Temporary Appointment – NATIONAL POST: National PSEA Officer, NWS (Northwest Syria) (NO-A)

Purpose of the job:

The protracted conflict in Syria has exposed large parts of the population to devastating humanitarian conditions. Ten years after the start of the crisis, more than 13 million people still require humanitarian assistance in Syria, including 6.5 million internally displaced people. With large-scale population displacement, increased poverty levels and limited livelihood opportunities, the most affected communities are highly dependent on humanitarian assistance. In addition, social structures and support systems are severely disrupted, leading to limited individual and community capacities to respond to protection risks and incidents.

Since its launch by the Syria Strategic Steering Group in 2017, the Whole of Syria (WoS) Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Programme has supported the interagency humanitarian response in the joint implementation of international PSEA commitments. Through an established, robust interagency PSEA network with hubs in Northwest (NWS), Northeast (NES), and South and Central Syria, comprising over 140 UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Programme aims to reduce the risk of crisis-affected communities experiencing incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by providing humanitarian workers and technical and operational support to humanitarian actors to prevent and respond to SEA cases.

As part of the All of Syria (WoS) humanitarian response, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has recently been mandated to assume interagency responsibilities for the WoS Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Network.

You are responsible for:

A. Effective implementation of the PSEA program in NWS:

• Support the development and implementation of PSEA interventions to establish and scale up PSEA prevention and response and community engagement mechanisms in humanitarian response and mainstream programming.
• Promote the involvement of relevant humanitarian actors, including government actors, UN agencies and national and international organizations.
• Support the development of key messages and advocacy notes to promote consistent communications that emphasise the importance of adhering to PSEA standards in a crisis-affected context.
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with the Risk Management Unit and AAP Specialist and facilitate capacity building in PSEA for ‘Safe Line’ operators.

B. Strengthen PSEA capacity across all programmes, networks and organisations:

• Support advocacy, networking and capacity building for the adoption and scaling up of PSEA principles and approaches.
• Support the development and implementation of a strategy for effective communication with affected populations about PSEA information and services, risk reduction strategies and promotion of gender equality.
• Support access to essential PSEA, AAP and risk management training for partners and frontline staff.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to partners on PSEA training programs and curricula.
• Support and train ‘Safe Line’ operators in dealing with PSEA related matters.

C. Data management, monitoring and reporting:

• Monitor project progress and assess capacity gaps that hinder the quality and/or coverage of PSEA interventions.
• Document and evaluate results, increase effectiveness and recommend appropriate actions.
• Establish and maintain a system for sharing and disseminating information. Support data management and ensure safe and ethical practices. Generate evidence, document and monitor PSEA in NWS.
• Support timely reporting, including all financial and narrative requirements, and ensure regular and proactive coordination with the UNFPA Regional Response Hub and donors, in close collaboration with the PSEA NWS Coordinator.
• Prepare standard periodic reports and progress updates for the HLG, OCHA SitReps, Humanitarian Bulletins, Protection Advisories, Humanitarian Updates, UNFPA internal and external meetings and advocacy, etc.

Perform any other duties required by the UNFPA management.

• Maximum two years of professional experience in the field of protection, security, child protection and/or gender-based violence, with experience in programme/project management.
• Relevant professional experience in data management systems and financial management is desired.
• Experience in humanitarian aid in Syria, particularly in northwestern Syria, is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrable ability to work in a team, with respect for the diversity of the work teams.
• Experience with humanitarian emergencies in international organizations.
• Experience with coordination between different agencies is an advantage.
• Ability to use analytical tools and logic to gather and define information, situations, and problems, and to draw logical conclusions from the data.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Advocacy/promotion of a policy-oriented agenda
• Delivering results-oriented programs
• Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information.

Compensation and benefits:

This position offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive net salary, vacation days, health insurance and other applicable benefits.

UNFPA Working Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values ​​of gender equality, diversity, integrity and a healthy work-life balance. We strive to ensure gender equality in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, equality and inclusion are at the core of UNFPA’s workforce – click here for more information. UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values ​​of gender equality, teamwork, diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy work-life balance. We strive to maintain our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities

UNFPA has a zero tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with the goals and objectives of the United Nations and UNFPA, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of power and discrimination. All selected candidates are expected to adhere to UNFPA policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UNFPA staff and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks include verification of academic qualifications and employment history. Candidates will also be checked against the UN Central Database for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Offenders. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information for background check purposes.

Remark: UNFPA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates who apply for this position for other similar positions at UNFPA at the same level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be ignored. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Selection and appointment are subject to medical clearance and other administrative requirements.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interview, test or other fees related to the application or recruitment process. Nor does UNFPA handle applicants’ bank account information.

Candidates for positions in the international professional and higher categories who have permanent residence status in a country other than their country of nationality may be required to renounce this status upon appointment.