POSITION SUMMARY:
HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit a Gender and GBV Officer who will enhance protection of refugees by promoting and protecting their rights. The Officer will specialize in the protection of the LGBTQI+ population by providing insight in protection interventions for the LGBTQI+ and provide direct GBV case management services to LGBTQI+ refugee community. The officer will also participate in the designing, implementation and evaluation of programs focusing on the needs of the LGBTIQ refugees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable refugees, especially the LGBTQI+.
- Assist in protection mainstreaming by providing insight in protection interventions for the LGBTQI+ population.
- Facilitate access to local support networks within the Kenyan LGBTQI+; community.
- Maintain and develop relationships with Key stake holders and partners to advocate for rights of LGBTQI+ refugees.
- Develop strategic partnerships through participation in co-ordination meetings.
- Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation program with partners for protection, medical and psychosocial needs of the LGBTQI+ refugees.
- Facilitate establishment of community-based protection mechanism and support for the vulnerable persons of concern including survivors of Sexual Gender Based Violence.
- Ensure ongoing case management and documentation of protection violations.
- Increase knowledge and exposure of the Kenyan LGBTQI+ movement to the LGBTIQ refugee problem thus awakening their concern for a broader approach in their advocacy and future programming.
- Follow up on cases and provide partners and refugees counseling and feedback on the status and processing of individual cases.
- Build Capacity for HIAS staff, partner staff and other stakeholders on diversity and Inclusion, SGBV and protection of persons of concern
- Produce accurate, detailed and timely reports highlighting objectives, achievements and impact on project activities.
- Assist in identifying funding opportunities and participate in fundraising in the organization.
- Performing other duties as may be required.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- University degree in either; Law, International Relations, Gender Development Studies or other relevant social sciences degree
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience and knowledge in Human Rights as well as international refugee laws.
- Experience working and programming for LGBTQI+ refugees.
- Knowledge of Computer Applications such as Ms-ACCESS, Ms-EXCEL, and Ms-WORD
- Ability to work in a Team.
- Good knowledge of prevention and response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Diversity and inclusion.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge in Project Management
- Ability to take up multiple roles with minimum supervision and short deadlines
- Knowledge in Accountability to Affected Populations
- Knowledge in Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
- Those with lived experiences are encouraged to apply.
DISCLAIMER:
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.
SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:
We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Heres a snapshot of our hiring process:
Step 1: Submit your application!
Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.
Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.
Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.
Step 5: Reference check.
Step 6: Offer and background check.
Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!
Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.
ABOUT US:
Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish peoplea history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.
HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.
VISION:
HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.
MISSION:
Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.
VALUES:
Welcome Acogimiento Hospitalité (Hachnasat Orchim)
We Welcome the Stranger
Justice Justicia Justice (Tzedek)
We Pursue Justice
Empathy Empatía Empathie (Chesed)
We Approach our Clients with Empathy
Partnership Compañerismo Coopération (Chevruta)
We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership
Courage Coraje Courage (Ometz)
We Act with Courage to Build a Better World
Resilience Resiliencia Résilience (Ruach)
We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience
DIVERSITY:
HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.
SAFEGUARDING:
HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.