Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Specialist

In order to make humanitarian assistance in crisis and conflict contexts as effective as possible, programs must be adapted to the actual needs of the population. AAP specialists ensure that the concerns, perceptions and interests of the population are taken into account at every stage of program planning and implementation. In doing so, they ensure that organizations better meet their responsibilities and accountability to the population affected by a crisis. In order to do this, AAP specialists work closely with affected people to identify their real needs and concerns.

They place a special focus on ensuring that AAP is specifically involved in methods of needs assessment. AAP specialists ensure that findings from the needs assessment are shared with relevant stakeholders and incorporated into program planning, for example by regularly consulting with the Humanitarian Country Team or conducting targeted trainings on AAP-related topics. They also strengthen cross-organizational communication mechanisms and ensure that the crisis-affected population has the best possible access to relevant information and feedback mechanisms.

• University or technical college degree in political science, social science, communications, international relations or a similar field;
• Several years of professional experience in the desired professional profile in a humanitarian setting (or equivalent);
• Sound knowledge in information management, as well as methods of qualitative and quantitative data collection;
• Sound experience in needs assessment;
• Experience in developing and implementing community engagement strategies;
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder working groups to achieve common goals;
• Excellent interagency collaboration, strategic engagement, and negotiation skills.