Community Based Protection Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Protection Assistant is integrated in the Camp Protection Unit of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Kakuma and reports directly to the Protection Officer (Community-based) under the leadership of the Sr. Protection Officer. He/she will work closely with the team and partners in conducting individual protection assessments and referrals as appropriate; mobilizing and strengthening the refugee community structures; providing support in setting up, monitoring and coordinating community workforce for persons with specific needs and participating to planning, implementation and monitoring of social cohesion and peacebuilding programme in line with signed agreements, work plans and other strategic documents.

He/she may also receive technical guidance from other sections and units as deemed necessary. S/he has daily contacts with staff in the various Office Units. S/he also has close liaison with a range of local authorities and counterparts in NGOs and UN agencies to discuss matters of common interest. The incumbent works directly with communities of concern to identify the risks they face and to leverage their capacities to protect themselves, their families, and communities. He/she will directly work with community-based approaches in strengthening the self-reliance and capacity of the refugee community. To fulfil this role the Protection Assistant is required to spend a substantial percentage of her/his time working outside the office, building, and maintaining networks within communities of persons of concern. The development and maintenance of constructive relationships with persons of concern that measurably impact and enhance protection planning, programming and results forms the core of the work of the Protection staff.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the CBP officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Protection CB Assistant will: · Through relationships with persons of concern, authorities and network of partners stay abreast of political, social, economic, and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment. · Build trust with refugee girls, women, boys, men of all ages. · Build partnerships and working relations with partners and government counterparts. · Ensure protection needs of persons of concern are identified timely and responded to, including through provision of case management when required. Case management is a substantive component of the Protection Associate’s portfolio. · Ensure participatory, community-based protection and AGD approaches are included in protection programming, implementation, and monitoring. · Carry out mobilization and capacity building of refugee community, partners, and local authorities jointly with Protection Officer and the team. · Support UNHCR’s consultative process with local government counterparts, partners, and persons of concern for effective needs assessment and planning. · Support in maintaining protection presence through regular field missions and reports, making direct contact with persons of concern, host communities, local authorities, and partners. · Work with the team and partners in mapping, strengthening, and coordinating community representative structures. · Promote confidence building and conflict resolution among populations of concern, authorities, and host communities. · Coordinate the implementation and monitoring of programs ensuring that identified protection needs, including an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach, are adequately addressed. · Assist in the coordinated implementation and oversight of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities. · Support with the case management tasks inside the office and conduct home visits verification for the cases. · Ensure that durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration, and where appropriate, resettlement are sought and provided to the largest possible number of persons of concern. · Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs: As an active [insert name Host Agency] team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: · The protection needs of populations of concern are met through the application of International and National Law, and relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards. · Specific protection needs are identified and addressed. · Coordination with partners and other humanitarian actors is effectively maintained. · Effective and timely support is provided to the formulation of a clear and coherent protection strategy, which incorporates a thorough age, gender, and diversity (AGD) analysis and reflects the Organization’s global, regional, and country-level priorities. · The participation of persons of concern is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights, and community-based approaches, ensuring that UNHCR is accountable to persons of concern. · Protection incidents and gaps in assistance are immediately identified and addressed. · The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring, and formal on-the-job training,

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: the 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 the 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 the 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, Human rights, or Case management, or other relevant programmes; professional work experience at the national and/or international level. experience with managing cases with specific needs is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization. Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge. Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. 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. Sound security awareness. Have affinity with or interest in UNHCR work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Kenya is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the smooth functioning of state institutions. Kenya is also provided with a good level of infrastructure (e.g., roads, distribution of water, electricity, etc.) and a popular tourist destination. The current Security Level in the capital and in SRM Area 1A: Northern Rift Valley (Kakuma, Lodwar) is Moderate -3. All UN personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Kakuma, Kenya. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel.

· Kakuma town is a non-family duty station, its living conditions are difficult, but the social climate is calm. The weather is hot, dry and sunny hence no heavy clothes would be recommended. Windy storms are common during the months of December and more pronounced in January till March.

· Most of the Staff live in UNHCR-provided accommodation, the facilities are generally acceptable which meets the minimal standard. The incumbent will be briefed on conditions of accommodations, laundry, meals, communications, air and road transports, recreations and others relevant information. However, staff members are charged rental fee on predetermined rate by the organisation which is paid upfront on monthly basis. The currency used is Kenyan Shilling (KES). It is also possible to withdraw cash from ATMs found in banks. There are limited banking facilities with two banks (Equity & Kenya Commercial Bank having branches locally.

· Internet and communications networks are available at the compound with fair speed. the mobile telephone network remains stable with 3G. UNHCR has established satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic in the compound following COVID-19 situation readily available 24/7 hours, there is also Kakuma Mission Hospital where a doctor/Surgeon is deployed and paid for by UNHCR provide assistance to refugees but special arrangements can be made during emergencies for s/ms. There are also some pharmacies within Kakuma with basic medical facilities. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be updated. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.