Job Title: Civic Engagement Protection Officer
Department: Programme
Division: Programme Implementation
Duty Station: Juba with travels to field
Line Manager: Program Manager
Line Management Responsibility: N/A
Position Type: Full-time
Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization committed to enhancing security and dignity for those affected by violent conflicts through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). Our mission is to reduce violence, safeguard civilians in conflict-affected countries and foster transformative approaches to conflict resolution.
Overview:
We are seeking a qualified individual with expertise in human rights mechanisms, experience in civil society engagement, and strong analytical abilities.
Job Summary:
The selected candidate will be responsible for implementing civilian protection measures for civil society organizations, fostering safe environments for civil society actors to carry out their vital work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough security assessments and develop effective risk mitigation strategies for Civil Society Organizations and National NGOs.
- Continuously monitor conflict dynamics to identify trends and assess the evolving needs of Human Rights Defenders.
- Regularly produce comprehensive context analyses on civil society actors.
- Establish residence within conflict-affected communities to cultivate trust, gain deep contextual insights, and maintain a nonpartisan stance.
- Provide tailored protection and threat mitigation support to civil society actors, emphasizing local capacity building.
- Design and implement context-appropriate protection interventions within the scope of NP's mandate and projects.
- Identify and prioritize communities or individuals requiring specialized support services, maintain up-to-date referral networks, and ensure efficient information dissemination.
- Develop and facilitate community training programs to enhance the security capabilities of South Sudanese stakeholders.
- Promote active participation and leadership of women activists in community-level peace and security initiatives.
- Manage and oversee protection cases in alignment with organizational protocols.
- Provide support for the organizational development of a national NGO partner.
Qualifications:
- 3-5 years of work experience: Demonstrated experience in human rights, civil society organizations, journalism or free press advocacy, human security, and child or civilian protection.
- Experience in Complex Security Environments: Proven track record of successful work in complex security environments, showcasing adaptability and resilience.
- Engagement with State Authorities: Demonstrated experience collaborating with state authorities, as well as proficiency in negotiation and mediation techniques.
- Independence and Problem-Solving: Ability to thrive independently and effectively resolve challenges in remote and demanding locations.
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities to assess conflict, security, and political landscapes effectively.
- Educational Background or Equivalent Experience: Post-secondary education in fields such as law, human rights, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, negotiation, mediation, human security, or related disciplines; or equivalent practical experience.
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Additional Skills (Preferred):
- Experience providing protection services and implementing community-based interventions.
- Fluency in local languages.
Key Challenges:
- Adapting to Security Dynamics: Effectively navigating unforeseen security challenges that may hinder our capacity to provide protection services and fulfill our organizational objectives.
- Information Accessibility in Remote Areas: Overcoming the difficulty of accessing comprehensive information and data, particularly in remote regions where mainstream media coverage is limited.
Skills and Competencies:
- Prioritization and Problem-Solving: Ability to set priorities, address challenges effectively, and devise solutions in dynamic and demanding environments.
- Information Management: Proficiency in handling sensitive information with discretion and maintaining confidentiality as needed.
- Conflict and Political Analysis: Demonstrated skills in analyzing conflict and political dynamics, identifying strategic entry points, and designing effective prevention and protection strategies.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Effective Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, motivate team members, and thrive in a multicultural environment.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Solutions-focused mindset, with a track record of approaching challenges with creativity and innovation.
- Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and nurture relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, military, police, and non-state actors.
- Community Engagement: Genuine commitment and interest in engaging with communities at the grassroots level, fostering trust and collaboration.
- Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate diverse and evolving contexts, adjusting strategies and approaches as necessary.
Working Conditions:
- Challenging Living Conditions: This field position may entail living in environments with limited access to amenities and potentially unstable security situations.
- Accommodation: You must be prepared to reside in basic or non-traditional accommodations during field visits, which may include shared housing, camps, or field-based settings.
- Security Protocols: Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict security protocols and maintain a high level of confidentiality is essential for this role.