Associate Field Officer (Protection) – UNV  

Description of assignment title: Associate Field Officer (Protection)

Assignment country: Somalia

Expected start date: 01/10/2024

Sustainable Development Goal: 10. Reduced inequalities

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNHCR

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Baidoa

Details

Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. In addition to 2.6 million of internally displaced persons, mainly, living in south/central Somalia, as of 31 August 2021, Somalia is hosting 27,184 refugees and asylum seekers in need of a durable solution. The active refugee population in Somaliland is approx. 14,000 refugees and asylum seekers as of 31 August 2021. Most of the refugees live in urban centres in Somaliland and Puntland. The majority of refugees and asylum-seekers originate from Ethiopia mainly from Oromo ethnicity while the rest are from different nationalities such as Eritrea, Yemen, Syria, and other nationalities.

Context

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org). The Associate Field Officer (Protection) integrates the Protection Unit in a Field Office, Sub-Office or Country Office and reports to the Protection Officer, Field Officer or Head of Field or Sub-Office as applicable. The Associate Field Officer (Protection) in a Field or Sub-Office reports to the Protection, Field Officer or Head of Field Office as appropriate. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for part of the protection staff and supports the application of protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery at the field level. He/she liaises with protection partners on the delivery of the Field Office protection strategy and programmes. The Associate Field Officer (Protection) assists in the design and preparation of the Office protection strategy, in particular by ensuring that it is based on consultations and actual needs of persons of concern. He/she provides timely analysis on the protection situation in the field, highlighting important political, social, military and economic developments affecting the protection of persons of concern. The incumbent is responsible for the application of protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery at the field level and is relied upon by the Field or Country Office to plan and undertake quality, timely and effective responses to the needs of populations of concern. To achieve this, the incumbent will build daily contacts with persons of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection. This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds.

Task description

Within the delegate supervision of the Field Officer the Associate Field Officer will •Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment and provide advice to senior management; •Support UNHCR’s consultative process with local government counterparts, partners and persons of concern for effective needs assessment and planning; •Facilitate UNHCR’s responses in addressing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) priorities and other specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups such as persons with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities; •Manage individual protection cases including those on SGBV and child protection; •Monitor the integrity of UNHCR operations management standards and procedures in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and facilitate the respect of deadlines; •Maintain protection presence through regular field missions and reports, making direct contact with persons of concern, host communities, local authorities and partners; •Monitor and report on the protection, security and safety situation of persons of concern; •Facilitate and monitor programmes on an Age, Gender, Diversity (AGD) basis to address identified protection needs; •Support communities in establishing representation and coordination structures. Promote confidence building and conflict resolution among populations of concern, authorities and host communities; •Provide advice and guidance on protection issues to internal and external interlocutors; ensure legal assistance is accessible to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documents and services to persons of concern; •Contribute in developing and implementing an education plan for the AoR as part of the protection strategy; •Intervene in cases of expulsion, arbitrary deprivation of nationality, and other protection incidents through close working relations with governments and other partners. •Assess resettlement needs and apply priorities for the resettlement of individuals and groups of refugees and other persons of concern; •Support the effective systematization and management of data to enhance monitoring, response and evaluation mechanisms; •Contribute to initiatives to build the capacity of local partners and civil society through training and other initiatives to protect persons of concern.

 Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

 Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in refugees setting and/or other people of concern in a protection capacity required. Experience working with counterparts and implementing partners, including civil society groups, local authorities, and other UN agencies is an asset. Computer literate; proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc) and Internet browsing. International Field experience required in Protection, Community Services and Coordination / management role

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Legal affairs, Development programmes

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Law, International Law, International Relations, Social Sciences, Political Sciences or related field.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

 Other information

Living conditions and remarks

UNHCR Baidoa has two accommodations for international staff and currently two Office spaces for all staff located in the UN Compound (referred to as UNSOS-UN support mission). Additional two prefabs are expected to be constructed for office space. The office spaces are shared with national and international colleagues while accommodations are self-contained. There is only one restaurant and interested individuals can obtain a prepaid card or pay cash directly for meal. However, UNSOS has a common kitchen should staff preferred to do their own cooking. This would mean that staff need to bring their food stuff when returning from Leave or R&R or liaise with UNHCR national colleagues to get some basic things from the local market. It is worth mentioning that international staff members are not allowed to visit the local market as per the UNDSS security advisory. There is no ATM machine, but United States Dollars is also commonly used locally. Regarding medical facilities, UNSOS has both level 1 and level 2 clinics in the compound that are accessible to UN staff on a cost recovery basis through the Office. For recreational activities, UNSOS has a gym facility that are accessible to UN staff and residents. Also, international staff can walk around certain unrestricted perimeter of the UN compound. There are also some organized activities by some UN staff including Yoga. The UNSOS compound hosts AMISOM military and Police (both armed and unarmed). Moreover, UNSOS has a security firm called REED that provides security and monitors access to the compound. UNDSS runs a 24hours radio and radio checks is compulsory now for all UN international staff. UNHCR staff member on assignment receives radio equipment and mobile sim card. Also, each staff member is provided with a laptop. South West State including Baidoa, is a high risks area and as such, a non-family duty station. Field missions by international requires security escort within a very limited radius of Baidoa Town. Travels beyond this point and to some accessible districts as well as Mogadishu are by UN flights. Travels by roads is impassable for security reasons coupled with poor infrastructure. Somalia is a unique country and UNHCR Somalia is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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