Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The GBV Officer is a member of the Protection Team in a Regional Bureau or a Country Office and normally reports to the Senior GBV Officer or the Senior Community-Based Protection Officer or the Senior Protection Officer or the Head of Sub-Office or the Assistant Representative for protection. In smaller offices, the post may report directly to the Representative. The GBV Officer supports the operations¿ efforts to fulfil UNHCR¿s mandate and associated obligations on GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response based on policy and guidance. S/he collaborates closely with the UNHCR management and the Protection team in the country and strengthens working relations with other agencies involved in GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response. The incumbent will maintain a close working relationship with the Bureau and the Division of International Protection for system-wide coherence.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
Implementation of UNHCR¿s Global Policies and Standards
– Support and facilitate the effective and timely development, implementation and monitoring of a clear and coherent multi-year and multi-sectoral GBV strategy as part of the operation¿s broader Protection and Solutions Strategy, coordinate timely reporting on progress including the documentation of promising practices.
– Participate in the promotion of compliance with UNHCR¿s GBV policy, priorities and commitments (aligned with polices on age, gender, diversity (AGD) and accountability to affected populations (AAP), Child protection, gender equality, disability and youth empowerment.
– For functions at regional level, support the harmonization of GBV strategies in the region and alignment with global policies and commitments, support exchange of expertise and practices in the region and provide a regional level analysis of trends as well as aggregated reporting on GBV.
– Provide technical guidance on integration of the survivor-centred approach into PSEA complaints mechanisms and enhance access of SEA survivors to existing GBV services Planning / Programming
– Support the development and implementation of programming for specialized GBV prevention and response based on needs, risks and capacity assessments at the onset of an emergency and throughout all phases of displacement.
– Participate in conducting, consolidating and reporting on GBV assessments including gender equality components at least once per year, linked to annual planning processes and participatory assessments and sharing strategic trends analyses. – Contribute to planning processes and advocate for adequate resource (re)allocation and mobilization.
– Support cross-cutting programs and technical sectors to mainstream gender and to program for mitigation of GBV risks in their specific technical areas, and report on progress. Capacity Development, Technical Support and Coordination
– Provide technical guidance and support field colleagues to operationalise and comply with UNHCR¿s corporate GBV policy, priorities and commitments (aligned with policies on AGD and AAP, Child protection, disability, youth empowerment and gender equality).
– Support operational capacity development efforts and provide technical support on gender and GBV mainstreaming – Under the guidance of the Senior Protection Officer, support and facilitate the establishment of and ensure the functioning of GBV coordination mechanisms with all relevant stakeholders.
– Facilitate and strengthen the development and implementation of GBV Standard Operating Procedures for all sites that enable all survivors to access, at a minimum, appropriate health, psychosocial, security and safety, and legal support.
– Support and build capacity and systems for individual GBV case management for survivors and persons at-risk of GBV.
– Ensure safe and ethical GBV data collection and reporting is functioning and regular reporting is done on GBV, including through PRIMES and protection monitoring processes. Promote the use of the GBV module of PRIMES or another GBV information management system that provides for safe and ethical data collection and analysis. Where applicable, support reporting under the Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence (MARA). Partnerships
– Strengthen UNHCR¿s collaboration with host governments to develop national services in order to expand safe access for Persons of concern to services that prevent, mitigate, and respond to GBV.
– Support the capacity development of staff, partners and other stakeholders to address GBV and to promote gender equality and the empowerment of displaced women and girls.
– Strengthen partnerships including with UN agencies, governments, civil society and with displaced and host communities, to prevent, mitigate, and respond to GBV, to promote gender equality and to ensure age and gender-informed protection and solution programs.
– Support that community-based approaches are applied in GBV programming and communities considered as key stakeholders.
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Human rights, Social Anthropology, Social work, Law, International Development, Social Sciences, or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified. (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential 6 years of previous work experience relevant to the function of GBV in an international context, of which two years in the field and having experience in the field of GBV prevention, mitigation and response, broader protection or social work involving empowerment of women and girls, gender, child protection, mental health, counselling and working with survivors, humanitarian and development issues. Applied experience in survivor-centred approach, GBV guiding and Case management principles related to GBV programs. Demonstrated knowledge in gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and apply, promote and integrate gender analysis into humanitarian programming. Demonstrated knowledge of and implementation of multi-sectorial responses to GBV and support to other sectors to mainstream GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response. Demonstrated knowledge and application of GBV prevention theory and appropriate GBV prevention and behaviour change strategies at different stages of the humanitarian response. Knowledge and demonstrated use of GBV tools and Guidance. Desirable Demonstrated understanding of critical issues around GBV data and knowledge of safe and ethical data collection and analysis, and conducting assessments. Demonstrated knowledge of engagement with GBV Interagency humanitarian architecture. Knowledge and experience of participatory approaches to engaging with and mobilizing communities Good understanding of displacement and protection issues including, child protection, education and the application of the Age, Gender and Diversity Policy. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position such as: Protection Learning Programme, Operations Management Learning Programme, Middle Management Learning Programme, GBV and Gender Equality. Experience in a humanitarian context. Functional Skills PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) TR-Training – Virtual and face to face PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Capacity development and training PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention programming PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) risk mitigation PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) response programming (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
The incumbent is required to have:
– Experience in developing GBV country wide strategies, SOPs, referral pathway and demonstrated skills in providing capacity building programs, provision of technical guidance training and mentoring staff in implementing standards and procedures
– Experience of supporting UNHCR offices in developing and implementing internal and system wide policies, standard operating procedures , and commitments on GBV and SEA prevention, mitigation and response.
– Direct experience in designing and implementing survivor-centered PSEA prevention, mitigation and response activities and knowledge of country-level coordination mechanisms on PSEA
– Knowledge and skills in implementing case management system on GBV and Child Protection
– knowledge, skills and experiences in working in child protection
– Educational background in human rights, international law and gender and development studies .
– Knowledge and experience in working within the cluster system especially direct experience having worked in support of UNHCR’s involvement and participation in GBV sub-cluster
– Experience and sills on the use of the GBV information management systems that provides for safe and ethical data collection and analysis.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
The security situation in South Sudan though generally stable, remains fragile and fluid in complex and unpredictable environment and is characterized by low intensity and localized armed conflict in some areas, high levels of crime across the country, inter/intra communal conflict over a diverse range of issues including cattle raids, competition for resources and revenge attacks and regular civil unrest in refugee and IDP operations and host community. These challenges continue directly and indirectly impact on UNHCR operations. The signing of the Revitalized Agreement of the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan in September 2018 represented an important milestone for the country. The ceasefire is holding in many areas of the country except in some few locations where localized and low intensity armed conflict continues to impact on security situation. Many areas in the country are also affected by season flooding which has also displaced significant number of people.
The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in all areas.
SRM measures in place:
UN curfew is in force across the country, timing differs from one SRM Area to another. UN curfew is from 19:00 to 05:00 in Juba.
International personnel must request and receive security clearance for official and non-official travel.
International personnel on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.
Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) to be conducted in areas with HIGH Risk level and above.
All international and national personnel must be issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and VHF radios.
Nature of Position:
The GBV Officer will act as a focal point for GBV prevention and response in UNHCR South Sudan and support field offices. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Officer, as part of the Community Based Protection Unit, and overall supervision of the Assistant Representative (Protection). This position is an integral part of the protection team, working closely with other units, as well as at inter-agency level, to create multi-sectoral GBV prevention and response mechanisms as a life-saving priority.
Currently South Sudan faces immense gender-based violence challenges. These are attributed to several factors including the protracted pockets of armed conflict in the country, socio-cultural and religious patriarchal nature of community that views women and girls as inferior to men and boys. Law enforcement is very weak, compromised or sometimes non-existent allowing for a high level of impunity of some GBV perpetrators. This position of GBV will be dedicated to support GBV programs both in Juba and field offices. This capacity will help implement 2023 plans and activities by mainstreaming GBV and supporting the establishment of community-based prevention approaches and strategies.
According to a study conducted by the International Rescue Committee, more than 65 percent of women and young girls in South Sudan have experienced some form of gender-based violence. Gender based violence and its consequences also affects the refugee population in South Sudan. Of the total refugee population, 81 per cent are comprised of women and children, some of whom face heightened risks of GBV, underage/forced marriages, and female genital mutilation (FGM). Some of GBV specific challenges facing refugees include limited reporting incidents, absence mental health and material support to survivors and those that are at risk and absence of effective remedies and access to justice. Both the Penal Code Act 2008 and the Child Act 2008 criminalize FGM and remain in force as per the Transitional Constitution. UNHCR and its protection partners are supporting mechanisms that facilitate safe reporting, referral, and specialized services to refugee GBV survivors.
Desirable:
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position such as Child and Youth Protection, Safe Learning Environments and Community-based Protection.
Living and Working Conditions:
South Sudan is classified as an E non-family High Risk duty station with a 6-week R&R cycle and is prone to malaria. Movement to and from locations require official vehicle transport; use of taxi is not allowed. There are very limited medical facilities in South Sudan, with facilities concentrated in Juba.
All international personnel reside in UNHCR provided accommodation 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, fruit, and vegetables. There are a few hotels with pools and restaurants where staff can visit. While in the field, food supply varies depending on the season. Taking photos is strongly discouraged in all locations, as may result in arrest by local security forces. Extreme caution is required while driving a UN vehicle due to bad local driving culture, lots of motorbikes and three-wheelers (boda-boda) and periodic attempts by local police to extort money from the driver for whatever violation claimed.
There are several airlines flying from most destinations to Juba via Dubai, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Khartoum, Cairo, or Entebbe. Travel to field offices in South Sudan are handled by UN humanitarian flights.
Staff can open USD bank accounts in South Sudan and only high US Dollar bills i.e. US$50 and US$100 are accepted for foreign currency exchange transactions. South Sudan bank notes exist in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 South Sudanese Pounds. Foreign exchange transactions can be done at any commercial bank in a safe and secure location. There are very few ATMs and credit card facilities in South Sudan to draw USD (max $500 per 24hours).
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
MA: International Human Rights Law
Certifications
Work Experience
GBV
Competencies
Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
Compendium
Add. 3 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 16 March 2023 (midnight Geneva time)
