Snr 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.

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.

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 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.

 

(c) Link with the Juba based Protection Cluster Coordinator, Senior Protection Officer (IDP) and Head of Office Malakal on strategic operational issues related to IDP operations while ensuring that field support for operations in Bunj and Malakal.
As a supervisor, the incumbent should also identify and respond to the training and development needs of the unit¿s staff, most of which needs constant guidance, coaching and mentoring. In addition the incumbent also link closely with the programme unit in developing protection plans, emergency response with the programme unit while ensuring streamlining of protection among all interlocutors. The incumbent has to also have an inert skill of being able to work within the thin lines of communication with authorities and non-state actors.

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. The incumbent should have good experience with working in difficult operational context including in conflict areas with a risk security environment.  The candidate is required to have good coordination skills and understanding of working in Refugee Operations and IDP Protection environment. Political awareness and skill to negotiate and coordinate with stakeholders including government, non- state actors and various interlocutors in both national and international NGO sector is highly recommended.

Apart from excellent functional competencies, the incumbent is also expected to possess proven managerial and leadership skills. He/she directly supervises a sizeable team of both general service and international staff overseeing all aspects of the Refugee Operations in Bunj and IDP Protection both in Bunj and Malakal. A good knowledge of the entire spectrum of Refugee Protection, Refugee Coordination Model and IASC Framework and Cluster approach is necessary. The incumbent should have high professional standards and ready to often work long hours under stressful work and living conditions. 

The incumbent reports directly to the Head of Sub Office and has the direct supervisory responsibility over 
(a) The Protection Unit, composed of 3 international section heads at P3 level with responsibilities over Registration, Community Services, Education and General Protection activities, 1 National Officer and 15 General Services Staff members.  
(b) Regular reporting including (Mid-year and end of the year) as well as in the planning and implementation process of the Programme cycle. However, conflict erupted in July 2016 in Juba resulting in expulsion of the then First Vice President Riak Machar and spread of conflict - especially in Greater Equatoria. Since then Greater Equatoria has been witnessing an insurgency against the government by different opposition and rebel groups, forcing thousands to flee across the border to Uganda.

Despite the creation of High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) in June 2017 under the auspices of IGAD and the official launch of the President Salva Kiir¿s initiative for a nation-wide dialogue in May 2017, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan remained highly volatile and conflict spread across areas that had previously been relatively stable. The Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) was unable to ensure security and the economy difficulties facing the country remained with the inflation rate tripled in 2017. In addition, On 21 December 2017, HLRF parties signed yet another Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access at the end of the first HLRF phase. It required parties to cease all hostile military actions by 24 December 2017 which has suffered immediate violations in a number of locations. Proliferation of arms across the country and maintenance of the civilian character of asylum in the camps remained a challenge. The third round of the HLRF talks are being held in Addis Ababa in May 2018 and have yet to conclude, and clashes between government and opposition and/or rebel forces continue to be reported (e.g. in Pagak in Upper Nile). UNHCR¿s engagement under the National Dialogue process is mainly via the Sub-Committee on Refugees and International Outreach (NDSCRIO). So far, consultations of the steering committee have been held with refugees in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan, to ensure their voices and inputs are added to the peace process. The latest meeting between UNHCR and NDSCRIO leadership was held on 27 April 2018, where it was agreed that planning and coordination need to be further improved.


The main areas of concern in South Sudan are armed conflict and crime. The current levels of these risks are HIGH. However, with implementation of identified risk management measures the risks are projected to be reduced to MEDIUM. The current risk level for terrorism and civil unrest is LOW except in areas hosting protection of civilian sites such as Juba, Malakal, Bentiu, Wau and Bor. These projections are expected to remain so in the short and medium barring sudden changes induced by internal/external factors.

The operation in South Sudan is currently responding to an emergency that is high in magnitude. UNHCR has 10 offices (Representation Office Juba, SO Jamjang and Bunj, FO Bor, Malakal, Bentiu, Yambio, Yei, Wau, and field unit in Yida; The UNHCR operation in South Sudan provides protection and support to refugees, IDPs, and also deals with issues of statelessness. The conflict that broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People¿s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Sudan¿s South Kordofan and Blue Nile States in June and September 2011 led to widespread displacement of civilians, most of whom fled to Upper Nile State (especially Maban County), and Unity State in South Sudan. As a result, UNHCR declared South Sudan a Level 2 Emergency in May 2012 and further scaled up its relief response for 200,000 refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

Since 15 December 2013, more than 1.6 million people have been displaced in South Sudan as a result of the civil war between the government and the opposition forces. Civil war in the country has brought massive destruction and loss of life, as well as serious violations of other human rights of local population. While the Level 3 emergency has phased out, the requirements on the ground remain largely unchanged, requiring efforts to simultaneously work through coordination, provision of emergency support, as well as proactive role in search for durable solutions.

The Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) between warring parties was signed in August 2015 and Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) was established in late April 2016. Mental robustness will be needed to avoid becoming demoralized by the often unreasonable demands and pressure from the host and IDP/refugee community due to their protracted situation. Likewise political astuteness and diplomacy will be required in dealing with local government officials, host community and refugee/IDP leaders as well as partner staffs.
¿ The office has a cafeteria in place and it is a managed voluntarily by a team of staff on rotation basis. Three (3) meals are served in the cafeteria on a daily basis at an affordable cost normally decided by the staff.
¿ The office has an exercise gym free for all staff and recreation centre with a canteen  for UNHCR staff  and some of our partners¿ staff. All services provided in the Canteen are for a fee. There is also a volleyball and badminton courts which can be used to exercise by staff. Bunj is the administrative capital of the Greater Maban County where all the refugee camps within the AoR are situated and is classified as an `E¿ non-family duty station with basic infrastructure and limited leisure facilities. Bunj is also an isolated location with limited access options, currently can only be reached by air with related complexities of cancelations and limited capacity.  All staff reside at UNHCR provided accommodation. There is a UN imposed curfew for UN personnel restricting movements between 18:00 and 06:00; nevertheless, security situation is very unpredictable, and changes in curfew times and issuance of alerts by UNDSS occur often. The availability of and varied food supplies is inconsistent to non-existent especially for those with specific nutritional needs.
¿ Except six (6) national staff recruited from the local community, all  other staff members at Sub-Office Bunj reside within UNHCR (Guesthouses) compound where a curfew is in effect during the night. Climatic conditions are harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects are persistent in the environment.
¿ Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised and adequately carry their daily medication.
¿ Internet and communications networks are available at the compound Each staff member taking up assignment in Maban must complete
¿ SSAFE Training within the last three years
¿ BASIC-II and Advance Security Training For Field locations within the last three years
¿ Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the workplace within the last three years
¿ Maybe required to wear Personal Protective Equipment before undertaking field mission in some locations.
¿ Bunj is a security level 4 duty station being remotely covered by UNDSS from Malakal.  The security situation continues to be a challenge in the area and the staff member needs to have undergone proper security training. Meanwhile, staff movements are strictly restricted to certain MOSS requirement and all staff are obliged to adhere to such security protocols.  Staying in the office compound is regulated by a curfew in effect during the night and the requirement to answer daily radio checks.
Bunj is classified as security Level IV, with a UN imposed curfew from 18.00 hours to 06.00 hours.
SSAFE Training: It is advisable but no longer obligatory, however anyone who has never been through the training is advised to do so in order to inculcate themselves and to be in tune with any security response needs. Wearing of PPE may be mandatory in some field locations. UN Curfew is in force across the country but timing differs from one SRM Area to another.
¿ International personnel must request and receive security clearance for all travel (official and non-official) within and outside South Sudan. National personnel must request and receive security clearance for all official travel within and outside of South Sudan.
¿ International staff on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.
¿ UN international personnel intending to stay in approved residences outside UN compounds, prior to signing lease agreement must arrange a security inspection of the residence by UNDSS
¿ All UN female staff must be accommodated in UN residential compounds
¿ Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) must be conducted for UN personnel in areas with HIGH Risk level and above within one month of arriving in the mission
¿ All international staff should be issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPEs should always be on-hand for use when required All national staff are to be issued with radios and PPEs. PPE to be kept in the office and radios at staff residence to prevent staff being targeted by security agencies
¿ All international staff including UNVs and International Contractors working for UN organizations must be issued with appropriate radio communication equipment (VHF / UHF Handsets)
¿ Some roads in South Sudan are designated as roads requiring Force Protection.  Such designation may change from time to time (A force protection road map is issued regularly)
¿ Majority of movements within South Sudan is by Air as roads are impassable for a number of reasons. The incumbent will need to have proven leadership skill to manage a team within a context where every staff member will require support in some way or rather, including counselling and a caring touch. The incumbent should be able to demonstrate a high level of patience, quality negotiation skills and a level of maturity to deal with changeable operational and security situations. The incumbent will be in a leadership role in the absence of the HoO and will need to show strength of mind, proven adaptability, maintain a consultative approach and be decisive when required.

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