Coordinator for the Access Support Unit (ASU)

Functions/ Key Results Expected:  Under the overall guidance of DSC/RC/HC and direct supervision of the Access focal point at UNSCO RCO/CU and the OCHA Head of CMCoord and Access, the ASU Coordinator will be responsible for the operational aspects of the ASU. The core ASU Coordinator responsibilities include supervision of the operations related to the ASU as follows:

● Liaise with the Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli Coordination and Liaison Administration to the Gaza Strip (CLA), the Palestinian Prime Minister’s Office, the Palestinian Ministry of Civil Affairs (MoCA), and other stakeholders, as relevant and appropriate, on the facilitation of access and movement of people.
● Engage with partners, in close coordination with UNSCO and OCHA as well as UN and INGOs, to ensure complementarity of efforts on access, including through the existing coordination mechanisms such as the Humanitarian Access Working Group.
● Oversee operation of a 24/7 access hotline to conduct real-time interventions with relevant authorities to resolve access and movement impediments and incidents.
● Provide information (advisories) and support on the movement of personnel (website, emails, and ACU Live mobile app).
● Provide direct support to the UN, international and Palestinian NGOs across the humanitarian and development spectrum, as well as diplomatic missions, to obtain permits, and special coordination.
● Support UNSCO and OCHA’s negotiations to improve movements of humanitarian and development partners, including in response to new or ongoing measures that restrict humanitarian access.
● Facilitate evacuation of dual nationals from Gaza during escalations.
● In consultation with UNSCO and OCHA, advise the UN Country Team (UNCT) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) on common positions with regard to movements of people (UNCT, SMT, HCT, OMT, AIDA, Security Cell, and donor meetings).
● Work with UNSCO and OCHA to analyze the impact of movement and access restrictions, contribute to relevant public advocacy and information products on access and advise the DSC/RC/HC on appropriate advocacy through established coordination mechanisms.
● Provide access/movement information and analysis for reporting, internal working documents, policy papers, advocacy documents, and talking points to ASU board members and donors.
● Preparation of regular progress reporting for the Project Board and other relevant structures and organizing Project Board meetings on time.
● Under the guidance of OCHA and UNSCO RCO/CU (the Project Executives) and UNOPS Head of Programme, ensure proper planning of ASU activities, delivery and performance monitoring, timely reporting, production of knowledge management tools, team management and performance reviews.
● Supervise and manage ASU staff and tasks to meet ASU goals.
● Identification of bottlenecks to implementation of the project which require intervention and propose solutions.

The above responsibilities are subject to change depending on evolution of the situation and access/movement picture on the ground

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development areas is required.  

• Experience in humanitarian access matters is required, including experience in access negotiations. 

• 1 Year of Experience in team leadership and management is required. 

• Experience in project management, including resource mobilization and financial management, results monitoring as well as stakeholder management in a humanitarian/development context required. 

• At least 5 years of experience at the international level is required. 

• Experience in the UN Common System or other comparable international organizations is desirable.