Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypePending
Family TypePending
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonFast Track > Fast Track
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-08-01
Job Posting End DateJune 18, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionAssistant GBV Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Assistant GBV Officer supports the operationsยฟ efforts to fulfil UNHCRยฟs mandate and associated obligations on GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response based on policy and guidance. The Assistant GBV Officer is part of the protection team normally reports to a higher-grade GBV or protection staff or the Head of Office. S/he works directly with communities and persons of concern to identify the risks and ensure the implementation of a community and rights-based approach. The incumbent plans and undertakes quality, timely and effective Gender-based Violence (GBV) prevention and response in line with UNHCRยฟs policy and guidance on GBV, in an age, gender and diversity inclusive manner as well as in line with survivor-centred approach. The incumbent works closely with programme and other team members to design Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response programs, GBV being a key protection concern. S/he provides technical advice to other technical units to support GBV mainstreaming throughout the operation. S/he is required to lead and strengthen the coordination with inter-agency partners, government authorities and persons of concern at the field. The incumbent contributes to the development of action plans and SOPs, capacity building and organizing GBV workshops for a range of audiences including partners, authorities and persons of concern. The incumbent will contribute to reviewing the current GBV prevention and response framework on the ground to identify critical gaps to be filled. The incumbent may supervise some support staff. S/he also ensures that persons of concern, in particular women and girls, are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, local authorities and protection and assistance partners. 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 UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Function as the GBV focal point for the area of responsibility and coordinate implementation of GBV programmes for the operation. - Liaise with relevant local authorities and other UN agencies to shape and enhance the related working groups as well as technical meetings. - Provide technical support and guidance to operational and implementing partners to ensure good quality implementation of projects in line with the operations GBV Strategy and global GBV minimum standards. - Ensure monthly reporting, including GBVIMS and proGres v4 statistics with trends which informs policy, projects development. - Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment. - 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 risk mitigation is incorporated in activities of partners in all sectors. - Provide technical guidance on integration of the survivor-centred approach into PSEA complaints mechanisms and enhance access of SEA survivors to existing GBV services. - Support the integration of GBV risk mitigation into the role of UNHCR staff across all sectors - Support the initial needs/gaps and capacity assessments on GBV in close coordination with any on-going joint/common assessments being conducted in the early stages of an emergency response while ensuring compliance with ethical standards for data collection related to GBV. - Provide support to include GBV prevention and response programming in humanitarian action plans while providing guidance to other sectors for the inclusion of GBV risk mitigation into their plans. - Contribute to the planning and monitoring for multi-sectoral GBV programming using the Results Framework and Focus in close collaboration with Programme and different sectors. - Contribute to strengthening of GBV coordination mechanisms throughout the operation. - Contribute to establishment and/or strengthening of new strategic and innovative partnerships for GBV both with community-based, women-led, local, national, and international organizations. - Provide support in mapping existing services to address GBV in the various affected areas, including identifying community capacities and structures for potential partnership. - Advocate with senior management in UNHCR and other partners, to ensure prioritization of GBV prevention and response as a life-saving response. - Monitor GBV programs implemented by UNHCR and partners (both implementing and operational) and adjust programming as required. - Monitor the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and global standards within all GBV programs, including GBV case management. - Contribute to the identification of durable solutions for persons of concern through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement. - Implement capacity-building activities for all actors, persons of concern, service providers including relevant Government institutions and NGOs to strengthen the prevention and response to GBV as well as risk mitigation thus contributing to enhance the overall protection situation. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education International Development, Cultural Studies, Human Rights, International Social Work, Social Science, Political Science, Anthropology, Law, 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 Minimum 1 year of previous work experience relevant to the function of GBV in an international context, preferably in the field and having experience in the field of GBV prevention, risk 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 UNHCR and Interagency 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. Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Capacity development and training PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) TR-Training - Virtual and face to face 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 should have proven competencies and experience as follows:
โข Knowledge of GBV minimum standards and guiding principles is essential.
โข Experience conducting protection-sensitive GBV interviews
โข Understanding of and proven work experience in the field on forced displacement and protection, particularly on gender, GBV programs, womenโs empowerment and protection, and the application of the Age, Gender and Diversity Policy.
โข Knowledge of CP/GBV module in UNHCR proGres v4 as well as GBV/CP information management tools would be also important
โข Competencies on stakeholder engagement/coordination, especially with government, partners and communities.
โข Demonstrated knowledge of community communication and engagement approaches
โข Demonstrated experience with effective training and facilitation techniques is highly desirable.
โข Excellent drafting and oral communication skills.
โข As the job description requires regular interaction with local authorities, refugee, IDP and hosting communities, the incumbentโs knowledge of the Somali language will be an added attribute for ease of communication.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Since hostilities erupted in February 2023 in Somalia, close to 100,000 are estimated to have crossed the border into Ethiopia to escape the violence, many of whom are women and children. UNHCR Field Office in Bokh has been scaling up its activities and protection interventions for asylum seekers arriving into the three hosting districts in Doolo Zone, including border and protection monitoring, relocation, registration, as well as community-based protection interventions in collaboration with government counterpart Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), local authorities and partners. UNHCR recognizes the global need for a broader, cultural shift from long-term care and maintenance to self-reliance and solutions-oriented planning and programming in its refugee operations within the context of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF). To this end, the Federal and Regional Government supported by UNHCR and partners will be advancing a refugee settlement approach in Doolo from the onset of operations, which will look at integrating social services, and prioritizing interventions that will strengthen peaceful coexistence to ensure that displaced populations can enjoy their asylum in safety and dignity.
UNHCRโs strategy is focused on a community-based approach and on ensuring maximum outreach to refugees and other populations UNHCR serves together with the through a network of community centres, mobile units and outreach volunteers in all accessible locations in and around the settlement, with the aim of reducing vulnerabilities, strengthening resilience and enhancing protection, with particular attention to the most vulnerable persons including women and girls. Under the supervision of the Community-Based Protection Officer, and guidance of the GBV focal point at the Representation Office in Addis Ababa, the Assistant GBV Officer will assist the Field Office in developing/ strengthening and implementing a location specific Gender Based Violence (GBV) strategy that is in line with UNHCR guidelines and the updated national GBV strategy.
The incumbent will be working closely with other members of the Protection Unit and will be responsible for a number of activities, including handling protection interventions in the thematic areas of GBV, case processing and referrals, and communication with communities. The incumbent is expected to interface and liaise with relevant governmental authorities and stakeholders, including civil society, ensuring that GBV risk mitigation is mainstreamed in interventions across all sectors taking into consideration age, gender and diversity principles. He/she will support the Field Office in conducting assessments and safety audits on GBV in coordination with other units and other agencies, contribute to an analysis of GBV trends and gaps, build capacity for the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS), and strengthen and lead GBV coordination mechanisms in the refugee context.
In a highly complex operational environment, to effectively establish and maintain communication with communities and other partners is a key requirement in the Bokh operation. The incumbent will undertake efforts to mobilize communities to identify their own needs, capacities and resources in order to determine how the communities themselves can contribute effectively to the response and make it more inclusive and sustainable. In order to successfully undertake the required tasks, the incumbent needs to be able to display professionalism, creativity, adaptability as well as organizational and cultural awareness.
With ongoing emergency and the expansion of the operation, the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment remains high. UNHCRโs Strategy and Action Plan for Tackling Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (2020 โ 2022) and the UN inter-agency PSEA strategy in Ethiopia informed UNHCRโs country operationโs PSEA Strategy and Workplan (2021-2023). To meet UNHCR Ethiopiaโs objectives of the national PSEA Strategy and Workplan, the Assistant GBV Officer will work with PSEA focal point in Addis Ababa to build up PSEA capacity in UNHCRโs operations in Bokh and monitor and support compliance with the Strategy. He/she will also liaise with partners to establish a PSEA network to ensure that persons served are treated with dignity and respect, and that SEA is not tolerated in the delivery of humanitarian or development assistance.
Considering the highly sensitive environment in which UNHCR operates in the Somali region, the Assistant GBV Officer should possess good analytical and diplomatic skills, knowledge of the context and exhibit good judgment and protection instincts. He/she will also support coaching and implementation of staff care strategies.
Living and Working Conditions:
Further to the conflict in and around the Laascanood area of Somaliland state of Somalia (Sool region) of early 2023, an estimated 100,000 refugees crossed into the Doolo zone of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. In order to respond effectively, UNHCR set up a base in Bokh, a small town located in Doolo zone of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia and headquarters of the Bokh woreda (district), with an estimated population of 50,000 people. Bokh is situated 170 kms from Wardher, the zonal capital of Doolo zone and some 80-100 kms from the Ethiopia-Somalia border. Bokh is also located at almost 700 Kms from Jijiga, the headquarters of the Somali Regional State Government where UNHCR Sub-Office is based.
Bokh is a non-family duty station, yet to be categorized as per UN duty station levels. Given the remoteness of the area and its proximity to the border with Somalia, the security situation in Bokh is considered to be fluid and requires a sense of vigilance and alertness. UNHCRโs Field security Advisor on ground in collaboration with UNDSS provides security advisories regularly to all staff in Bokh and the surrounding field locations to which adherence is expected. All UNHCR international staff are accommodated in the UNHCR Staff Guest House in line with the policy on UNHCR-provided accommodation in the field. Security briefing is mandatory upon arrival at the Guest House. All travel itineraries should report to the radio room before departure and continue reporting their position every 60 minutes, until back to the Guest house. Official working hours are Monday through Thursday: 08:00 โ 12:00 and 13:00 โ 17:00 hours; while on Fridays 08:00 โ 13:30 hours.
Bokh is served by a Government Health Centre and a Level-1 Hospital in Wardher, both of which offering basic medical services. It should be emphasized that the medical facilities in the area are insufficient to treat complicated medical cases. The UN Team in Bokh is working on a plan to establish a UN Clinic with a full-time doctor and nurses to provide onsite medical assistance to staff and also process referrals as may be needed. A medevac plan is also under discussion in collaboration with the Medical Services Team at the Regional Bureau in Nairobi and the UN Health Care Centre in Addis Ababa; the latter provides 24/7 health care services for eligible UN staff and their dependents in different specialized Medical Units. Bokh also has small markets, restaurants and shops from where food and other household items can be purchased. Banking services are very limited in Bokh and it always advisable to carry cash. The only Ethiopian Commercial Bank branch is located 170 kms away in Wardher where financial services, including ATM machines, can easily be accessed. However, a microfinance agent exists in Bokh and facilitates some small financial transactions in the local currency.
Transportation in and out of Bokh is by road. However, the UN Team is mobilizing donors to facilitate the establishment of an airstrip in Bokh so that UNHAS can operate regular flights to Addis Ababa. Land for the airstrip has already been provided by the authorities and technical surveys undertaken by UNHAS. In the meantime, travel is either through Jijiga (served by Ethiopian Airlines daily) or through Kebridehar where Ethiopian Airline flies from Addis Ababa twice a week, and then onward on a road journey of some 7 hours on a dusty road.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsIT-Computer Literacy, PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Capacity development and training, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention programming, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) response programming, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) risk mitigation, TR-Training - Virtual and face to face
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
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Compendium
Additional InformationThe Position is only for Ethiopia Nationals
A written test for shortlisted candidates may be conducted
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance