Senior Protection Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior Protection Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Senior Protection Officer (SPO) is Head of the Protection Unit in a Country or Sub-Office and reports to the Assistant or Deputy Representative for Protection, directly to the Representative or as appropriate, to the Head of Sub-Office. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for protection staff who may include community services, registration, resettlement and education. He/she provides functional protection oversight to information management and programme staff and supervises protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery at the country level. The incumbent also acts as an advisor to senior management in designing a comprehensive protection strategy and represents the organization to authorities, UN sister agencies, partners and other stakeholders on protection policy and doctrine.

The Senior Protection Officer is normally a member of the Office senior management team and is relied upon by the Office to plan, lead and coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern. This includes ensuring that operational responses in all sectors are shaped in a protection optic, mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. Another important element of the SPO's functions is to ensure that persons of concern 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, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- The protection needs of populations of concern are met through the application of International and National Law, relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards and IASC principles governing humanitarian coordination.
- The operation has a clear and coherent comprehensive protection strategy which incorporates a thorough age, gender and diversity (AGD) analysis and reflects the Organization's global, regional and country level priorities.
- The Participation of persons of concern is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches.
- National protection capacities are improved through direct engagement, research and advocacy with all relevant external interlocutors.
- Instances of refoulement of refugees, forced return of IDPs, arbitrary deprivation of nationality resulting in statelessness and other protection incidents are immediately identified and addressed through direct intervention and advocacy.

Responsibility

- Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.
- Manage a consultative process with government counterparts, partners and persons of concern to develop and implement a comprehensive protection strategy addressing the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, minority groups such as sexual minorities and persons living with HIV/AIDS; and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) priorities with regard to these persons.
- In operations applying the Cluster Approach, ensure the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in a strategy which covers all assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations.
- Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and the Humanitarian Country Team's common humanitarian action plan.
- Promote International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct and ensure that all sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations fulfil their responsibilities mainstreaming protection.
- Design, deliver and monitor programmes on an AGD basis to address identified protection needs.
- Provide technical guidance and support to UNHCR and partners on all protection related issues.
- Oversee the management of individual protection cases including those on SGBV and child protection.
- Provide legal 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 to persons of concern (women and civil documentation in particular birth certificates).
- Oversee eligibility and status determination in the country ensuring compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles.
- Promote and implement measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
- Develop and implement a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy and ensure partnerships are forged with the Ministry for Education, UNICEF and other partners.
- Develop and implement a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy ensuring programmes use a child protection systems approach.
- Monitor, and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners.
- Implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities.
- Ensure that durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement are sought and provided to the largest possible number of persons of concern.
- Coordinate the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related programming with implementing and operational partners.
- Develop and implement a programme of results-based advocacy through a consultative process with sectorial and/or cluster partners.
- Ensure that the Protection Sector or Cluster has an effective information management component which: provides disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems; researches, collects and disseminates relevant protection information and good practices to enhance protection delivery.
- Build the protection capacity of national and local government, partners and civil society to assume their responsibilities vis-à-vis all persons of concern through protection training, mainstreaming and related activities.
- Coordinate capacity-building initiatives for communities and individuals to assert their rights.
- Advise and capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and civil society to strengthen legislation and status determination procedures and mechanisms.

Authority

- Approve the protection strategy for endorsement by the Deputy / Representative and Regional Office or Headquarters.
- Chair protection coordination meetings, including Protection Cluster meetings in applicable operations and represent the protection sector/cluster in inter-agency mechanisms.
- Issue advocacy statements on behalf of UNHCR in protection sectoral meetings and/or on behalf of the Protection Cluster in applicable operations.
- Intervene with authorities on protection issues.
- Negotiate locally and as appropriate with resettlement countries and countries of return on behalf of UNHCR.
- Take review decisions on individual cases.
- Enforce compliance of staff and partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
- Approve expenditures under the UNHCR protection budget and direct transparent and accountable financial and other resource allocation within the Protection Cluster in applicable operations. 

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Law, International Law, political Sciences or related field with good knowledge of International Refugee, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law plus minimum 8 years of previous work experience relevant to the function of which 3 years in the field and 5 years in an international capacity. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

***For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Diverse field experience desirable.
- Good IT skills including database management skills.
- Completion of the Protection Learning Programme, RSD-Resettlement Learning Programme and Management Learning Programme desirable.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Senior Protection Officer positions. 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. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X004L3 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific security and welfare profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). These profiles have been specifically designed to answer some of the key questions (on security conditions, medical provisions, staff welfare, living and working conditions) potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care. This project is still in the pilot phase, and as such some of the information leaflets are being produced as we speak and might not be available yet. They will be soon, so keep checking. 

Experience in using MSRP, FOCUS, RBM and proGres;
Strong analytical skills;
Familiarity on global compact on migration and refugees and CRRF Process;
Working experience in RSD, QAI, Durable solutions and statelessness-related matters an advantage;
Experience in delivering legal trainings;
Excellent command of Spanish language;
Excellent command of English, both oral and written.
Managerial abilities. Costa Rica is a country with a stable democracy, known for its commitment to human rights and environmentally sensitive sustainable development. CR is a founding member of the UN and a devoted supporter of multilateralism, peace and disarmament. Though a middle-income country, CR requires to undertake urgent reforms to its fiscal, social security, pension and public administration systems, as well as significant investments in infrastructure and transports to maintain growth, guarantee employment and safeguarding its social welfare scheme. The country has signed up to the SDG with a priority to combat poverty as nearly 20% of its population of 5 million is under the poverty line. UNDAF 2018-2022 has poverty reduction as its main goal along with supporting the less favoured, including indigenous, afro-descents, migrants and refugees.
For 2019 the country will likely host some 20,000 people of concern at the beginning of the year and some 30,000 by year¿s end. It is expected that Venezuela will continue to be the top country of arriving asylum seekers and will represent over 50% of the total number of claims, followed by NCA (30%), and Colombia (10%). Should an articulated, multipartner response be in place, it is expected that the Government of Costa Rica will be able to maintain its protection standards in 2019 despite of rising trends.
Costa Rica has been an active supporter of regional frameworks that improve refugee protection policies. By adopting MINARE, the country has rearranged its response to the refugee situation towards a whole-society, whole-State strategy. With the current Administration, MINARE has counted on full political backing. Although a new Administration will take office in May 2018, BOCOS expects that MINARE will continue to be supported irrespective of the outcome of the electoral process. Costa Rica is a destination for refugees mainly from Venezuela, NCA and Colombia. It has also served as transit for Cubans, Haitians, African and Asian nationals going northwards in search of asylum or better opportunities in USA and Canada; some have sought asylum in Costa Rica. Since 2016 and up-to-date, Costa Rica also served as temporary stay for the Protection Transfer Arrangement (PTA) for 133 refugees at heightened protection risk from El Salvador awaiting their RST case processing to a third country. Of the total number of 4,493 refugees, over 50% were Colombians (2,340); 837 from NCA; 461 Nicaraguans; 379 Cubans; 338 Venezuelans; 19 Nigerians; 12 Haitians; 9 Syrians; and others (98). FY2017 a total of 6,337 new arrivals sought asylum in Costa Rica. This represents 358% increase when compared with the 1,384 figure that was registered in 2014. Applications from Venezuela and NCA rose 2,361% and 406% respectively during the last four years. In 2014 the number of new arrivals from Venezuela was 129, while in 2017 it was 3,175; in 2014 there were 384 new arrivals from NCA, while in 2017 there were 1,945. During the first two months of 2018, there were 1,158 new asylum claimants. Those growing trends are expected to continue in 2018 and beyond. NCA asylum seekers are expected to continue arriving in Costa Rica as no protection improvements seem likely to take place in those countries in the near future. Current approach in addressing gang related violence coupled with more restrictive migration policies in USA will lead to more displacement towards Costa Rica. The current situation in Venezuela does not seem to improve in the near future either. Though progress has been made in Colombia following the peace process, serious human rights violations still continue to be commonplace as witnessed by murders of human rights defenders, political/environmental activists and community leaders. It is then expected that there would 9,000 new arrivals FY18. With an average recognition rate of 20%, at 1st January 2019 there will be 4,893 recognised refugees and 14,265 asylum seekers. Considering those trends, it could be conservatively estimated that 11,700 new asylum claimants will seek asylum FY19. Should recognition rates and waiting times remain stable, FY19 year¿s end the number of recognised refugees could reach some 9,000 and the number of cumulative asylum seekers, some 20,000. Out of the latter, it is estimated that 12,000 will be Venezuelans. With a recognition rate of approx. 11% for the Venezuelan caseload, it is estimated that 9,000 Venezuelans who may not meet the `51 Convention refugee definition, may benefit from alternative protection pathways; those will be considered as ¿refugee like¿ situation. The newly elected President, Carlos Alvarado, is most likely to adopt CRRF¿s National Chapter (a.k.a. MINARE) as part of his policies on refugees since the current administration actively participated on its development.
However, his level of support in Congress as well as Costa Rica¿s fiscal situation could severely affect his possibility to fully implement a State-led programme for refugees beyond political endorsement, making UNHCR¿s technical and financial support necessary. 
During campaign, UNHCR Country Rep met with the now president-elect to discuss national operation and implementation of MINARE. Costa Rica is likely the most expensive country in Latin America, and yet the Operation has managed to maintain the best Admin/Staff vs. Operational ratio (30% vs 70%), and the lowest refugee per capita cost (under $100 per year).
The Representation has taken advantage of the very good human resources available in the country, and the fact that the office structure is composed mainly by local staff of a professional level holding support positions, as well as a trimmed staffing table. This poses management challenges that may become risks if not properly addressed. Additionally, UN salaries poorly compete with similar posts in the public Administration, exposing the Office to staff turnout. In 2019, the Office structure will be basically comprised of three international positions (Representative, a Senior Protection Officer overseeing Protection and Solutions, and an Admin/Programme Officer) with four Units headed by National Officers, which represents a key middle management line.
Currently, four National Officers supervise an average of 3 to 4 local staff at G5 and G6 levels in the areas of Protection, Solutions, Programme and M&E.  However, two of those four National Officers (Protection and M&E) and support staff (one Protection-PTA, one in Solutions and one in M&E) currently hold TAs contracts.  On the AWF front, there currently are four local UNOPS (two in Solutions, one in Programme and one in M&E). It is worth noting that most of support staff hold professional responsibilities that would require a salary of National Officers under normal circumstances. The adequate staffing structure for 2019 requires that all Temporary Assistance positions be turned into regular staff positions and upgrading some selected posts under OL, as indicated in the attached staffing table appendix. Administrative costs have managed to be kept at minimum levels. The Office has managed to maintain a reduced ABOD of about $200,000 (including a bare minimum amount for eventual and exceptional Temporary Assistance hiring), which should be sufficient to provide adequate working conditions with a tight expenditure control.
Costa Rica is a country without Armed Forces.  The country has a uniformed Police Force (Fuerza Pública) and a Judicial Police (Organismo de Investigación Judicial ¿ O.I.J.) under the Ministry of Justice. Law enforcement response, while not comparable to the United States or Europe, is considered adequate. Costa Rica¿s climate is stable throughout the year. During the rainy season, from May to November, some rural roads are blocked by landslides.  During the Caribbean hurricane season, from June to November, heavy rainfall can affect both the Caribbean and Pacific coast with occasional flooding on settlements and roads.
Road traffic accidents are the main cause of death in San José. Some roads lack traffic signs.  One of the most dangerous roads is Carretera Braulio Carrillo, which connects San José with the province of Limón.  This road should be avoided during night time.
Telephone and international cable services are reliable.  The Costa Rican country code is +506 and mobile telephone services in 3G and 4G networks are available throughout most of the country.  911 emergency call system is also available. The Costa Rican Colón (1 USD = 570 CRC) is the official currency, although USD are also widely accepted.  Traveler checks and USD can be exchanged in banks and many hotels.   Banks normally charge a fee for exchanging foreign traveler¿s checks and currency other than USD, which can also be difficult to exchange. ATMs are available in most towns throughout the country, but is advisable to always have some local cash handy.  For security reasons some ATMs are switched off at the night.  Most credit cards are also accepted. Costa Rica faces a recognized high level of non-violent crimes against tourists and regular citizens. The use of fire weapons during a criminal event is common. Despite relatively low levels of criminality in the overall situation of the Central America region, robberies (including armed robberies and residential break-ins) are frequently reported crimes within the whole country. Some of these crimes are associated to drug consumption. Unstable perpetrators, eventual confrontation or any other triggering situation, during such events, along with widespread use of fire weapons, may easily lead to violence and impact UN personnel integrity. The possibility of a residential break-in to go wrong, in case robbers are confronted by victims in the house, is too high to be discarded. More than 8000 robberies are reported every year, which due to the bureaucracy involved, is still believed to be underreported. 
In 2016, 8147 residences were reportedly broke-in to, out of which 7.5% were robberies (occupants at home). 50% of these took place in the areas of San Jose and Alajuela, areas which register the most concentration of the staff residences. 2017 figures show the same trend with 5100 residences affected by break-ins already, with an alarming 40% located in the same two areas of San Jose and Alajuela (OIJ official data) Unprotected, unattended (or assumed as such) residences, or while occupants are resting, are more likely to be targeted for break/in. Their occupants are exposed to the risk of violence and assault, if present during eventual robberies. Information on times of occupation and residents profile is easily facilitated and accessed to by assailants through local communities.
Violent crime in Costa Rica is regularly evident. The presence of fire weapons, nervousness, and perpetrators under substance abuse, tension, staff reaction to privacy invasion or violation of their sanctuary (family environment) will carry a higher risk of assault, injury and death upon an incident.
High levels of gender violence, impunity and engrained machismo, put women at an additional risk of sexual assault when at home during a residential robbery.
Victims of assault, during and after a break-in, apart from the traumatizing physical integrity effects and loss of personal property can still be affected by: PTSD, family environment disruption, anger and revolt towards assailants due to the sense of impunity, loss of working hours to deal with a bureaucratic and discouraging system of reporting in the aftermath of the robbery, which needs to be conducted at the Police Station. Residence survey by DSS prior to the occupation, individual security procedures, existing security force protection and evident use of alarms systems at the residence, help to minimize the likelihood of these events at the greatest extent. RSM recommended measures (Selection of secured and protected accommodation, alarm, residential surveys, designation of areas with higher levels of crime (DSS), security and alarm services quality control/monitoring, etc.), complementing existing security control and protective systems will further reduce the risk associated to crime (residential) to negligible levels.
With the proliferation and easy access to weapons in the country, the risk of having an armed and violent confrontation and/or assault during a residential break-in is very likely. None.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add.4 to March 2018 Compendium is Wednesday 5 Septembe 2018 (midnight Geneva time).