Protection in Armed Conflict (PIAC) Consultant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

H (no hardship)FamilyCONS Local2024-10-01September 8, 2024Terms of Reference for Individual Consultant Contracts
(This work assignment description forms an integral part of the individual contract)
1. General Background of Project or Assignment:
Refugees and internally displaced persons increasingly find themselves caught up in, or in proximity of armed conflicts. In these situations, principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and other concepts linked to the protection of civilians in armed conflict are recurrently emerging as critical elements in protection analysis and advocacy for both UNHCR and by the Global protection Cluster. To operate more effectively in this environment, UNHCR is enhancing its workforce’s and partners knowledge of IHL and protection of civilians in armed conflict and is investing in developing skills to effectively engage with weapon and other duty bearers for advocacy on the protection of civilians; to carry out protection conflict sensitive analyses; to sensitize and support authorities in maintaining the civilian and humanitarian character of sites and settlements; and to achieve other protection outcomes.
As a protection agency and Protection Cluster lead, UNHCR is also building the understanding of its workforce on how to interact in humanitarian settings with various weapon bearers and actors involved in armed conflicts, through direct engagement or indirect engagement through civil-military coordination mechanisms, in a principled yet pragmatic manner to enhance protection outcomes.
In order to achieve the above objectives, the current consultancy aims at supporting The POC and Emergency unit in DIP in achieving the following:
I- Issue an updated version of the PIAC toolkit, by complementing the Toolkit with the integration of new modules (already drafted) after consulting partners as well as case studies and best practices compiled from the field.
II- Update the PIAC training package: finalize the eight thematic sessions and their related materials already drafted, which include case studies and exercises. Some modules were rolled out in 2023 and Q1 2024. In addition to the training materials, each session has a facilitator guide that needs revision. This update will also encompass the draft of three additional sessions based on the new modules of the PIAC toolkit (mentioned under Point I).
III- Lead the development of an internal Aide Memoire on Protection of Civilians, to facilitate operations in their advocacy and key messages, by consolidating existing UNHCR/Protection Cluster materials (positions papers, messaging) into a concise reference document for easy consultation and use by UNHCR staff at field levels. The Aide Memoire is a 12–15-page document that compiles thematic messages on various topics pertaining to humanitarian principles/ Protection of Civilians, to be recurrently used in key messages and advocacy documents, and based on law, policy, and practices in the field.
IV- Support UNHCR/GPC in organizing a series of consultations, webinars, and meetings with partners on two topics: a. Continuity of Protection During and After UN Mission Transitions and Withdrawals b. The Civilian and Humanitarian Character of Camps, Sites, and Settlements. The consultant will lead on drafting related background notes and outcome documents and support with developing agendas and identifying speakers and participants.
2. Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Specific Occupational Safety and Health Considerations to this assignment (if applicable): NA
3. Overall Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

This consultancy is task-based. Under the overall supervision of the Snr Legal Officer (IHL) in UNHCR DIP/Emergency Unit, the consultant will be responsible for producing the following four deliverables according to the following timeline:

4. Required level, qualifications and work experience:

The assignment is for an Individual Consultant
Qualification and experience required (degree required, years of work experience, field of expertise, language required):
• University degree in international law or international relations with specialization in International Humanitarian Law.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in working with international organizations or reputable INGOs/NGOs on issues related to Protection of civilians and IHL.
• In depth knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian/protection
• work in conflict settings.
• Good understanding of humanitarian coordination structures and different
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Experience in developing training materials and facilitators guides and in presenting analysis of results through visualizations.
• Demonstrated organizational skills: the ability to work independently and productively in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible work attitude: the ability to work productively, independently, and to handle requests or issues as they arise.
• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies; and
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

 

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Home-Based

Yes