Community-Based Protection Assistant-Tunis

Contract

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

This volunteering opportunity is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Tunisia in the framework of the initiative launched in partnership with UNV in December 2023 to foster youth and disability inclusion through meaningful and impactful volunteering assignments with the United Nations between 2024 and 2026.

UNHCR Tunisia provides protection and assistance, and facilitates access to durable solutions, for nearly 15 000 refugees and asylum-seekers in Tunisia originating from 48 different nationalities with the majority being from Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia and a range of other countries from across the region. UNHCR Has two offics in Tunisia, its country office in Tunis and a Field office in Zarzis.

Based on principles of age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming, UNHCR works and with the community at large to enhance the protection space by strengthening their skills and capacities in order to respond to their needs. In line with principles of age, gender and diversity mainstreaming, the active participation of refugees and asylum seekers in developing activities and programs is essential. The UN Volunteer will work jointly with UNHCR and partners to strengthen communication with communities and reception capacity of UNHCR . S/he will be part of the protection unit within the Tunisia operation.

Under the overall direction of the Protection Unit, and in coordination with partners and other stakeholders, 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. S/he supports the application of community-based protection standards, operational procedures and practices in community-based protection delivery at the field level. To fulfil this role, the incumbent is required to spend a substantial percentage of the workday outside the office, building and maintaining networks within communities of persons of concern and must showcase commitment towards UNHCR mandate. The development and maintenance of constructive relationships with PoC that measurably impact and enhance protection planning, programming and results, form the core of the work of the incumbent

Under the direct supervision of the protection officer or Associate protection officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: - Support UNHCR Protection staff in the communications with communities to improve dissemination of accurate and relevant information and reception of structured feed-back. - Support participatory assessments and ongoing consultation with PoC. - Support reception activities including through Identification of individuals or groups to prioritize for counselling and field visits based on agreed criteria. - Perform other related duties as required.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

• Communication with communities • Advocacy • Partnership building • Stakeholder engagement

Tunisia is a touristic country and good living standards. Given the relatively small size of the country, all destinations within Tunisia can be reached in a day drive. In addition to the private taxi services, which is well developed in Tunis, the state runs a reliable and cost-effective public transport system. Banks and related digital services are easily available, especially in the Greater Tunis area, in addition to various restaurants, food and beverage services and amenities. According to UNDSS, the security situation is generally stable and terrorism risk level is classified as low or moderate, depending on the region (low in Tunis, for example). The crime rate is considered low, though there have been cases of theft in resort hotels, mostly due to staff leaving attractive items in plain view. Walking alone during daylight hours is permitted, but staff members may want to be more careful at night. The risk of civil unrest is considered low, though in some rare cases it could turn to violent and lead to roadblock. Security advise is systematically shared by UNDSS and UNHCR security staff. It will be important for the UN Volunteer to understand and respect traditions and customs of the duty station.