL CHANGE MAKERS AROUND THE WOULD

Christian Chukwunyere ( Chu- Chu) Nwachukwu was a skilled, talented and vibrant young Nigerian, based in Canada. As a master's degree student,he had championed social venture called Cc PELLER INTERNATIONAL. A Biomass technologist ,agriculturist, carpenter,and a social entrepreneur committed to impacting his community with his skills,talent and ideas. Chris had indicated his interest to volunteer for an initiative I and my team are championing, for rural resilience,-the Rural Watch Africa Initiative- RUWAI. The younger Chris - Chris Ohuaka , happen to be the late Chuhu's  distant cousin, who earlier told me he was going to bring him in, being  keen in community development.

The late Christian Chukwunyere (Chu Chu) Nwachukwu's contributions during our group discussions and strategy sessions were far enriching and extraordinary.
The last meeting I had with him was on the 14 January, 2019 ,where we strategically brainstormed  toward advancing work of RUWAI. He said " as a social entrepreneur and a  volunteer for community service, I want to prove a point, that we can be made working with our hands". He said though his previous voluntary jobs back in Nigeria could not meet certain expectations, but the idea wasn't to make money, rather to  meet human needs and solve environmental problems.  "Sir, I assure you that we could do a lot more as a team,trust me we can!", he reaffirmed.

Prior to his departure from  Nigeria to Canada, he had volunteered in several non profits and community development projects and programmes ,especially in the area of sustainable energy and agriculture.

Chris had left his Canada base,for USA during the 2019 Christmas holidays, to spend some time with his relatives for the period, with the hope to make it back to Canada thereafter.

Identifying such  a like mind  and a passionate change maker would  a propelling force for transformative action.

  Being a Biomass expert and a craftsman, I said to him," your coming on board would constitute a strategic asset  to the Initiative,focusing on skills transfer and capacity building to enable rural women,youth and disabled, become self - reliant; that way they could be better prepared to tackle climate change and poverty". He again said "I am committed as I am coming to Nigeria next year so we could implement some projects I have in mind"

The late Christian Chukwunyere Nwachukwu who hailed from Mbaize, Imo State, Nigeria, slumped in his apartment in the US  and was quickly rushed  to the hospital but unfortunately could not make it. He gave up on the ghost on the 14 January, 2020.

My dear late brother, comrade, and friend Chris, though it  may appear you died with your noble dreams half- accomplished, I want to assure you with your line of words during our last conversation, " we will do lots,don't worry,I assure you we will,trust me"!


Rest In Peace Christian Nwachukwu (1986 - 2020).

Uche Isieke
Founder/CEO, Rural Watch Africa Initiative- RUWAI

 





Below are collections of Tributes to late Christian Chukwunyere(Chuchu)Nwachukwu,from his friends

This wish list is in memory of a loving one, a person whose ideals and passion towards agriculture, for many times to come, will stand to challenge us to further create solutions and inspire progress.

Chuchu Chris Nwachukwu. You will be missed.


-Williams Haruna




Dear Chuchu Chris Nwachukwu,

Still hard to believe you disappeared.
I know we will all disappeared at one time or the other but I was hoping we still have some precious time to share on this side of the universe.

You left too early

Do you know I still send you message?
So unbelievable that your icon is never popping up again.

Don't worry Yinka
Whenever you are ready
Was the reply you gave me on the 28th when I send you the picture of some Brahma birds advert

I became worried when I didn't hear from you for 3 days.

29th, 30th and 31st
So unusual

We would have some birds or goats or whatever plant to talk about.

Or one project you are investing or planning to invest.
I remembered cautioning you about doing so much project at a time.

Yinka, don't worry
They will soon start maturing
You and goats and chickens..
I will always say

Your love for nature is astonishing
Never met a free soul like that

I message you on the 2nd.
But no reply

It become worrisome by the 4th when you have not message me back
 I sent 2 messages

He might be travelling
Possibly joining some connecting flight.

I thought within
He will get across

On 5th I could not hold it.
I dial your Canada no for the first time
Despite that I know you are in US for the holiday

We hardly called on phone
The chat is convenient for every discussion
Except rare cases

Whatever I was expecting
Whatever I was hoping for
But not what I got

Then she got in touch.

Hey Yinka
Chuchu has been ill
5 days now

The real shock

I prayed for miracle
I hope for miracle
I cried for miracle

But you disappeared
You flew away

The guy with a golden heart
The guy with a large heart
The guy that cut across religion
The guy that care not about your tribe
The guy that has no boundary of kindness
The irreplaceable friend of mine

Now with the angels
Smiling up there
The shining star that you are.


- Yinka Adesola




 It is with my deep and inconsolable sympathy that I announce the passing of my fearless & incomparable big cousin Chukwunyere (AKA Chu Chu) Nwachukwu at 33 years of age.
He graciously came from Canada to visit our family during the holidays and we were honored. We had family meetings to discuss & finalize the fun agenda that we would present to him. Unfortunately, a few days into the visit he fell ill....and later succumbed to his illness. 💔
During his visit, it felt like a big brother was in town! At 6’4”, he towered over everyone! He dropped gems every minute, taught us about the Nwachukwu family, and shared some secrets (hehe). In fact, it’s like he knew more about my dad than me!
This sting and trauma.......can’t be ignored! Wow!
He was a provider, a helper, a teacher, an entrepreneur, a carpenter, a farmer, a feminist, and many more things. If you do not believe me, check his page and see for yourself.  He left behind a wife and a sweet one year old named Maxwell. His spirit, influence, benevolence, and humility will never be forgotten!!
Friends & well wishers, his friend has set up a gofundme page...please consider supporting his wife and son with any amount. The link is in my bio.
We pray for peace that passes all understanding ❤️

#influenza

-Claire Wachukwu



Wow... words cannot express how i feel at the moment when I heard the news of your demise.
Chuchu Chris Nwachukwu you were one of my realist gee's, so humble, easy going, kind hearted.
You stood a giant among we all... I am really gonna miss you bro. Till then RIP mate. So sad!

-Charles Enakele


I found a brother in stranger!
Words can’t express how i feel about your sudden dismissal bro!...
For few days I have been hoping to see a mgs  that you re still here with us,I mourn no more because I know you re in heaven already.
I say thank you for your advise,for your support,for your honesty,for your love and for being you.
Chai...you can back nd still made out time to come visit my farm then all the way to ikorodu even tho non of my family here in Nigeria have visited before 🤧🤧
This world isn’t our home ,you are an angel in human form.May the good lord grant you eternal peace nd grant your beautiful wife  Nisha Reddyh Nwachukwu ,family the strength to overcome during this difficult time.
I miss you Chuchu Chris Nwachukwu,my husband miss you too.Rip bro

-  Ifeajekwu Chioma



Oh death... Why??? Its still hard to believe you are gone Chuchu Chris Nwachukwu.

I basically lost every touch of trust in humanity growing up but just a contact with you, you reintroduced #humanity to me.

My very first supporter for IBuildNigeria. You did be in faraway #Canada, yet cheering me up to look beyond my personal limitations.

You were prompt to even send thousands of dollars worth of hand tools to aid my works without a blink save for the
110V issh.

I had to resist you with my all to stop you from using credit card to pay for my first website hosting when you have had personal debts from helping people who had turn to betray you yet you believed in my dream.

My heart is with the baby  and our #ChennaiExpress wifey. Heartbroken I am.... Oh death! Whhyyyyyyy....

- Jotham Ajibade



 Chuchu Nwachukwu, can't believe I'd be saying good night so soon. I wished it were one of those skits, I hoped the news was false. You'd pick on the first ring, you were one of the real ones. Good memories bro... You were certainly a kind fellow, you were an awesome husband and dad to your family. We spoke not too long, you were gonna call me back. At least you coulda called back. Time's so short mehn. You were deliberate about helping people, you'd go above and beyond...it didn't mean a thing to you....yes you and Nisha did it for me and I will never forget. You were a good friend boy, you were a good man. Today you rest. Sleep tight. Your good friend Hope Sanya




Last week I was complaining to my sister that the messages I've been sending to you has not been replied, that was so unlike you.

This terrible news of your sudden demise is still shocking to me.

I remember how you were complaining about your health towards the ending of 2019, who would've thought that the minor health mishap would've led to your death?

This feels like a horrible nightmare. 😥😥

You were always a pillar of support.
You lived a selfless life.
You were a lover of people.
Your life on earth is the true definition of the ALTRUISM.

REST IN PEACE BROTHER.
I miss you and the positivity and good vibes you brought into my life.

May God almighty grant you eternal rest and may he give your wife the grace to bear this burden.

Goodbye BROTHER.
Goodbye to a great ICON.
Goodbye PAPA MAX.

- Onyenucheya Amarachi  Sharon



A Dirge For Our Loved One ❤️ Chuchu

Humanity was his religion.
Happiness was his daily pursuit.
He lived a fulfilled life and loved his family dearly.

May his loving soul continue to be with us.
Rest In Peace Peller. Until We Meet Again.


- DanEmbassy TV



We regret the passing away of the CEO/MD, CCPeller International Ltd in January 13, 2020 after a brief illness.

Chuchu lived an exemplary life of benevolence and service to humanity. He touched many lives with abundance of love during his short tenure in life.

Humanity was his religion. Happiness was his daily pursuit. He lived a fulfilled life and loved his family dearly.

May his loving soul continue to be with us. Rest In Peace Peller.

- CcPeller International Ltd.



I never would have thought i would be posting such about you, but who am I to question God.

He gives and he takes, i know you are in a much better place, far away from this wicked world.

You touched my life in ways words can't express

When I reminisce about the good old days, our dog experiences, travel adventures, our school days, our future plan to own one of the biggest farm in Africa,  It's just so difficult to hold back tears.

My consolation is that you lived a life worth emulating, you touched so so many lives positively, beyond my imagination.

 I wish to be half the man you were. It's a great challenge to me and I will surely make you proud.

In all, we Give thanks..... You may be gone but certainly NEVER FORGOTTEN.

YOU ARE A LEGEND AND LEGENDS NEVER DIE.......REST ON MY BROTHER 🙏

-Sunmomu Lanre Slimbone
[08/02, 7:01 p.m.] .: "Life asked death, 'Why do people love me but hate you?' Death responded, 'Because you are a beautiful lie and I am a painful truth."

—Author unknown

On our friend who past away a week ago, his dearest wife have this to say in her post about her husband....

" Life is short so make the most of it"  . This is so true when it comes to chuchu . He lived his life to the fullest. Always helpful , full of positivity and always ready to encourage everyone to achieve thier dreams.

Me... Thank you Nisha for encouraging Chuchu to live his best.

The morning he past away i was shocked to see his wife message on my inbox telling me about his demise, we had a chat in December, we didn't exchange pleasantry during the Christmas/new year celebration, i dropped message haven not heard from him with no response after few days, i was a bit concern but again i know I'll definitely hear from him, my waiting to hear from him didn't come until i saw his wife message, then I know a good guy has gone.

Mosti times when i have meeting with our team either some or one of them or I'm discussing with my wife l kept emphasising that i can die anything time, some will seem to rebuke the statement, some will look down or say maybe this guy doesn't know what he is saying, some will say you will die but not now but the big question is why are we so selfish about death?

A word in hausa language says "Mutuwa riga kowa" meaning "Death is everyone shirt" as long you are born, you will die.

I humorously like telling people if you say this is a wicked world why are we not happy when someone died?

Listen.....
Children die.
Youth die
Adult die
Men die.
Women die
Sick people die
Healthy people die, oh, death is indeed riga kowa (Everyone shirt)

Haven lost my direct kid brother and my dad, i know what its means to wake up and not to see a member of of your family any more.

My point, what purpose is the purpose of having life and desiring longevity without a purpose?

I told my wife this week "The reason why we eat, well, rest well to keep fit should be because of purpose" why do we do all of  these for no reason only because we want to live long?

Why do we want to live long?

What are we doing today?

Are we part of the people causing problem or part of the people bringing solutions to the world?

Why do we seat down to waste time and energy discussing other people good works, are we their God?

Have the humility and humanity to allow those doing good to be encourage to continue to do good, or do you want them to do evil so you can have something to say?

You think doing good is showing up, well, you only see the act you can judge the heart, this is why you need to put away your judgemental cap and appreciate good doers either they are doing it for show or for the kingdom, you can't tell, it's hell to try to be motive dector.

Do we really have time to do all the things we are desiring to do in this life?

Do we really need to wait for people to die for them to be celebrated, love or giving kind words?

There's time and season for everything including time to be born or time to die, therefore let's have a reflection on death, let's embrace death as part of life as we learn to mourn the family of the deceased.

Answer this as it relate to you

What is longevity to you? Or why do you want to live long?

"Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one's head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no to-morrow. To forget time, to forget life, to be at peace."
Oscar Wilde, The Canterville Ghost

We mourn the death
We cry at their grave
But lesson does their exit teaches us?

Mind your business
Do you work
Bless humanity
Glorify the Father

I only met Chuchu once in Nigeria, he work and based in Canada but has greath impact in Nigeria, one thing you will not take from him is the respect and support he gives to the "Have not" people some of us will consider less, Chuchu thank you for you good works.

- Bashiru Oyahkiloma Adamu



Shocked, dumbfounded, dazed, are all understatements of my reaction to your demise😳😳😳
A tribute to you , Your simplicity & easy going nature speaks for itself. We are saddened by this loss but find refuge knowing that you are in a better place. Rest in peace Bros🙏🙏🙏

- Charles Papi



 This is Chuchu Chris Nwachukwu, a kind-friendly soul who had a great outlook on life. I met him while at college here in Clarenville and we quickly became friends. He was a go getter, a visionary, and he loved his family. Sadly, unimaginable, he quickly passed without warning and his family are facing some tough times ahead.

I know we are a giving community and I ask you all to help. Spend the money on a cold-plate, donate your time, donate food items, and help spread the word. It’s devastating to think of this sweet baby growing up to never have the chance to hug his dad again and Nisha Reddy Nwachukwu I know she is heartbroken.

-Cyndi Hickey




I thought it could be a rumour, thought I
could here the opposite of dead.
Why should this be truth about you?
Why leaving without any body taken your place in my heart.
You're too good to miss in this condition, but will forever miss you.
Goodbye my boss.

- Okoh Dickon



Losing a Dear Friend hurts!! But then again, I have to know and believe that God has His reasons and man can't search His Thoughts... It really took me a while to digest! Even Bode, your buddy is still in shock.
Rest easy and well Chuchupeller.
May God always strengthen Nisha and Maxwell.

- Lawani Joy Unekhia



In 2016 when the herdsmen ravaged Agatu, I used my platform to mobilize resources and funds for the IDPs that fled to Otukpo from Agatu. I raised a million naira  and invested the same amount in their early recovery plan back home as we jointly agreed (this was exclusively donations and none of these funds went into what we used in feeding the IDPs we sheltered in Otukpo for about a week).
It was during that era that Yinka Adesola, a highly revered friend on Facebook reached out to me to notify me of a friend's intentions to support the IDPs in Agatu. Chuchu Chris Nwachukwu made donations and that was my first encounter with him. We moved on to become friends, we spoke all the time and I introduced him to different people and projects which he generously supported in Benue south. Chuchu was the first to sponsor some of our youths to Ago Amodu to study organic cropping and farm management. He donated vocational equipments as well,  with the hope that we would eventually establish a vocational centre someday. Some of the young men he trained and gave startup grants are independent and are engaged in their businesses today. There was hardly any project that Chuchu wasn't interested in, provided the greater goal is for the upliftment of humanity. He had a lot of plans and was working towards actualizing them.
Chuchu and his family visited the US from Canada where he resides for the Christmas holiday and he took ill. Every efforts to get him out of coma didn't  yield any positive result. Unfortunately we lost him. Chuchu was a humanist who loved humanity, animals, plants and nature. His friends in Canada have established a GoFundMe account to support his medical bills and funeral logistics as they plan to bring his corpse home. Kindly follow the link on this post and support them in any way you can.  Our love, prayers and support  to the wife, Nisha and son. We will continue to stand by you and the family.

- Andy Kaggwa Obeya



MY BEST FRIEND AND BROTHER IS GONE😭

I never wished a day like this would come to anyone close to me. My brother and best friend’s strange and sudden demise crushes my heart terribly. No day passes without me thinking of you as there was always something to talk about. You supported me in ways no one could, not even my blood. You cared for people you’ve never met, many lives have been touched with your kindness.
You’re huge! A Giant but with the sweetest of heart. Your friendship is second to non and I will always have you in my heart ❤️ Rest on brother. We will meet again. Chuchu I miss you a lot

-DanEbassy TV

Vacancy: Senior humanitarianism officer - UN

Job Opening

Posting Title: Senior

Humanitarian Affairs

Officer / Deputy Head of

Office, P5 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: SENIOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER

Department/Office: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Duty Station: JUBA; KINSHASA;

Posting Period: 31 January 2020 - 13 February 2020

Job Opening Number: 20-Humanitarian Affairs-OCHA-131118-J- (X)
Staffing Exercise N/A





Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in the Operations and Advocacy Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principles humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

This job opening is being published for two (2) positions: one in Juba, with OCHA South Sudan and the other one in Kinshasa, with OCHA Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officers will act as the Deputy Head of Office and will report to the Head of Office of OCHA South Sudan and OCHA DRC respectively.

NOTE: In the cover letter of your application, please indicate in which of the position(s) and duty station(s) you would be interested in and also rank them in order of preference - with #1 being the most preferred.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Deputy Head of Office will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides authoritative technical and policy advice to senior management in OCHA and other agencies in the UN system, Member State officials, international and regional organizations on programmes, projects and issues of significant impact on humanitarian, emergency relief and disaster response/management efforts.
• Monitors the performance of the institution’s humanitarian mandate; influences the development and evolution of the UN approach to humanitarian affairs; designs and implements significant policy and programme changes to address country, regional, global humanitarian affairs issues, including gender considerations; conceptualizes the linkages with the political and peacekeeping functions in the Secretariat.
• Develops/ensures implementation of coherent humanitarian/disaster response strategies and procedures.
• Conceptualizes, formulates and manages major projects; leads and directs a multi-agency team in carrying out disaster assessment or other missions; initiates, mobilizes and coordinates international humanitarian/emergency assistance for exceptionally complex situations or major disasters; ensures necessary support (e.g. staff, funding, specialized equipment, supplies, etc.); prepares situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries.
• Manages the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
• Leads capacity building initiatives; identifies bottlenecks and gaps and develops proposals to improve response systems and mechanisms, to include technical assistance in the design of specific coordination and other systems/mechanisms; organizes and participates as trainer/resource person in national and international training seminars.
• Serves as primary liaison with non-UN entities, including senior host government officials, donor representatives, NGO officials, the media, etc., in emergency situations.
• Establishes overall work plan and budget.
• Leads and directs a team of staff; may oversee activities for a discrete work section or equivalent; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment, selection and training of new staff and in the development of training programs.
• Organizes and/or chairs inter-agency and other international meetings, conferences, task forces; presents views and policies of the unit/institution.
• Initiates, supervises and finalizes position papers and related submissions; prepares diverse reports, papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents, statements, presentations, etc. for senior management.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of full range of humanitarian and emergency relief assistance and related humanitarian issues. Ability to advise senior management and other senior officials on approaches and techniques to address highly complex/sensitive issues. Demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of humanitarian and emergency relief issues/problems. Sound knowledge of the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) and Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and ability to implement on behalf of the humanitarian community. Strong skills in humanitarian programming, humanitarian financing, especially with the Country Based Pooled Fund (CBPF) mechanism. Demonstrated capacity for original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other issues/problems. Ability to negotiate and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to humanitarian affairs and seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required.
Five (5) years of relevant experience at the international level is required. Four (4) years of relevant professional field experience in the coordination of a humanitarian response in a context of complex emergency or natural disaster is required.
Four (4) years of relevant professional field experience in the coordination of a humanitarian response in a context of complex emergency or natural disaster is required.
Experience in the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable.
Experience in the region is desirable.
At least three (3) years management experience at a senior level is desirable.

Languages
Fluency in English is required for both positions. In addition, French is required for the position in Kinshasa. Knowledge of another UN official language (preferably Arabic) is desirable.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. APPLY HERE :https://inspira.un.org/psp/PUNA1J/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Action=A&UNAction=Apply&JobOpeningId=131118&languageCd=ENG&

Special Notice
• This temporary position is intended to fill the functions of short-term duration of six (6) months with the possibility of extension. The selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible.

• A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further "stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…" Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified.

• Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed on positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions.

• The expression "Internal candidates", shall mean staff members who have been recruited after a competitive examination under staff rule 4.16 or after the advice of a central review body under staff rule 4.15.

• Please note that candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

• For information on special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17. For more details on the administration of temporary appointments please refer to ST/AI/20

• The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English.

• Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

• Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" hyper-link on the upper right side of Inspira account holder homepage.

• Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

• Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time)on the deadline date.

• Candidates found suitable and not selected for the announced duty station, may be selected for deployment to other duty stations. The selection will be for similar functions with similar requirements at the same level.