FAQ

What is 'OCHA'?
What is 'ROAP'?
What does OCHA do?
How can I contact the OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific?
Where can I get the latest humanitarian information?
How can I work with the UN and/or OCHA?
How can I volunteer to help the UN and/or OCHA?
How can I donate money or relief items to OCHA?
Where does OCHA work?
What is 'IASC'?
What is 'CAP'?
What is 'CHAP'?
What is a 'Flash Appeal'?
What is 'CERF'?
Can I use text, images, maps etc. from the OCHA ROAP website?
Can I link from my website to the OCHA ROAP site?

What is 'OCHA'?
OCHA is the 'Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs'.

What is 'ROAP'?
ROAP is the 'Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific'.

What does OCHA do?
OCHA was established to facilitate the work of operational agencies that deliver humanitarian assistance to populations and communities in need. OCHA supports UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators (RCs/HCs) with needs assessments, contingency planning and the formulation of humanitarian programmes. OCHA also provides response tools, advocacy and information services. The head of OCHA, as Emergency Relief Coordinator, chairs the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), which comprises all major humanitarian actors, including the Red Cross Movement and three non-governmental organizations (NGO) consortiums. By developing common policies, guidelines and standards, the IASC assures a coherent inter-agency response to complex emergencies and natural and environmental disasters. OCHA also chairs the Executive Committee for Humanitarian Affairs (ECHA) that makes recommendations to the Secretary-General and develops common UN position on humanitarian issues. Visit the ROAP website ‘About Us’ section for more information about OCHA.

How can I contact the OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific?
Please write to ocha-roap@un.org, clearly stating your purpose, and your message will be forwarded to the appropriate person.

Where can I get the latest humanitarian information?
The most comprehensive and up-to-date source of humanitarian information is the OCHA ReliefWeb website. For accurate and impartial reporting on humanitarian issues worldwide, please visit the OCHA IRIN website.

How can I work with the UN and/or OCHA?
The OCHA ReliefWeb website is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of vacancy information for UN and OCHA job vacancies. You may subscribe to receive a regular listing of the latest vacancies.

How can I volunteer to help the UN and/or OCHA?
The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) programme is the volunteer arm of the UN, providing skilled professional staff for all UN agencies including OCHA. Visit the UNV website to find out more about the programme, view see the latest vacancies and apply online.

How can I donate money or relief items to OCHA?
OCHA does not accept relief items, but does serve as a channel for cash contributions for immediate relief assistance in coordination with relevant organizations in the UN system. Please visit the OCHA Online website for detailed instructions on making cash donations to OCHA.

Where does OCHA work?
OCHA has six regional offices: in Asia & the Pacific (Bangkok), Central and East Africa (Nairobi), Southern Africa (Johannesburg), West Africa (Dakar), Middle East, North Africa, Iran & Afghanistan (Dubai) and Latin America & the Caribbean (Panama). OCHA has headquarters in New York and Geneva. OCHA operates through more than twenty field offices. There is a comprehensive map showing all OCHA offices at the OCHA Online website.

What is 'IASC'?
The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is an inter-agency forum for coordination, policy development and decision-making involving key UN and non-UN humanitarian partners. Under the leadership of the Emergency Relief Coordinator, the IASC develops humanitarian policies, agrees on a clear division of responsibility for the various aspects of humanitarian assistance, identifies and addresses gaps in response, and advocates for effective application of humanitarian principles. For more information please visit the IASC website.

What is 'CAP'?
The Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) is a tool used by aid organisations to plan, coordinate, fund, implement and monitor their activities. As a planning and programming tool, the CAP contributes significantly to developing a more thoughtful approach to humanitarian action. As a coordination mechanism, the CAP fosters closer cooperation between host governments, donors, aid agencies, and in particular, between NGOs, the Red Cross movement, UN agencies and IOM. Please visit the Humanitarian Appeal website for more information about CAP.

What is 'CHAP'?
The Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) is a strategic plan for humanitarian response in a given country or region. Please visit the Humanitarian Appeal website for more information about CHAP.

What is a 'Flash Appeal'?
The Flash Appeal is a tool for structuring a coordinated humanitarian response for the first three to six months of an emergency. UN Resident or Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) triggers a Flash Appeal in consultation with other stakeholders and it is usually issued within a week of an emergency. Flash Appeals provide a concise overview of urgent life saving needs, and may include recovery projects that can be implemented within the timeframe of the appeal. Please visit the Humanitarian Appeal website for more information about Flash Appeals.

What is 'CERF'?
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is a stand-by fund established by the UN to enable more timely and reliable humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. The CERF is funded by voluntary contributions from around the globe from UN Member States, private businesses, foundations and individuals. The CERF allows the UN to react immediately when a disaster strikes by making funding available for life-saving activities. Please visit the CERF website for more information.

Can I use text, images, maps etc. from the OCHA ROAP website?
You may in principle use content from the ROAP website for non-commercial purposes. Please credit “OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific” where applicable. Please contact ocha-roap@un.org with specific queries about the use of content from the OCHA ROAP website.

Can I link from my website to the OCHA ROAP site?
You may in principle link to the ROAP site from your website. Please link to the ROAP home page rather than ‘deep linking’ to specific content, which may be moved. Please contact ocha-roap@un.org with specific queries about linking to/from the OCHA ROAP website.