Humanitarian Adviser – Terms of Reference
Humanitarian Advisers are competent humanitarian professionals who can work
strategically to influence internal and international processes, and who are able to
design and implement programmes on the ground. Advisors provide specialist
advice, analysis and support during a response.
Advisors will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to network effectively. They
will be able to work in collaboration with a range of partners and disciplines across
Whitehall and with humanitarian agencies at country level.
Main Job Purpose
Provide humanitarian advice to guide a DFID humanitarian response.
Essential Qualifications, skills and experience required
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Significant experience of leading a response to a rapid onset disaster/complex
emergency
Extensive senior level experience of working in developing countries and/or in
fragile and conflict affected environments
Strong programme management skills
Substantial demonstrable experience of working in a senior capacity in
humanitarian operational environments, in a head office and field environment
Excellent networking and representational skills at all levels, including
Government, UN, RC Movement and NGOS
Demonstrable knowledge and experience of humanitarian theory, practice and
architecture, humanitarian risk assessment and planning and managing
humanitarian responses.
Exceptional organisational and prioritisation, and ability to deal with a varied,
demanding, often conflicting and rapidly changing workload.
Ideally, a Master’s level qualification or equivalent in a subject relating to the
humanitarian field
Technical competences required
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Humanitarian risks assessment and analysis
Planning and managing humanitarian responses
Humanitarian theory, practice and architecture.
Disaster resilience theory, practice and architecture.
Practical experience of running humanitarian operations
Knowledge of the development effectiveness agenda, the international
development system, and institutional and organisational knowledge
Desirable skills
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Team Leadership
Disaster Coordination and Management
Contingency planning at government level
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Briefing at senior level
Information Management and reporting
Humanitarian advisory capability (generalist and technical)
Training of staff
Programme management and coordination
Financial management and accounting
HR and administration
Security management
Full driving licence
Responsibilities
Humanitarian Adviser responsibilities may include:
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Support DFID and/or DFID partner disaster impact and needs assessments.
Recommend programme priorities and strategies as well as appropriate delivery
methods.
Liaise with DFID staff including field teams (as required), FCO, MoD officials, UN,
Red Cross/Crescent and NGO personnel as required.
Review partner programme concept notes and project proposals.
Track global response budgets and donor pledges.
Monitor and report on the performance of international agencies and DFID’s
partners.
Identify institutional strengths and weaknesses and advise remedial actions.
Provide humanitarian reports and analysis.
Lead field teams (with responsibility for safety and security)
Support Field Team Leaders with humanitarian and technical advice as required.
Represent DFID to international forums, overseas governments and authorities.
Attend and support international coordination mechanisms as required.
Provide advice to CHASE OT HQ management.
Give technical advice as appropriate and as required.
Assist the development of DFID business cases for response interventions.