Prot 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.

Protection Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Protection Officer is a senior member of the protection team in a Country or Sub-Office and may, depending of the size and structure of the Office, be Head of the Protection Unit. He/she may report to the Senior Protection Officer, Head of Sub-Office or to the Assistant Representative for Protection. In smaller Offices, the post may report directly to the Representative.  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 local or 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 doctrine and policy.

The Protection Officer 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 function of the position 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.
- Protection incidents are immediately identified and addressed through direct intervention, advocacy and public exposure.

Responsibility
- Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.
- Facilitate 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; Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) priorities with regard to these persons.
- In operations applying the Cluster Approach, seek to ensure the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in a strategy which covers all assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations. 
- Support senior management to ensure the protection strategy is fully integrated into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF), the Humanitarian Country Team's common humanitarian action plan where applicable.
- 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.
- Implement 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 and manage 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 (civil documentation, in particular birth certificates).
- Oversee and undertake eligibility and status determination ensuring compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles.
- Promote and implement effective measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
-  Develop and implement a country-level education plan and ensure partnerships are forged with the Ministry for Education, UNICEF and other partners as appropriate.
- 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.
- Contribute to and facilitate 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 Senior Protection Officer, Assistant Representative Protection or the Representative. 
- Chair protection coordination meetings, including Protection Cluster meetings 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.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Law, International Law, political Sciences or related field with good knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law plus minimum 6 years relevant professional experience of which 2 years in the field. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Diverse field experience desirable.
- Good IT skills including database management skills.
- Completion of the Protection Learning Programme, RSD- esettlement Learning Programme.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR 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
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
X004L3 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing 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 them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country 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). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

 

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

 

Under the direct supervision of UNHCR Assistant Chief of Mission (Protection) / Senior Protection Officer, the incumbent will ensure the delivery of protection and implementation of protection strategies and durable solutions within the mixed migration context. S/he will also support in developing SOPs and enhanced case management of internal as well as inter-agency and partners¿ referrals.   S/he will manage the daily UNHCR¿s intervention in detention, rescue at sea as well as coordinate internally and lead an expanding team to implement the UNHCR¿s evacuation program out of Libya into third safe haven. The incumbent is required to work closely with the relevant Libyan officials in charge of detention management, rescue at sea and immigration department. S/he has a critical advocacy task to ensure that UNHCR¿s protection monitoring covers refugees and asylum seekers in detention and rescue at sea. The incumbent will also ensure that UNHCR reaches out fast to its persons of concern in detention and mixed migration and lead advocacy and response on their behalf, through assistance, protection monitoring and advocacy for release and durable solutions. The incumbent is also required to ensure that UNHCR provides timely and regular trends analysis on all situations, profiles and interventions related to mixed migration including: detention centre situations/fast sheets, mixed migration analysis (routes), situation and incident reports, profiling of POCs and on status of UNHCR¿s intervention and response. The Protection Officer will serve as the UNHCR¿s focal point in the Mixed Migration Sub-Working Groups on cross referral and direct assistance which are co-led between UNHCR and IOM, and will be required not only to represent UNHCR at these bodies, but also to lead when necessary

In the context of the notable international attention of mixed migration matters in Libya, and recalling the functions specified in the JD/description of responsibilities, the Protection Officer is expected to have solid understanding of protection matters and relevant procedural standards. S/he must also be aware of the local and regional dynamics, including the implications of UNHCR¿s engagement in the Libyan detention context, and strong proven leadership and coordination skills, demonstrated through previous professional experience in the region. It is also essential that the incumbent have direct experience in the field of Mixed Migration Due to his/her role in coordinating the UNHCR evacuation program, the incumbent is required to be aware of the divided responsibilities between program, supply and protection to ensure effective delivery of results as well as must have experience in working in emergencies.  The incumbent must have experience in protection and registration activities, with good knowledge of UNHCR¿s global registration database Progres, and needs to have previous experience in managing international and national transfers of refugees and asylum-seekers. Solid proven drafting and communication skills with the authorities is also critical as the incumbent is expected to develop and implement relating SOPs and policies, and to have daily coordination with all working level authorities and state actors engaged in Mixed Migration, as well as humanitarian actors (which requires good deal of humanitarian diplomacy). As such, it is essential that the incumbent has experience in inter-agency coordination.

As part of the protection activities linked to identification of durable solutions for persons of concern to UNHCR who are detained in official detention centers in Libya, the incumbent will also be responsible for profiling, nationality assessments including screening of claims to refugee status, protection case management and must have previous experience in conducting Best Interest Assessments and has previous experience in Best Interest Determination panels. Excellent coordination and management skills will be required of the incumbent in order to manage the various competing priorities. Lastly, the incumbent should have a proactive and positive approach and be able to implement planned activities successfully under adverse and highly stressful conditions amidst a volatile security environment. In this regard, s/he must be able to motivate and train a team of national and international staff with varying degrees of experience. Also in this respect, the incumbent needs to bring to the position strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build and lead a strong team.

Fluency in Arabic and English is essential due to the nature of this position, which requires close and daily communications with the relevant stakeholders (who by majority only speak Arabic). Libya has, for generations been both a country of transit and destination. Yet, in the wake of more than seven years of conflict, political turmoil and widespread human rights violations and abuses, the magnitude of protection challenges and needs has exponentially increased. Overall in Libya, amidst a population of 6.5 million, the UN estimates that 1.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, of which 0.5 million are internally displaced or returnees. In addition, Libya continues to host some 50,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, mostly Syrian, Iraqi and Palestinian nationals; as well as an estimated 700,000 migrants, predominantly from western Africa, contributing to one of the most complex mixed-migration situations in Northern Africa.

Chronic human rights violations and abuses in the context of armed conflict, violence and insecurity, and disregard for the minimum standards of international humanitarian and human rights law characterize the absence of effective protection for large numbers of civilians in Libya. Forced displacement and family separation with the associated tearing of the social fabric have resulted in a high-risk environment for persons living in Libya, with children being particularly vulnerable. In addition, increased economic hardship as a result of the protracted crisis, coupled with a liquidity crisis, contributing to a collapse of the national infrastructure, social cohesion and the country¿s economy, have impaired access to safety, basic services, humanitarian aid and livelihoods, and compounded the protection risks of the population, refugees and migrants, in particular vulnerable groups. The present situation in Libya is unstable and the outlook uncertain. This creates ongoing pressures at work and in daily life as priorities are frequently upended for other urgent ad-hoc tasks. The incumbent should be prepared to work under very challenging conditions and be able to manage stressful situations. The position is based at the Country Office Tripoli. In view of the volatile security situation, international staff are accommodated at a designated compound from which free movement in/around Tripoli is restricted.
Movement and travel of international staff in Libya is permitted only with armored vehicles. Owing to the complex dynamics in Libya, it is highly desirable that the incumbent has previous experience in working in the Mixed Migration field in the Central Mediterranean context, and preferably with good knowledge of the MENA region and the local Libyan context.

Considering the highly sensitive environment in which UNHCR operates in Libya, the incumbent should possess strong analytical and diplomatic skills, knowledge of the region and the local context and exhibit good judgment and protection instincts. Moreover, the incumbent should possess excellent proven drafting skills, as well as the proven ability to organize high-level meetings and events and develop trusted networks with the international community and civil society.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2018 Compendium is Thursday 18 October  2018 (midnight Geneva time).