Associate Protection Officer Jobs in Nairobi at UNHCR
United Nations High Commissioner Refugees (UNHCR)
Internal / External Vacancy Announcement (On Replacement Capacity)
Vacancy Notice No.: IVN/EVN/KEN/NBI/13/004
Title of Post: Associate Protection Officer
Grade: NOB
Post Number: 10014231
Location: Nairobi
Organizational Context (role of the position within the team, describing its leadership role, it’s external/internal work relationships or contacts, the contextual environment in which it operates and the scope of supervision received, and where applicable, exercise by the incumbent)
The Associate Protection Officer reports to the Protection Officer or the Senior Protection Officer. Depending on the size and structure of the Office, the incumbent may have supervisory responsibility for protection staff including community services, registration, resettlement and education.
He/she provides functional protection guidance to information management and programme staff; and supervises protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards.
The Associate Protection Officer is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern, ensuring that operational responses in all sectors mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards.
He/she contributes in designing a comprehensive protection strategy and in representing the organization externally on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor.
He/she also ensures that persons of concern are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems.
To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection.
Accountability (key results that will be achieved)
The protection of populations of concern is met through the application of International and National Law, relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards and IASC principles.
The protection strategy incorporates a thorough age, gender and diversity (AGD) analysis and reflects the Organization’s global, regional and country level priorities.
The Participation of persons of concern is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches.
Protection incidents are immediately identified and addressed.
Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)
- Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.
- Promote International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct.
- Foster their consistent and coherent interpretation and application through mainstreaming in all sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations.
- Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to persons of concern.
- Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation.
- Conduct eligibility and status determination for persons of concern in compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles. Promote and contribute to measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
- Contribute to a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy to ensure programmes use a child protection systems approach.
- Contribute to a country-level education plan.
- Implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities.
- Oversee and manage individual protection cases including those on SGBV and child protection.
- Monitor, and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners.
- Recommend durable solutions for the largest possible number of persons of concern through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement.
- Assess resettlement needs and apply priorities for the resettlement of individuals and groups of refugees and other persons of concern.
- Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners.
- Contribute to and facilitate a programme of results-based advocacy through a consultative process with sectorial and/or cluster partners.
- Facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems.
- Contribute to capacity-building initiatives for communities and individuals to assert their rights.
- Participate in initiatives to capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen national protection related legislation and procedures.
Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)
- Intervene with authorities on protection issues.
- Negotiate locally on behalf of UNHCR.
- Decide priorities for reception, interviewing and counselling for groups or individuals.
- Enforce compliance of staff and implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
- Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures.
Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Education: University degree in Law, International Law, political Sciences or related field.
Job Experience:
- Minimum 4 years (2 years with advanced University degree) relevant professional experience.
- Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another UN language.
- For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.
Desirable Qualifications & Competencies
- Diverse field experience desirable.
- Good IT skills including database management skills.
- Completion of the Protection Learning Programme, RSD- Resettlement Learning Programme.
Submission of Applications
This vacancy is open for qualified Kenyan Nationals ONLY.
Important
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should send a motivation letter to:
The Secretary, Regional Assignments Committee (RAC),
Human Resources Section,
Nairobi and attach Personal History Form (P.11).
Nairobi and attach Personal History Form (P.11).
Please quote Reference: IVN/EVN/KEN/NBI/13/004.
Late applications will not be considered.
Internal Applicants Should PLEASE REFER TO PPAL REGULATION No.16-22 on eligibility to apply (IOM/49-FOM/50/2012 dated 15 June refers).
External Candidates
Candidates should also complete a Personal History form (P.11) available on the following link – http://www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc and attach it to their application for the position.
Applications should be sent by either through the post address, P.O. Box 43801, 00100 or hand delivered to UNHCR Branch Office for Kenya, Lynwood House, Waiyaki Way (opposite Lions Place).
Please quote Reference: IVN/EVN/KEN/NBI/13/004.
Candidates should also submit copies of academic Certificates from the relevant institutions.
Applicants should clearly indicate the Title of the Position and vacancy notice number. Please remember to submit photocopy/scanned copies of all supporting documents.
Documents submitted shall not be returned to the applicants.
Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be invited for interview. A test may also be administered.
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