Mission and objectives
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
Context
Sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by aid workers directly contradicts the principles upon which humanitarian action is based and represents a protection failure on the part of the aid community. SEA inflicts harm on those whom the humanitarian community is obligated to protect, and as such jeopardizes the credibility of all assistance agencies. Humanitarian workers are expected to uphold the highest standards of personal and professional conduct at all times to protect beneficiaries of assistance. In recognition of the global concern over SEA, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) has prioritized efforts to prevent and respond to these abuses at both the agency level and through collective efforts in the field. PSEA policies affect all UN related personnel and implementing partners, NGOS and INGOS, including volunteers, contractors and consultants and operate in West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Since 2018, UNICEF State of Palestine has invested in advancing the PSEA portfolio and addressing potential risks related to UNICEF’s operations and misconduct of personnel involved in the delivery of UNICEF’s programme. UNICEF has been the leader of the establishment of the interagency PSEAH Network which mirrors the internal efforts exerted to prevent risk of SEAH, and has since began the process of mainstreaming PSEAH in all its operations, training personnel in standardized good practices and developing protocols to handle SEAH cases. A Community-Based Complaint Mechanism (CBCM) has been established which fosters a survivor’s cantered approach and connects to Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) channels. The CBCM is a system of mutual responsibly among the partners that conform the PSEA Network where survivors can use any accessible channel to report SEAH to lead them to appropriate assistance in a safe and confidential manner. The UNV Programme Associate (PSEA) will be based in East Jerusalem with the possibility of field missions to UNICEF State of Palestine projects with implementing partners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Within the context of the emergency response and the National PSEA Committee framework, the UNV Programme Associate (PSEA) will support the implementation of UNICEF State of Palestine PSEA Action Plan, which focuses on scaling up and taking forward UNICEF’s prevention and response efforts to sexual exploitation and abuse.
Task description
The position will report directly to the PSEA Officer on day-to-day work accountabilities, working closely with the PSEA team members who combine UNICEF and Inter-Agency PSEA Network in the State of Palestine, in addition to relevant sections involved in addressing SEA allegations reporting and response. Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the PSEA Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Associate (Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) will:
– Give support to PSEA Officer in the internal process of PSEA Risk Assessment cycle to UNICEF implementing partners and members of the PSEA Network.
– Support in assisting partners to ensure PSEA policies and structures are aligned with standards and requirements as per UNICEF PSEA Implementing Partners Procedures and the UN Protocol.
– Support coordination and implementation of the PSEA Risk Assessment Capacity Building plan for implementing partners.
– Support coordination, internal communication, and community mobilization for the PSEA Network.
– Support on documentation, monitoring and reporting needs of the PSEA team.
– Manage and monitor community-level feedback and complaints channel.
– Provide support to ongoing projects, events, and partnerships as relevant.
– Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
3 years
Languages
Arabic, Level: Mother tongue, Required English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Arts and Humanities, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.
Competencies and values
-Accountability – Adaptability and flexibility – Creativity – Judgement and decision-making – Planning and organising – Professionalism. Core Values: o Care o Respect o Integrity o Trust o Accountability o Sustainability Core Competencies: – Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1) – Works collaboratively with others (1) – Builds and maintains partnership (1) – Innovates and embraces change (1) – Thinks and acts strategically (1) – Drive to achieve results for impact (1) – Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
Skills and experience
development or humanitarian projects, gender, protection/ child protection, safeguarding, SGBV, Human Rights, research or other relevant programmes; – Experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development or social and behaviour change, public advocacy. S/GBV, PSEA or another related area. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset; – Good knowledge of project management cycle; – Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; – Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; – Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; – Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; – Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; – Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; – Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough terrain; – Sound security awareness; – Have affinity with or interest in gender equity volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system. Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity’s policy
Area(s) of expertise
Social work, Development programmes, Crisis and emergency response
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The UN Volunteer will be living in Jerusalem which is a family duty station. It is currently at UNDSS security level MODERATE. As is the case for UN staff a partners, the volunteer will make his/her own arrangements for housing and transportation to and from work. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 6,200 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service “State of Palestine” is a unique country and PSEA/ Safeguarding is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. 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.
How to apply
Application deadline is 13 January 2025
To learn more and to apply visit: PSEA Program Associate (Protection Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse)- UVP UNV