Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-09-01
Job Posting End DateJune 28, 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 Operational Context:
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Slovakia has seen a rapid influx of persons fleeing hostilities and seeking protection. More than one million of individuals from Ukraine and third country nationals (TCNs) have crossed the borders into Slovakia, 78 per cent of whom are women and children. Individuals also include older people, persons with disabilities, and those with urgent health care needs. The Government of Slovakia has generously kept the borders open, and national; district and local authorities have rapidly responded to the large numbers of arrivals. Local communities have taken a welcoming stance, with humanitarian actors, civil society, the private sector and community volunteers complementing the government-led efforts by providing significant support at border reception points and urban areas.
Temporary protection (TP) status has been accessible to refugees arriving from Ukraine and their families since 1 March 2022 and as of end November, over 102,000 individuals have applied for Temporary Protection in Slovakia, with the Government estimating that an additional 10,000 Ukrainians are benefiting from tolerated stay, within the legal framework, and hence are not registered for protection in Slovakia.
On 30 March 2022, the Government adopted Act No. 92/2022 Coll (Lex Ukraine) introducing further measures to address the situation in Ukraine, amending in total 32 Acts, including the Asylum Act, Residence of Foreigners Act, and the Health Act. In particular, these amendments extended the validity of temporary stays, permanent stays, and tolerated stays already granted to Ukrainian citizens until two months after the state of emergency - which has been declared in connection with the Ukrainian situation - concludes. The amendments also established the possibility for TP holders to be accommodated outside of humanitarian centres or asylum facilities. Additionally, TP holders are entitled to โurgent and necessaryโ healthcare as well as certain social benefits, including core relief items, childcare allowance for children up to three years of age, or up to six years of age for children with a long-term adverse health condition, subsidies for lunches in kindergartens and primary schools, and for school stationery.
UNHCR leads and inter-agency refugee response plan (RRP) for Slovakia that brings together 28 partners in a coordinated multi-sectoral response with the aim to complement the government-led efforts and in particular, by addressing any gaps in the provision of assistance and services to refugees. In addition, this multi-partner response plan will advance the socio-economic inclusion of refugees in Slovak society by strengthening social cohesion between refugees and their host communities.
Despite the favorable protection environment for refugees in the country, there remain major challenges in addressing areas such as access to longer-term accommodation, the labour market and quality healthcare, especially for persons with underlying serious health conditions. Such gaps include comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, preventative mother and childcare, including immunization, education, available social protection mechanisms, ensuring specialized services for GBV survivors, and access of persons with disabilities to existing assistance mechanisms.
National protection systems require additional capacity development and support to scale-up much-needed GBV prevention and response services which are accessible to refugees, in particular refugee women and girls, in their language. There are important GBV-related mechanisms in place in the Slovak national system. However, the policy environment and legal system reduces GBV to domestic violence, while refugee women, girls and others need broader GBV response, that can accommodate their needs and support in expanding the reach of services, including through mobile initiatives. Alternatively: UNHCR will continue to advocate for the inclusion in national systems and services, providing support to improve coordination, referral pathways and in raising awareness of rights and services available, actively engaging communities in GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response activities through different initiatives. Given the trends of displacement assessed, the support will target the provision of mobile services and expanding the reach of existent services, as well as through the expansion of community outreach initiatives and protection networks, enabling GBV survivors to have adequate and timely access to quality services.
GBV prevention and mitigation should be mainstreamed into different sectors of refugee response from onset, thus ensuring that GBV risk mitigation interventions are effectively implemented across all sectors while frontline workers capacitated on GBV safe disclosures and referrals. The leadership of refugee women and girls must also be promoted, and policies and programs must be designed in line with their priorities.
UNHCR Slovakia has a National Office in Bratislava and a Field Office in Kosice. It is one of the four countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia) under the Representation for Central Europe, Multi-Country Office, Hungary (MCO). The offices in Slovakia are newly opened in 2022, following the Ukraine crisis.
UNHCR's workplace is a newly established and is inclusive and diverse, offering opportunities which contribute to professional growth and development.
The Protection Associate will be based in Bratislava and will report to the Senior Protection Officer.
Language Requirement
โข Knowledge of English as the UN working language of the duty station AND Slovak language is required.
โข Knowledge of the Russian or Ukrainian language is desirable.
Additional information:
Candidates must be legally present in Slovakia at the time of application, recruitment and hire.
Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
Remuneration:
In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
NO-A Salary range: NET EUR 37,885 - EUR 45,788
Benefits:
Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year).
Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).
Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in Slovakia will be enrolled in the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP). The coverage is also optionally available for eligible family members.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English
,Slovak
,
Desired languagesUkrainian
,Russian
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
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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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance