Associate Protection Officer

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UNHCR - UN High Commissioner for Refugees

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Wednesday 15 Jun 2022 at 00:00 UTC

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Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

This UNV assignment is requested to support the Protection Cluster in South Sudan, one of the largest and most complex protection clusters globally. Various emergencies (massive floods of last three years, sub-national violence) continue to affect communities and cause new displacement across the country. Compounded economic crisis and impact of COVID-19, including restrictions on certain businesses and border closures create challenging operational environment. At the same time there are signs of possible solutions and development, resulted in return of refugees and IDPs to the areas of origin. The PC in South Sudan is led by UNHCR and co-led by NRC with over 150 international and national cluster members. In 2022, the PC supports more than 70 HRP partners, covering major protection areas of responsibility and responding to emergency displacement situations, child protection, GBV, Mine Action, HLP programming and ensures that all clusters, working under the IASC system in South Sudan mainstream protection priorities in their response. The incumbent is expected

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Senior Protection Cluster Coordination Officer in Juba, the UN Volunteer Associate Protection Officer will:

• To provide technical support to the PC Coordinator and team members in liaison with thematic working groups (Area of Responsibility - AoRs) under the PC (GBV, Child Protection, Mine Action, Housing, Land and Property TWG), as well as protection working groups/focal points at state level to ensure follow-up of recommendations and alerts on protection incidents, input into joint analysis, advocacy initiatives, protection strategies. • Collection of information and analysis of protection data, in the form of reports, maps and databases, and contribute to research of data and analysis in support to the Protection Cluster advocacy initiatives, preparing drafts of various documents for the Cluster, including reports, advocacy notes, etc. • Regular updates to the databases maintained by the Protection Cluster through protection monitoring, identifying needs and incidents; • Participation in field missions, making direct contact with persons of concern, host communities, local authorities and partners, producing reports on the protection needs of the areas assessed. • Technical support to the Protection Cluster Coordinator in leading the Housing, Land and Property TWG through drafting documents, settling meetings, maintaining constant contact with members and reviewing activities. • Support to the Mobile Protection Coordination Forum, ensuring the effective coordination and deployment of mobile protection teams throughout the country.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers program mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Program for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active Protection Cluster team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to INGOs, NNOs, UN agencies, including to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Coordinate production of Monthly newsletter of the Protection Cluster through collecting inputs from AORs, preparing a draft for further review by the PC Coordinator; • To ensure that the invitations to the respective meetings, run by the Cluster are arranged and set and respective documents are produced/shared; • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to [UNHCR]; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to [UNHCR] procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [UNHCR] in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Protection, Coordination, or other relevant programs; experience with Information and/or data management. • experience working in the UN or other international development organization or at the national and/or international level is an asset. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Ability to draft reports, minutes, other documents and inputs in a rather short pressing deadlines; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Ability and willingness to travel to the field. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in protection, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The security situation in South Sudan is generally stable at the national level, but remains fragile and fluid in a complex and unpredictable environment. There are isolated small-scale outbreaks of low intensity and localized armed conflict, sub-national conflict over a diverse range of issues including cattle raids, competition for resources and revenge attacks in several areas and sporadic incidents of civil unrest, as well as crime. The security situation has significantly improved in most areas, but big challenges remain, with the slow implementation of the revitalized peace agreement. The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in most areas. Security Risk Management measures in place: - UN Curfew is in force across the country, but timing differs from one SRM Area to another - International staff must request and receive security clearance for official and non-official travel. National personnel must request and receive security clearance for all official travel - International staff on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members - All UN female staff must be accommodated in UN residential compound - Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) to be conducted in areas with HIGH Risk level and above - All international staff, including UNVs and International Contractors working for UN, and national staff are issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and VHF radios Living Conditions South Sudan is classified as an E non-family, high risk, duty station with a 6-week R&R cycle. UN curfew is from 19:00 to 06:00 in Juba. Movement to and from locations require official vehicle transport. There are very limited medical facilities in South Sudan, with facilities concentrated in Juba. All international staff reside in UNHCR provided accommodation which are equipped with furniture, cafeteria, housekeeping services, and a gym or some sports equipment. In Juba, all basic foods are available in the market ranging from meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. There are a few hotels with pools and restaurants where staff can visit, following COVID-protocols. While in the field, food supply varies depending on the season. South Sudan is a unique country and is a unique complex humanitarian operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org