Senior Strategic Leadership Advisor - Humanitarian Operations

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)

Lead the strategic direction and operational planning for multi-country humanitarian responses, ensuring alignment with global frameworks. Key responsibilities include: developing and implementing strategic leadership frameworks; advising senior management on crisis response strategies; overseeing integrated planning across field offices; and fostering partnerships with UN agencies, INGOs, and donors. Requirements: Advanced university degree in Strategic Leadership, International Relations, or related field. Minimum 10 years of experience in humanitarian operations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Proven track record in strategic planning, change management, and leading diverse teams in complex emergencies. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Fluency in English; knowledge of French or Arabic is an asset.
### Strategic Analysis UNOCHA's Senior Strategic Leadership Advisor role is pivotal in East Africa, where complex humanitarian crises demand agile, coherent responses. This position bridges global priorities and field operations, ensuring that country offices not only align with but actively drive the humanitarian agenda. By developing multi-year frameworks, the advisor enables proactive rather than reactive interventions, crucial in a region facing conflict, climate shocks, and displacement. Mentoring senior leaders fosters local capacity and sustainability, while facilitating donor and member state forums enhances resource mobilization and political support. This role is a linchpin for organizational transformation, embedding accountability and innovation into humanitarian action. In a landscape of shrinking funds and growing needs, strategic leadership is not a luxury but a necessity for effective, principled aid delivery. Ultimately, this advisor ensures UNOCHA remains fit for purpose, delivering life-saving assistance to millions.