Associate Protection Officer (GBV)

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.

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Colombia is the country most impacted by the outflow of over 5.9 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants, hosting over 1.84 million Venezuelans, the majority of whom in an irregular situation or in the process of regularization. In addition, and despite the 2016 Peace Agreement, conflict and armed violence continue to uproot Colombians (an estimated 650,000 people newly displaced by the internal conflict since November 2016) and, in a growing and worrying trend, also Venezuelans and other nationalities.

In February 2021, the Government of Colombia issued a Temporary Protection Status (TPS) that is likely to benefit the 1.84 million Venezuelans already in Colombia as well as those who arrive through official border points over the next two years. The TPS provides a 10-year protection status and access to a full range of rights including healthcare, education, formal employment, and financial inclusion. However, xenophobia against Venezuelans has considerably increased in the last year, and it is projected to worsen with the introduction of the TPS. Misinformation and the perceptions that Venezuelans will take away job opportunities from Colombians, fuel general discontent and makes it even more difficult for refugees and migrants to secure a job. Nonetheless, UNHCR believes that TPS is a very promising pathway for addressing the vulnerable situation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants who are in an irregular situation. This situation continues to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has had a devastating impact in Colombia, especially on refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities.

Under the direct supervision of CB Protection Officer the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•Assist the operation in developing/ strengthening and implementing a country/ location specific Gender Based Violence (GBV) strategy is in line with UNHCR guidelines and updated global GBV strategy. The GBV strategy should be part of the operation’s Protection & Solutions Strategy; •Establish and/or strengthen strategic and innovative partnerships for GBV with community-based, local, national, and international organizations; •Promote mainstreaming of Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) across all sectors and activities such as health, safety and security, psychosocial and legal shelter, WASH, and Energy and coordinate with Programme and Protection sections to ensure that GBV programming is incorporated in partner agreements in all sectors; •Support the operation in conducting assessments and safety audits on GBV in coordination with other units and other agencies; •Conduct mapping and maintain a “who, what where” matrix of existing services to address GBV, including community capacities and structures; •Strengthen and lead GBV coordination mechanisms in refugee contexts or, in the context of IDPs, support the Sub-cluster GBV coordination structure; •Support the development and strengthening of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with comprehensive referral mechanism for response services through a consultative process with NGOs and community groups; •Support GBV data management (collection, storage, analysis and sharing) in line with safety and ethical standards. Build capacity for the implementation of Module of SGBV in progress V4. •Technical support for GBV case management according to inter-agency standards. •Support the planning and monitoring for multi-sectoral GBV programming using UNHCR’s Results Framework, FOCUS; •Conduct training on basic elements of GBV prevention and response, the design of SGBV programmes and coordination mechanisms; •Prepare regular consolidated reports on the progress, challenges, gaps and recommendations on GBV prevention and response; •Consult with Senior Protection Officer and with the Regional Advisor (GBV) of with DIP on policy developments and strategic direction. •Support the PSEA focal point in the implementation of PSEA Policy, Victim/Survivor -centred approach for SEA and assistance to SEA survivors.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: •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; •Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; •Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; •Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme 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.

11. Results/Expected Outputs:

•A documented GBV strategy guides the GBV prevention and response program; •Community based approaches and a survivor centred individual case management system (SOPs, confidential referral tools, panel) is established; •Strong GBV coordination mechanisms; •GBV prevention programming is mainstreamed across all sectors; •GBV risk mitigation is mainstreamed across all sectors; •Regular GBV reports on activities and challenges are available and are part of the operations SITREPs; •Safe and ethical GBV data and analysis is available to inform SGBV programing; •The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with national staff or (non) governmental counterparts, including Partners; •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 development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

•Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. •Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. •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. •Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; •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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; •Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; •Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

gender equality and/or gender-based violence programing. Knowledge and experience in the field of gender and programme management with excellent drafting/reporting skills are essential. Working experience with refugees, internally displaced populations and other people of concern in a protection capacity is an asset. Please add any other information as necessary.

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:
• Knowledge of UN policies and procedures. • Field experience. • Other

Living conditions in any of the UNHCR Colombia destinations, including Bogotá, are generally good. There is a wide variety of activities in these cities, from tourism, theater, cinema, cultural and sports activities, and restaurants offering typical local and regional food, as well as international cuisine.

Medical services in the main cities (clinics and private hospitals) are available. Visitors are advised that some clinics require an initial payment before admitting a patient, even in emergency situations. Visitors should take medical precautions and seek advice before traveling. Travelers to the areas of Urabá, Chocó, Córdoba, Putumayo, Vichada, Guainía, Guaviare, Meta, Amazonas, Casanare, Vaupés, Norte de Santander, and Caquetá should have certificates of vaccination against yellow fever, malaria, measles, and chickenpox, as some airlines require passengers to carry such documents.

Rural areas continue to be affected by the activities of illegal armed groups (ELN, and recently emerging armed groups) and by clashes between them and the Colombian Armed Forces. Upon arrival in Bogota, all visitors should contact the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and receive a security briefing for temporary or permanent deployment in Colombia. Each UN agency is responsible for allowing their respective officials to attend the security induction conference. All visitors and newly assigned staff members are required to complete the "Basic Security in the Field" and "Advanced Security in the Field" courses.