Director, Crisis Response Division, D2

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) seeks an exceptional Director for the Crisis Response Division (D2 level) based in New York. This senior leadership position offers the opportunity to lead global humanitarian coordination efforts and make a significant impact on crisis response worldwide.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

OCHA's mission is to ensure principled, timely, and coherent humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors, to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; support the rights and needs of affected people; promote preparedness and risk-informed planning; and facilitate sustainable solutions.

The Crisis Response Division plays a central role in advancing the Humanitarian Reset, ensuring that OCHA's operational response is agile, country-focused, and aligned with Reset priorities. Through simplified structures, strengthened HQ–country connectivity, and clarified operational accountabilities, the Division drives effective, risk-aware, and coherent humanitarian action in crises.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and manage the Crisis Response Division, providing strategic and technical leadership across OCHA to ensure effective, principled, and timely humanitarian operations in the field enabling assistance to reach affected people with maximum impact

• Lead advocacy and negotiation on access, protection, and system-wide humanitarian priorities, ensuring consistent, evidence-based messaging on the rights and needs of affected people

• Contribute to the formulation of division's strategies and policies. Participate in interdivisional and inter-agency forums, prepare policy guidance, and act in an advisory capacity to the USG/ERC and ASG/DERC

• Provide day-to-day operational and management oversight and support to OCHA's field offices to ensure effective and timely response in crisis situations

• Lead the development of coherent, risk-informed, and context-appropriate strategies for crisis-affected countries, including development of transitions and exit strategies

• Oversee management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinate work throughout OCHA and with other UN organizations, donors and agencies

• Represent OCHA at governmental meetings concerned with humanitarian aid and brief intergovernmental bodies including the Security Council

• Manage, guide, develop and train staff, fostering teamwork and communication across organizational boundaries

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in administration, international affairs, social or natural sciences or related area required
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:
• Over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance, emergency preparedness, disaster or crisis management, or related area required
• Experience in managing complex operational responses and field coordination in emergencies, including advising senior leadership on operational contexts, required
• At least 7 years of senior management experience at the international level, including leading and managing large cross-functional teams from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, required
• Experience in strategic operational response and implementing system-wide initiatives, including leading reform or transformation efforts, required
• At least 5 years of experience at the international level with the United Nations or other comparable international organization desirable

Languages:
• English required (UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
• French desirable (UN Level III proficiency)

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism and mastery of humanitarian affairs and crisis management
• Accountability and ownership of responsibilities
• Leadership ability to inspire and empower teams
• Strategic vision for humanitarian coordination
• Strong judgment and decision-making capabilities
• Commitment to gender equality and diversity

DUTY STATION

New York, NY

Note: Staff members are subject to assignment by the Secretary-General and may be required to move periodically to different duty stations.

DEADLINE

March 25, 2026

Job Opening ID: 271476