Protection Officer (Adolescents and Youth) in Geneva, Switzerland

Vacancy Announcement for position of Protection Officer (Adolescents and Youth), P3 in Geneva, Switzerland

Temporary Appointment

Title: Protection Officer (Adolescents and Youth), P3
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: until 31 December 2019
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Closing date: Monday 15 April 2019 (midnight Geneva time)
Start date: ASAP

Operational context
A global review of UNHCR's engagement with displaced youth, undertaken in 2013, concluded that UNHCR had few programmes targeting youth that respond to their specific concerns and help build their capacities. Since 2013, UNHCR has worked hard with and for youth to improve protection and empowerment for young people across its operations. In March 2018, the Assistant High Commissioner (Protection) officially introduced the Global Youth Advisory Committee (GYAC) delegates, and in 2018 the GYAC delegates will participate in consultations on the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This initiative is the latest achievement following the Global Refugee Youth Consultations in 2015/16 and the publication of the Core Actions for Refugee Youth. Much of this work is underpinned by the innovative Youth Initiative Fund (YIF), which is now in its 5th year and has supported over 2,404 young people to lead their own projects in 32 countries. UNHCR has also developed new partnerships in particular with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), professional sports clubs and foundations and international sporting federations. UNHCR works closely with interagency and UN networks such as the Youth and Adolescents in Emergencies Advocacy group, the Compact on Young People in Humanitarian Action and working groups related to Security Council Resolutions 2250 - Youth, Peace and Security.

Duties and responsibilities

Accountability
¿ Youth Initiative Fund 2019 projects selected
¿ Guidance on implementing the Core Actions for refugee youth developed
¿ UNHCR Global Youth Advisory Council supported and strengthened 
¿ Reports, briefings and talking points as required on key interagency initiatives that UNHCR is engaged in on youth during 2018

Responsibility
Protection Officer (Adolescents and Youth) will act as the focal point for UNHCR HQ-led youth programming under the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor (Child Protection and Youth) and the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator, Field Protection Service. She/he will undertake the following tasks to promote the continued advancement of adolescent and youth programming:
¿ Oversee the work of the Global Youth Advisory Council
¿ Support the development and the deepening of the UNHCR Global Youth Advisory Council into UNHCR structures including supporting the group to participate in global, regional and national events, with the support of the country offices and regional Bureaux.
¿ Support the UNHCR Youth Initiative Fund projects for 2019 in coordination with the Regional Bureaux and DIP RMU, overseeing budget allocation to approved projects and follow up on monitoring and reporting and learning.
¿ Supervise and provide technical assistance to the WRC youth partnership
¿ Act as the UNHCR HQ focal point for the various youth networks including but not limited to the Compact on Young People In Humanitarian Action and UN Inter-Agency Network for Youth Development.
¿ Strengthen multisectoral collaboration on youth at UNHCR HQ including  Livelihoods (Decent work for youth); Education section (Youth Education Programme) and Sports for Protection (DER Sports Coordinator).
¿ Support capacity building and institutionalization of youth programming within UNHCR, including lead on the development of guidance materials on the implementation of the Core Actions for Refugee Youth.
¿ Support the Senior Advisor for Child Protection and Youth in refining the strategic direction of DIP work on youth
¿ Represent UNHCR in Youth-related meetings and activities, provide input into planning and reporting on youth
¿ Advise on data analysis and led knowledge management for youth for UNHCR

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.
¿ Proficiency in English is essential and knowledge of French and Spanish at B2  level is desirable.
¿ 5-7 years of progressively responsible professional work in child and youth protection, social work, youth work, preferably with a specific focus on adolescent and youth programming.
¿ Specific experience in programming for adolescent and youth groups
¿ Demonstrated knowledge/experience of supporting innovative approaches in response to youth and adolescent sector challenges, particularly as they relate to displacement and emergencies.
¿ Demonstrated knowledge of humanitarian sector (including protection or child protection, education) and in displacement (refugee) situations.
¿ Familiarity with community based protection initiatives and child/youth empowerment methodologies and practices.
¿ Previous experience with UNHCR in the area of child protection or education is highly desirable

Location
The successful candidate will be based in Geneva.

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. The deadline for applications is Monday 15 April 2019 (midnight Geneva time).