Community-Based Protection Officer

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationNon Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2024-11-08

November 28, 2024

Community-Based Protection Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Community-Based Protection Officer is a member of the Protection Team in a Regional Bureau or a Country Office and normally reports to the Senior Community-Based Protection Officer, the Senior Protection Officer, Head of Sub-Office or the Assistant Representative for protection.
For a regional position, the incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for Protection and Community-Based Protection staff in the regional office, and a technical support role for Community-Based Protection staff in the region. For a country level position the incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for Community-based Protection staff and other protection staff in the operation.
H/he supports the implementation of protection standards and provides advice on community-based protection to senior management and Country Operation(s) in close collaboration with the Division of International Protection (DIP).
The incumbent is relied upon by senior management to support a coordinated approach in the implementation of UNHCR's rights-based and community-based engagement with all persons of concern and contributes to the achievement of UNHCR's commitments to accountability to affected people.
S/he maintains close working relationships and supports Protection and Community-Based Protection staff in the field, who act as the critical interface between UNHCR and communities of concern, enabling them to provide the AGD-sensitive analysis of community risks and capacities that form the essential foundations of national and regional programmes. The incumbent maintains close working relations with sister UN entities, governmental entities, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions that can contribute to enhancing protection and achieving solutions through people centred, community-based and gender responsive approaches.
The incumbent provides guidance to country operations to strengthen their coordination and advocacy on community-based approaches to protection with governments, partners and other key stakeholders.

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 UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of a community-based protection strategy reflecting the organization's global, regional and country level protection priorities, and ensuring systematic application of participatory, rights- , community-based, and gender responsive approaches in protection and solutions planning, programming and strategies.
- Support compliance with UNHCR Age, Gender and Diversity Policy, including ensuring AGD inclusive programming, advocating for gender equality and strengthening accountability to affected populations (AAP).
- Assist with the implementation and integration of community-based corporate policies in multi-year and multi-partner protection and solutions strategies and operations plans.
- Support the systematic application of participatory, community, rights based, and gender responsive protection approaches throughout the phases of the operations management cycle and across the work of the organisation and implement community-based GBV prevention and response as well as community-based child protection programmes.
- Contribute to the appropriate adaptations of programmes as a result of the analysis of feedback received from persons of concern, as well as other political, social, economic and cultural developments that impact the protection environment.
- Participate in country level planning exercises and advocates for the mobilization and (re)allocation of funds to the implementation of community-based and gender responsive approaches across programmes and sectors in line with regional and country community-based protection strategies.
- Support the establishment and management of a feedback and response system (including on PSEA) and participate in the analysis of feedback gathered through formal and informal feedback and response systems.
- Support capacity development through training and coaching of staff in the domain of AGD, Accountability to Affected People (AAP), CBP, Gender Equality, Youth, Disability and inclusion of other Diversity elements, and mainstreaming of the CBP approach in other sectors.
- Provide technical guidance and support to ensure data relevant to assess and monitor progress on the implementation and impact of community-based and age, gender and diversity approaches is collected and AGD-sensitive analysis of community risks and capacities is undertaken.
- Support the consolidation of reporting on community-based protection and contributes to reporting on the protection of different AGD groups, including identification of trends and collection and dissemination of good practices.
- Contribute to the development of partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including government institutions, UN, civil society actors, and the private sector inclusive of youth, disability, LGBTI, women rights stakeholders and other diverse groups; for the purpose of advocating for community-based approaches for the protection of displaced persons, including implementation of Outreach and communication with diverse groups.
- For functions at a regional level, support harmonization of CBP strategies in the region and their alignment with global policies, identifies and disseminates good practices, supports exchange of expertise in the region and provides a regional level analysis of trends as well as aggregated reporting on implementation of Community-based and AGD approaches.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Community Development;
Human Rights;
Cultural Studies;
Social Science;
Anthropology;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
2-3 years experience of working in the field with direct engagement with persons of concern. Demonstrated expertise in field protection, community development, social surveys/ assessment, counselling, or related areas

Desirable
Very good understanding of displacement and protection issues, particularly GBV prevention and response, child protection, education, gender equality, and the application of the age, gender and diversity approach. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position such as: PLP (Protection Learning Programme), OMLP (Operations Management Learning Programme), MMLP (Middle Management Learning Programme), CBPLP (Community-based Protection Learning Programme), CBP e-Learning, and Gender Equality e-learning. Experience in project management, and strategy development and implementation.

Functional Skills
PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD)
PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
TR-Training - Virtual and face to face
MG-Team building (development/facilitation)
PR-Community-based Protection - Planning, implementing and analysing surveys/assessments
PR-Community-based Protection - Coordination and project management
PR-Community-based Protection - Principles and methodologies
PR-Community-based Protection - Community engagement and capacity building
PR-Accountability to Affected People - Principles and Framework
(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.

• Prior experience managing large and diverse protection and other multifunctional teams at the Field or Sub-Office level and ability to maintain communication and positive work environment.
• Experience in strategic planning, designing, and managing humanitarian and development projects, including private sector funding and international financial institution grants/funds.
• Application of the GRC/CRRF principles in advancing protection and solutions for persons we work with and for, including working on an inclusion agenda.
• Prior experience in IDP operations, or area-based responses with mixed refugee, IDP and host population groups, and/or working/leading with relevant IASC clusters or interagency coordination response.
• As the focal point for GBV, PSEA, accountability to affected communities (AAP), the candidate should have a good experience and knowledge on the areas.
• Experience in RSD and registration, including evidence of protecting and promoting the asylum space in politically complicated situations.
• Experience leading/forming community-led or refugee-led organizations and/or strong experience leading community-engagement, community feedback mechanisms and other community-led processes.
• Stakeholder management and multi-agency co-ordination skills, with internal and external factors such as the Government counterparts, NGOs, UN Agencies, development actors as well as donors.
• Leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills to handle complex challenges on a regular basis, in liaison with government, security organs, host and refugee leaders.
• Political awareness and communication skills are essential skills.
• Management of security areas or operations with high security level
• Working in culturally and religious sensitive environment
• Evidence of broader management experience, including acting as Officer in Charge of Sub-Office and supporting activities including programme, supply, administrative, finance, human resources and security units an asset.
• Possess excellent drafting and reporting skills, and proven experience in management is desirable.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

This will be the only Protection Officer position at SO Melkadida whereby the incumbent, under the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Officer, undertakes protection responsibilities and tasks that are general, and community based in nature. The Community-Based Protection Officer will be responsible for all community-based protection interventions in the operation. The incumbent will have direct supervisory responsibility for protection staff whose work may include community-based protection, registration, resettlement, complementary pathways, internal displacement and education, among other areas. The Community-Based Protection Officer will be the focal point for all community-linked interventions of the Unit, including supporting communities to devise own capabilities for their protection.

The incumbent coordinates quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern under the AoR. S/he ensures that persons of concern of all age, gender and diversity groups are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying and implementing appropriate solutions to their problems. To undertake this role effectively, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with other relevant teams within the operation (including programme; PI and external relations; IM) and with DIP, communities of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection and achieving solutions.

Ethiopia is home to the second largest refugee population in Africa, currently hosting over 750,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Yemen. The Government of Ethiopia allows humanitarian access and protection to those seeking asylum in its territory. UNHCR works closely with its government counterpart, the Refugee & Returnee Services (RRS), to ensure access to asylum territory and the safe and dignified reception and processing/registration of asylum-seekers. Currently all determination and registration of refugees in the SOMEL AOR is done on a prima facie basis, with RSD being conducted only in Addis. Although access to territory and registration have been suspended in the operation, all asylum cases are received, screened, and registered at the joint UNHCR/RRS Reception Centre in Dollo Ado.

As a result of insecurity, famine, and environmental problems in Somalia, over 205,000 refugees fled from Somalia to Ethiopia and are accommodated in five refugee camps in the Dollo Ado/Melkadida area in the South-eastern part of Ethiopia under Sub Office Melkadida. 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).

The Melkadida UNHCR operation promotes community-based protection and offers livelihoods opportunities to both refugees and their host communities. UNHCR has prioritized interventions that will strengthen peaceful coexistence to ensure that the former can enjoy their asylum in safety and dignity. Melkadida 's refugee population is from Somalia and UNHCR works closely with its government counterpart, the RRS and other stakeholders, including traditional leaders.

The incumbent will be responsible for all refugee and community engagements, programming and ensuring that the operation’s strategic direction factors in and is in sync with community interests. S/he will also be responsible in the management of all child protection activities, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), community feedback and accountability to affected persons (AAP) and ensuring the operation undertakes its programming through an AGDM approach. Through this, it is expected that the incumbent will ensure that strategies are put in place in achieving the strategic goals and in line with the country protection strategy.  

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). The Melkadida UNHCR operation promotes community-based protection and offers livelihoods opportunities to both refugees and their host communities. UNHCR has prioritized interventions that will strengthen peaceful coexistence to ensure that the former can enjoy their asylum in safety and dignity. Melkadida 's refugee population is from Somalia and UNHCR works closely with its government counterpart, the RRS and other stakeholders, including traditional leaders.

The operation is also responding an internal displacement situation whereby there are over 650,000 IDPs scattered throughout the operation. The operation's interventions include on GBV, child protection and access to assistance, among others with a strategy geared towards protection response to immediate needs that are identified through UNHCR and partner profiling. The incumbent is therefore expected to be involved in both refugee and IDP responses.

In terms of staffing, there are about 22 international staff and about 100 plus national staff with different contractual statuses in the operation. Experience in working with Somali communities is desirable.

As a community-based protection focal point for the operation, the incumbent will be responsible in ensuring that communities and individuals of various backgrounds and diversities are engaged, strategies are developed and implemented to that effect and accountability to affected populations is enshrined in the operation. The incumbent will lead and coordinate all community-based interventions, including designing, developing and implementing the CB strategy for the operation. The strategy will guide the implementation of all UNHCR and partner interventions ensuring they are inclusive, accountable to PoCs and incorporate both refugees and host communities of all ages, genders and diversities. This will be guided by the four distinct strategic priorities of mainstreaming community-based approaches within all UNHCR sectors and partners; promotion of sustainability by capacitating refugee communities to directly influence and contribute to prevention and mitigation of protection risks and ensure all PoCs are able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives.

The incumbent will also lead all actions and interventions on sexual exploitation and abuse as well as GBV while ensuring that all these are mainstreamed throughout the operation and not only within UNHCR but also to other interlocutors. A demonstrated capacity to coordinate this including bringing together all actors, mainstreaming protection and capacity building such as training on the areas is therefore critical. Through this, local communities, including traditional one will not be left behind hence the need to develop inclusive strategies and engagement approaches.

Living and Working Conditions:

Accommodation will be provided by the Sub-Office Melkadida with a monthly rental charge of about $582. All staff living in the UNHCR provided accommodation must pay their accommodation in accordance with the UNHCR Policy of UNHCR Provided Accommodation in the Field issued under the IOM/FOM 020/021/2012 dated 28 Feb 2012 as well as the Administrative Instruction on the Measures in Support of Personnel in High-Risk Duty Station (Non-Family Duty Stations Where Danger Pay Applied), UNHCR/AI/2018/11 dated 15 August 2018.

Most accommodations are fully furnished, with a single room and living room with an open kitchen. They include their own duvet bed and bed sheet, private bathrooms, desk, AC, lamp and closet. WIFI is available across the compound and in most of the apartments a private residential WIFI. Transportation in and out of Melkadida is usually by UNHAS flights directly to Addis. Due to road insecurity, road travel to Addis is not advised as it takes two days. Only under unavoidable circumstances is it authorised.

Given the remote nature of the duty station, there are very few items that can be purchased in Melkadida, particularly food items and other personal items that staff may need. It is therefore advised that you bring such items with you. Food provision in the area is limited, with very few vegetables, it is advisable to carry your own food/ food supplements. Cleaning services are inclusive of the rent and take place from Monday to Friday.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Community Development, PR-Child Protection Case Management and Best Interests Procedures, PR-Child Protection Community-based mechanisms/ approaches, PR-Child Protection Prevention and Response Programming, PR-Community based assessment methodologies, PR-Community-based Protection - Community engagement and capacity building, PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Capacity development and training, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination, PR-Gender mainstreaming, PR-Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Operations, PR-Protection mainstreaming, PR-Protection of persons with vulnerabilities

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Child Protection, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Gender Studies, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Human Rights Law, Bachelor of Science (BS): Community Development, Bachelor of Science (BS): Law

Certifications

Child Protection, GBV, Work Context: Protection, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 1 to the September 2024 Compendium - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance