Careers opportunities – UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Yaounde, Cameroon: Associate Protection Officer (Cluster)

Open recruitment (advertised)

Advertisement end date: 16/12/2023

General
Description of assignment title
Associate Protection Officer (Cluster)

Assignment country: Cameroon

Expected start date: 01/12/2023

Sustainable Development Goal
10. Reduced inequalities

Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNHCR

Type
Onsite

Duration
12 months
(with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments
1

Duty stations
Yaounde

Details
Mission and objectives
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

The Protection Sector provides guidance and leadership to the actors working on the promotion and protection of the rights of displaced populations in the Far North and Northwest, Southwest regions in Cameroon. The Sector Coordinator is based in Yaounde at the national level principally to ensure centrality of protection in the humanitarian response. Carry out advocacy with the Humanitarian Country Team, HCT and build consensus with members and other inter-agency mechanisms. The three crises in Cameroon continue to deny affected populations their right to protection, access to services, and consequently expose boys, girls, men, and women to human rights violations. Women and girls remain particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, when attending to certain gender ascribed roles. The fact that women and girls carry out specific tasks makes them more vulnerable to predatory attacks when attending to domestic chores such as fetching firewood, water, and preparation of food for their families. Given the pervasive insecurity, many women and girls face the risk of physical attack, sexual assault, abductions and of death. Boys and men predominantly face serious threats such as arbitrary arrest and detention, on suspicions of being affiliated with one party or the other to the conflict. Boys and men are at increased risk of forcible recruitment and attacks against the person, extortion. etc. The ongoing confrontation in the three regions facing conflict has separated families and destroyed the social fabric and protection safety nets millions of boys and girls, men, and women. Consequently, many families lost their property, houses, and land, and been displaced multiple times. The protection of the right to Housing, Land and Property ownership eroded, and the victims have little recourse as the systems that adjudicate over such disputes have completely broken down. The administration of justice and access to legal assistance remains almost non-existent and beyond the reach of indigents. Child protection concerns are widespread with the rise in the number of separated and unaccompanied minors, child headed households, and serious violations against children including maiming and wounding of children, attacks against school, in sum, there is a marked spike in the 6 serious violations against children as the protracted conflict goes on.

Task description
Under the direct supervision of the UNV will be expected to align his or her work to the following ToRs of the Sector Coordinator:
Ensure protection monitoring is conducted regularly and informs decisions on response, and updates on the response to the HCT, tracks the implementation of the strategic response plans.
Attends and participates in inter-sector coordination mechanisms, ISWG adopting the IASC cluster approach in the IDP emergency context.
Provide support to the Protection Sector Coordinators/Cluster members, in organizing consultations, interacts with other sectors to mainstream protection. Engage with Coordinators of the Area of ​​Responsibilities, AoR on Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence, GBV and Housing, Land and Property, HLP.
Ensuring that centrality of protection is a standing agenda on the coordination of protection sector activities at the national level, inter-agency coordination mechanisms to improve service delivery to the persons in need of assistance.
Regularly conduct field missions to collect information, attend regional cluster activities and participate in joint/multi-sectoral assessments and reporting on findings.
Drafting of key policy documents namely the National Protection Cluster Strategy for Cameroon, Protection analysis, and participate in the drafting of the Humanitarian Needs Overview and Humanitarian Response Plan, using effective and accurate indicators.
Provides technical guidance to the UNHCR Representative and the Humanitarian Coordinator, on the operations, coordination of the Sector at the national and regional levels.
, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Assist the Protection Cluster Coordinator (PC) with a particular emphasis on information management and communication among Cluster members and other relevant partners, as well as training and capacity –building for members and partners.
Interact with PC members and maintain close contact with OCHA for the collection and transmission of periodic reports and documents required, elaborate routines for the timely production of these reports.
Ensure liaison with thematic working groups (Area of ​​Responsibility – AoRs) under the PC (SGBV, Child Protection, House Land and Property Issues), as well as Protection working groups / focal points at the territorial Level and national protection cluster to ensure follow -up of recommendations and alerts, input into joint analysis and advocacy initiatives, and into protection strategies.
Compile and review thematic information/data from PC members with a view to drafting a consolidated Protection Cluster periodic newsletters on a monthly basis.
Assist in the collection of information and analysis of protection data, in the form of reports and/or maps, in particular in view of advocacy with the UN Peace-Keeping Mission on priority protection areas.
Alert and consult with nuclear PC members in case of emergency and assist in organizing joint evaluation protection missions.
Assist in the research of data and analysis in support to the Protection Cluster advocacy initiatives, organize advocacy for a with relevant target groups as deemed appropriate.
Coordinate the promotion of international refugee law principles and standards and IDP legislation or policies ensuring that all sectors and clusters fulfill their responsibilities mainstreaming protection.
Refer PC recommendations to members and UN Agencies/NGOs concerned and ensure/follow-up their implementation.
Coordinate the development of Protection strategies in context of Pooled Fund process, ensure timely information of PC members of applicable rules and procedures, ensure that submissions are timely received and ensure review of submission as per Pooled Fund procedure.
Ensure that the perspectives, capacities, needs and resources of the persons of concern 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 legal assistance is accessible to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documents to persons of concern (civil documentation, in particular birth certificates).
Maintain protection presence through regular field missions and reports, making direct contact with persons of concern, host communities, local authorities, and partners. Contribute to ensuring that the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in an AGD-compliant strategy which covers all assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations.
Support the follow-up of all matters linked to resource mobilization, including the Humanitarian Action Plan.
Design, plan and deliver training in coordination with order actors for target audience as per PC recommendations, in particular with regard to protection mainstreaming, age & gender issues, Protection Monitoring and advocacy, follow-up the impact of training in accordance with indicators.
Develop essential documents for the Cluster, as well as preparatory documents, draft agenda and convene Protection Cluster meetings, and draft meeting minutes.

Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80

Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in professional work experience at the national and/or international level in protection capacity required or other relevant programs; experience with UN is an asset or other international development organization.
Experience in information management and communication in Humanitarian and Protection affairs, in particular in the framework of Protection Clusters. Experience with relevant information management tools and software is desirable.
Field experience in particular of working with persons of concern desirable.
Commitment to helping persons of concern and willingness to cooperate with counterparts and partners.
Good analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting.
Ability to design, organize, deliver and evaluate training/capacity building activities.
Ability to live and work in the difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential.
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds.
Knowledge of UN policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, as well as of relevant UNHCR and inter-agency policies and guidelines on Protection.
 Cultural awareness,
Maturity
Commitment to sector ideals
Loyalty to the persons we serve

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
Sound security awareness.

Area(s) of expertise
Development programs, Legal affairs, Security and protection

Driving license
–

Languages
​​French, Level: Fluent, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in law, International Law, Political Science, or related field.

Competencies and values
Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of ​​specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented.
Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of ​​expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple competing projects/activities.
Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working.
relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of ​​operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of ​​operations as may be necessary.
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards the UN core values.

Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The living conditions are Yaounde are relatively good, but housing and accommodation costs are high. Especially in areas heavily populated by internationals and diplomats. There are frequent power cuts and water shortages. Modern shopping malls exist bit tend to be expensive; the local market sells fresh fruits and vegetables which are reasonably priced and affordable.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity program that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values ​​of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds

All applications must be submitted ONLINE at:

https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1740775504867584