Senior Protection Cluster Coordination Assistant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

CFamilyUNOPS LICA52025-01-01November 11, 20241. General Background

Since 2019, the United Nations and other humanitarian actors have been addressing the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. To ensure a coherent and coordinated approach throughout the Humanitarian Programme Cycle, a Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) was appointed, a Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) was established, and a humanitarian coordination structure was set up in the country following international IASC guidelines. Eight clusters and two Areas of Responsibility (AoR) were officially activated by the IASC upon request by the HC.

In Venezuela, UNHCR was designated as the Lead Agency of the Protection Cluster, reflecting the global commitment in conflict-related emergencies under the Cluster Approach, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).

When activated at the country level, the cluster takes responsibility for coordinating the response to protection needs with humanitarian partners and key stakeholders (such as other clusters, government authorities, etc.). This ensures a coordinated approach to effectively meet the protection needs of affected populations by strengthening leadership, coordination, and accountability within the humanitarian shelter sector.

As Cluster Lead Agency (CLA), UNHCR has the responsibility to ensure the six core functions of the Protection Cluster and to be the Provider of Last resort (POLR). This means that, where necessary, and depending on access, security, and availability of funding, the CLA must be ready to ensure the provision of services required to fulfil crucial gaps identified by the cluster and reflected in the Humanitarian Response Plan.

In the country, UNHCR has designated a full time Protection Cluster Coordinator, as well as a person for cluster information management and four focal points for subnational coordination (fulfilling dual functions). The Cluster also has a Protection Cluster Co-Coordinator and subnational co-coordination. The Protection Cluster has also three thematic working groups with NGO co-leadership that support standardization of specific topics.

Under the supervision of the Protection Cluster Coordinator, the Senior Protection Cluster Coordination Assistant will support coordination functions at national level to ensure UNHCR’s role as the Cluster Lead Agency. The incumbent will support UNHCR’s commitment to work within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Cluster Approach. The Senior Protection Cluster Coordination Assistant will also contribute during the Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC) implementation, including cross-sectoral coordination with key stakeholders and cross-cutting issues into the work of the Protection Cluster.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the supervision of the Protection Cluster Coordinator and in coordination with the Co-Coordinator, the Senior Protection Cluster Coordination Assistant will support:

a. Coordination and service mapping
- Support protection cluster coordination activities, including meetings, minutes, workshops, working groups, and sectoral and intersectoral technical working groups, in line with the Principles of Partnership, in an inclusive, effective, and results-oriented manner.
- Support effective communication and liaison with partner organizations, subnational clusters, other clusters, and key stakeholders.
- Contribute to the revision of the cluster strategy that is part of the overall multi-sectoral response.
- Assist Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC) related activities, input on protection trends, challenges, and priorities, including analysis and support IM activities.
- Assist the coordination of the Cluster’s service mapping, including ensuring update of services and support IM with follow-up of the service.
- When needed, support the effective functioning of the thematic working groups during monthly meetings, assisting the coordinator with information collection and management, creating high-quality information products using, and ensuring timely follow-ups on deadlines and contributions.

b. Protection monitoring, analysis and reporting
- Support the Protection Cluster Coordination with protection monitoring activities coordinating with key partners and protection analysis initiatives, including joint assessments and in-person meetings.
- Function as focal point of the Protection Cluster for reporting needs at global level in liaison with the Global Protection Cluster, including Protection Analysis Update and Global Protection Update documents.
- Support the Cluster IM with the development of monthly information products and other reporting needs, including Factsheets, SitReps, Periodic Monitoring Reports, Annual reports, etc.

c. Resource mobilization and allocation
- Provide inputs to development of common funding criteria, resource mobilization and prioritization within the Protection Cluster for inclusion in pooled funds processes including support with the drafting of strategies based on the cluster’s protection analysis.

d. Capacity building
- Contribute to initiatives building the protection capacity of the cluster partners and civil society and assist capacity building efforts of subnational coordination structures and its local partners.
- Perform other related duties as required.


3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
     
# of cluster coordination meetings with partners and key stakeholders supported

# of technical working groups meetings supported

# of allocations of the VHF supported

# of protection trainings/workshops organized

# of Protection Analysis Update reports supported

# of Global Protection Update inputs sent to the Global Protection Cluster

# of joint protection analysis exercises with cluster partners supported


4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education
A university degree in social sciences, law, international relations, or a related field.

b. Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level
2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1-year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

Essential
Knowledge of the Humanitarian reform process and the role of the humanitarian community (UN System, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, and NGO), preferably in protection coordination. Knowledge of current humanitarian issues. Good knowledge of protection-related technical guidelines and standards.

Desirable
Applied knowledge in UNHCR mandate, its policies, and priorities in relation to IDPs, protection. Demonstrated expertise in program management and reporting requirements.
 
c. Key Competencies

Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies
Empowering and Building Trust
Judgement and Decision Making
Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing

d. Language requirements
Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

e. Functional Skills
CL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources & Approaches
PR-Country Operations applying the Cluster Approach
ER-Inter-Agency External Relations
CO-Drafting and Documentation
PR-Protection in natural disaster situations
LE-Human Rights Law

f. Travel requirements
Contractor may be required to travel 20% of the time to locations other than their assigned work location.

 

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

Spanish

,

English

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No