Associate Community-Based Protection Officer

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

NOB

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2023-07-01

June 11, 2023Associate Community-Based Protection Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Associate Community-Based Protection Officer is a member of the Protection Team in a Regional Bureau or a Country Office and normally reports to the Senior Community-Based Protection Officer, the Senior Protection Officer, Head of Sub-Office or the Assistant Representative for protection. For a regional position, the incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for Protection and Community-Based Protection staff in the regional office, and a technical support role for Community-Based Protection staff in the region. For a country level position the incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for Community-based Protection staff and other protection staff in the operation. S/he supports the implementation of protection standards and provides advice on community-based protection to senior management and Country Operation(s) in close collaboration with the Division of International Protection (DIP). The incumbent is relied upon by senior management to support a coordinated approach in the implementation of UNHCR's rights-based and community-based engagement with all persons of concern (PoC) and contributes to the achievement of UNHCR's commitments to accountability to affected people. S/he maintains close working relationships and supports Protection and Community-Based Protection staff in the field, who act as the critical interface between UNHCR and communities of concern, enabling them to provide the AGD-sensitive analysis of community risks and capacities that form the essential foundations of national and regional programmes. The incumbent maintains close working relations with sister UN entities, governmental entities, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions that can contribute to enhancing protection and achieving solutions through people centred, community-based and gender responsive approaches. The incumbent provides guidance to country operations to strengthen their coordination and advocacy on community-based approaches to protection with governments, partners and other key stakeholders. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Be fully informed about community structures and the protection and security situation of the population of concern and develop strong links with a cross-section of members of refugee/IDP/stateless communities, using an AGD approach. - Through relationships with PoC and network of partners stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment and provide advice to senior management. - Ensure that the perspectives, capacities, needs and resources of the PoC are reflected in the protection strategy, planning processes and operations plan 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. - Ensure through direct action and advocacy with more senior protection staff that the necessary resources are allocated to enable community work to identify and address protection and assistance gaps. - Support a consultative process with government counterparts at local levels, partners and PoC to develop and implement integrated strategies that address the key protection priorities, including, for example, child protection, education and GBV, and solutions approaches. - Provide technical guidance and support to UNHCR and partners and implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on all community-based protection related issues. - Support the design, implementation and evaluation of protection centred and solutions oriented programming with implementing and operational partners guaranteeing that community-owned activities are integrated. - Support communities in establishing representation and coordination structures - Promote confidence building and conflict resolution among PoC, authorities and host communities. - Maintain protection presence through regular field missions and reports, making direct contact with PoC, host communities, local authorities and partners. In operations applying the humanitarian cluster system, contribute to the development of an AGD-compliant strategy on which the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in and covers all assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations. - Support the Operation's work to fully integrate the protection strategy into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF), the Humanitarian Country Team's common humanitarian action plan where applicable. - Contribute to the Protection team's information management component which: provides disaggregated data on PoC and their problems; researches, collects and disseminates relevant protection information and good practices to enhance protection delivery and provide technical advice if necessary. - Support the inclusion of participatory, community-based protection and AGD approaches in strategies and plans within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). - Support community understanding of UNHCR's commitment to deliver on accountability and quality assurance in its response. - Support PoC to develop structures that enhance their participation and protection. - Contribute to the design of the community-based protection strategy, project submissions and budgets for endorsement by the supervisor. - Intervene with authorities on community-based protection issues. - Negotiate with local counterparts, partners and PoC. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education International Development, Cultural Studies, Human Rights, International Social Work, Social Science, Political Science, Anthropology, International Law or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Relevant professional experience, including in the areas of community based protection, community services, social work, and human rights. Desirable Proven communication skills, both oral and written. Demonstrated knowledge of community communication and engagement approaches. Understanding of and demonstrated competencies in forced displacement and protection, particularly GBV prevention and response, child protection, education, gender equality, and the application of the Age, Gender and Diversity Policy. Functional Skills DM-Database Management IT-Computer Literacy PR-Coordination in Forced Displacement situations PR-Convention on the Rights of the Child / International Legal Framework PR-Gender Equality PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) CO-Drafting and Documentation ED-Technical support to education programmes and proposals PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention programming PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) response programming (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. 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.

UNHCR Mexico is looking for a dynamic and skilled Associate Community-Based Protection Officer with thorough knowledge and firsthand experience in the field of Community-Based Protection (CBP). Given the broad portfolio that the Associate CBP Officer will have under their supervision, the ideal candidate will have solid experience in delivering protection and solutions for persons in forced displacement and mixed movements alike. Additionally, it is required direct expertise in the areas of prevention, mitigation and response to gender-based violence (GBV) as well as child protection (CP). It is also expected that the ideal candidate be familiar with UNHCR´s Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), which in particular entails the need to be fully aware of how to implement the engagement towards Accountability to Affected People (AAP) and to the effective participation of refugees and asylum seekers in the design and implementation of the different interventions. The Associate CBP Officer will have grown professional experience in community engagement and mobilization, as well as possess relevant knowledge on the role of shelters in delivering protection to the people UNHCR and partners serve. Likewise, as part of the implementation of the AGD approach, it is fundamental to show strong awareness on persons with specific protection needs (LGBTIQ+, unaccompanied and separated children, GBV survivors, persons with disabilities and the elderly, among others) and relevant case management. An additional area of expertise that is desired for the current position is the promotion of peaceful coexistence within the affected communities.

The Associate CBP Officer is expected to lead a Unit of more than 20 staff and has to display proven excellent team management and leadership skills (including teambuilding and coaching), to be able to provide the necessary orientation towards the established thematic goals. Leadership skills are essential as the Associate CBP Officer is responsible for guiding the Country Office team and provide orientation to field offices on defining and ensuring coherence for implementing the operation´s CBP strategy. Other required skills are:
- Communication, with a variety of stakeholders (partners, government, refugees and their communities)
- Training and capacity building in different protection areas for UNHCR staff, partners and other relevant counterparts
- Strategy development, implementation and monitoring, with the ability of designing a clear vision for the operation, together with the team
- Coordination, with field offices, as well as other agencies and working groups accordingly.
- Ability to go on missions to other field offices to provide technical support.
- Analytical skills, to analyse trends and available data to ensure evidence-based protection programming.
- Demonstrated political awareness, negotiation skills and the capacity to keep calm under stressful circumstances.
- High level of integrity, to ensure overall implementation and adaptation of the operation´s feedback and complaint mechanism.
- Proficiency and strong drafting skills both in Spanish and English.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position is advertised to internal and external applicants. National Professional Officers must be nationals of and be locally recruited within the country of their employment. Only the primary nationality of the candidate will be considered for this purpose (nationality recognized by UNHCR as per Staff Rule 4.3).

• Internal Candidates: comprises current National Professional Officer (NPO) staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the NPO category at the grade of the position or one grade below or above, as well as any candidates serving at higher grades who fulfill the criteria as per the job advertisement. Staff members must serve for a minimum of one year following assignment before being considered eligible to apply for another position within the same category.

• Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern, is subject to proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, independently of contract type and duration. The selected candidate(s) will be required to provide the proof of vaccination prior to recruitment.

• Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include written test and/or oral interview for this job advertisement. No late applications will be accepted.

• UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

• Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered depending on relevant experience as per the requirements of the job advertisement. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the Office of HR Management of United Nations.

English

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Spanish

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Mexico is a country of destination, transit, and origin, thus UNHCR is supporting the Government and other actors to build a stronger asylum system that allows asylum seekers and refugees to fully exercise their human rights, from the moment of entry into Mexico, to when a durable solution is found. However, it is crucial to work on alternative migratory pathways and other forms of complementary protection to preserve the integrity of the asylum system in such a complex and dynamic context of human mobility. Such dynamics particularly affects refugees and asylum seekers with specific protection needs due to the interaction of different factors related to their profiles, their journey and the conditions in their country of origin.

Gender-based violence and the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse frequently occur, with adult and adolescent women, as well as female-headed households with children and other profiles of women at risk, being mostly exposed. Many children are travelling alone throughout the country, being mainly at risk of different forms of violence, abuse (including sexual assault), trafficking and smuggling. Those travelling with their families have for long time been out of school and the hurdles of the journey leaves deep traumas in their lives. UNHCR has therefore put a strong accent on ensuring prevention, mitigation and response to GBV, as well as on child protection, where solid collaboration has been achieved with relevant authorities and specialized partners. Other profiles of persons with specific protection needs are persons belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community, persons with disabilities and the elderly, who too often are subjected to violations of their rights and find more challenges in accessing available services. In particular, mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) support represents one of the most important needs to take into consideration for the wellbeing of people on the move who are in situation of greater risk due to their specific profiles, with access to and/or the provision of such services being one of UNHCR Mexico´s priorities.

For refugees and asylum seekers, access to trustworthy information is key in order to take informed decisions.  Too often, during and after flight, exposure to misinformation is very high, leaving them more vulnerable to potential smugglers and traffickers or to think they have to pay for getting documentation with INM or COMAR when such service is free of charge in Mexico. UNHCR has placed the greatest degree of importance to reinforcing access to accurate information as well as to feedback and complaint mechanisms, with these being pillars of the strategy for communication with communities.

The massive arrival of persons on the move in recent years has also weakened relationships with host communities, thus triggering tensions and conflicts in certain areas of the country, that ultimately exacerbate preexisting discriminatory behaviours against nationals of Central America and other extra continental nationals. However, shelters, mostly church-based, have been at the forefront to provide humanitarian assistance to the thousands of persons who needed accommodation, food and counselling. UNHCR has been supporting shelters to strengthen their response in terms of overall capacity, better infrastructure, food and non-food items as well as protection and services such as MHPSS, primary health, legal aid, among others. As increasing numbers of asylum seekers and refugees are settling in Mexico, it is key to develop solutions grounded in the community-based approach that boost their participation in the definition and implementation of the interventions that UNHCR and partners are planning to respond to their needs.

Living and Working Conditions:

Mexico City (also known as CDMX) is the capital of the United States of Mexico. It is category A, family duty station and has a high-level infrastructure:

- Health: Mexico City has a highly ranked medical infrastructure with many internationally acclaimed hospitals.

- Education: There is plenty of Govt and private schools. Most of the private schools are bilingual (English-Spanish), and there are US, British, German, Japanese and French schools.

- Housing: Apartments can be rented both furnished and unfurnished, and services of real estate agents are widely available. All international staff members must present their residential places for UN security inspection BEFORE signing lease contract. There is a large seismic area in Mexico City which is restricted for selection of residences by UN staff.

- Weather and earthquakes: Mexico City has a pleasant climate, yet there are frequent weather changes. Heavy rains sometimes cause flooding in some colonies. Mexico City is situated in one of the most active seismic regions in the world, interlocked inside the area known as the Circum-

Pacific Seismic Belt, the area with the highest seismic activity in the planet. Earthquakes are frequent and sometimes cause major damage to the urban infrastructure.

- Currency and exchange: Mexican Peso. Dollars, Euros and traveler's checks can be exchanged at a currency Exchange office.

- Communications: Internet is available everywhere, but in houses and offices, a contract has to be made in order to access to this service.

- Transportation: There are public buses, subway, and if taxis are to be taken, it is recommended to take "taxis de sitio". Uber is also available.

Mexico City belongs to Security Risk Management area 01, Capital with the current General Threat Level 02, LOW. There are no known direct threats to UNHCR, yet UNHCR personnel may be affected by crime. Mexico City has high rates of crime, among them: robbery to passersby with or

without violence, vehicle theft; burglary and business robbery, telephone extortions, frauds, kidnapping and homicides. Also, gender violence is high.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Case Management, Leadership, PR-Accountability to Affected People - Principles and Framework, PR-Child protection mainstreaming in mixed migration contexts, PR-Child protection mainstreaming into other sectors, PR-Child Protection Prevention and Response Programming, PR-Community-based Protection - Community engagement and capacity building, PR-Community-based Protection - Principles and methodologies, PR-Community Mobilisation, SO-Critical Thinking and problem solving, SP-Shelter Strategy Development, Team Management, TR-Training - Virtual and face to face

BA: Anthropology (Required), BA: Cultural Studies (Required), BA: Human Rights (Required), BA: International Development (Required), BA: International Law (Required), BA: International Social Work (Required), BA: Political Science (Required), BA: Social Science (Required)

Certifications

Number of Persons of Concern Served, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance