How long has OCHA been in Somalia?

OCHA’s presence in Somalia dates back to 1999 with the establishment of a UN Coordination Unit. A full-fledged OCHA office came into being in 2003. Since 1999, OCHA’s coordination role has grown in relevance as well as in size as the humanitarian situation has developed in the country. In the last years, as Somalia has experienced over three years of consecutive drought, the tsunami, floods, continued inter/intra clan violence, chronic food insecurity, environmental degradation, displacement and most recently widespread fighting, OCHA Somalia has increasingly expanded and persevered in its efforts to mobilise and coordinate an effective and principled inter-agency humanitarian response.

How many OCHA Offices are there in Somalia?

See the OCHA Somalia Factsheet for updated information on field offices.The field offices are supported by a central office in Nairobi.

What does OCHA do in a complex emergency like Somalia?

OCHA plays a critical role in supporting a coordinated response to an emergency by the aid community. Humanitarian coordination is based on the belief that a coherent approach to emergency response will maximise its benefits and minimise potential pitfalls, such as duplication or aid response gaps. A coordinated response will facilitate development of common strategies and joint responses thus maximisation of resources. OCHA promotes the respect for and compliance with humanitarian principles, in particular for the protection of vulnerable civilian populations. Advocacy is a key element to bringing international attention and support to crises but also engagement and commitment by national and local authorities. OCHA is particularly invested in securing unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to vulnerable populations in need of assistance.

How do I find out about job opportunities with OCHA?

OCHA posts all of its international vacancies on Relief Web.