Senior Protection Officer, Officier supérieur de la protection, Maroua, UNHCR

Role Responsibilities/ Responsabilités du rôle

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Residential location (if applicable)

Yaounde, Cameroon

Grade

PR4

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted

Target Start Date

2023-03-24

Job Posting End Date

April 20, 2023

Standard Job Description

Senior Protection Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

In the Bureaux, the Senior Protection Officer works under the direct supervision of the Bureau Deputy Director or Head of Bureau Protection Service or Senior Protection Coordinator. In the Field, the incumbent normally reports to the Representative, Deputy or Assistant Representative (Protection) or Head of Sub Office as appropriate. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for protection staff whose work may include RSD, community-based protection, registration, resettlement, internal displacement, complementary pathways, and education, among other areas. In HQ, the incumbent may report to a Chief of Section or Deputy Director and may lead a Unit and/or supervise other protection staff.

The incumbent acts as a key advisor to senior management and leads the development of a comprehensive protection strategy under the area of responsibility (AoR). S/he represents the Organization to authorities, UN sister agencies, partners and other stakeholders on protection policy and doctrine.

The Senior Protection Officer plans, leads and coordinates quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern under the AoR. This includes ensuring that operational responses in all sectors are shaped in a protection optic, are consistent with and promote respect for relevant international law and UNHCR’s doctrine, mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. Another important element of the incumbent¿s functions is to ensure that persons of concern of all age, gender and diversity groups are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying and implementing appropriate solutions to their problems. To undertake this role effectively, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with other relevant teams within the operation or the Bureau (including programme; PI and external relations; IM) and with DIP, communities of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection and achieving solutions.

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

– Provide technical guidance and support to UNHCR and partners on all protection related issues.

– Stay abreast of legal, political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.

– Manage a consultative process with government counterparts, partners and persons of concern to develop and implement a comprehensive protection and solutions strategy addressing the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation and/or gender identities (LGBTI persons), persons living with HIV/AIDS; gender equality and Gender Based Violence (GBV) priorities with regard to these persons.

– In operations applying the Cluster Approach, ensure the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in a strategy which covers all assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations.

– Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and the Humanitarian Country Team¿s common humanitarian response plan as well as with the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees and the Three Year Strategy on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways.

– Promote relevant International, Regional and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct and ensure that all sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations fulfil their responsibilities in mainstreaming protection.

– Promote the implementation of the AGD policy, including UNHCR¿s updated commitments to women and girls, and design, deliver and monitor programmes on an AGD basis to address identified protection needs.

– Develop, implement and monitor community-based protection strategies and ensure systematic application and integration of participatory and community-based approaches in protection and solutions planning, programming and strategies.

– Support the establishment of feedback and response systems and the incorporation of feedback received from persons of concern into programme design and adaptation.

– Guide the operation in the development and implementation of robust prevention, identification, and responses to fraud within protection processes and procedures, including registration, RSD, and resettlement, ensuring the integrity of interventions across all protection activities.

– Oversee the management of individual protection cases including those on GBV and child protection.

– Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to internal and external interlocutors; 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 (including women and others in need of civil documentation in particular birth certificates).

– As designated Data Protection Focal Point, assist the data controller in carrying out his or her responsibilities regarding the Data Protection Policy (7.2 DPP).

– Oversee eligibility and status determination in the Operation(s) under the AoR, ensuring compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles.

– Promote and implement strategies and measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.

– Develop and implement an education plan as part of the protection strategy within the AoR as relevant.

– Develop and implement a child protection plan as part of the protection strategy within the AoR, ensuring programmes use a child protection systems approach.

– Monitor and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners.

– Work to safeguard the rights of persons of concerns in the context of mixed movements as relevant.

– Coordinate the preparation of, implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities.

– Ensure that durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement and complementary pathways are sought and provided to the largest possible number of persons of concern including undertaking, supporting, and/or overseeing resettlement and complementary pathways activities, including implementation of the GCR Three Year Strategy.

– Coordinate the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related programming with implementing and operational partners.

– Develop and implement a programme of results-based advocacy through a consultative process with sectorial and/or cluster partners.

– Ensure that the Protection Sector or Cluster has an effective information management component which provides disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems.

– Research, collect and disseminate relevant protection information and good practices to enhance protection delivery.

– Develop the protection capacity of national and local authorities, partners and civil society to assume their responsibilities vis-à-vis all persons of concern through protection training, mainstreaming and related activities.

– Coordinate capacity-development initiatives for communities and individuals to assert their rights.

– Advise and capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and civil society to strengthen legislation and status determination procedures and mechanisms.

– Perform other related duties as required.

For positions in Bureaux

– Support the Regional Bureau and Country Operations to reflect the protection and solution angle in support of persons of concern with regional processes.

– Support Country Operations in the development of strategies to build and further develop national asylum/RSD systems with a view to ensuring their fairness, efficiency, adaptability and integrity, favourable protection environment and solutions.

– Assist UNHCR management at country level to comply with policies and commitment on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse measures.

– Support Country Operations and ensure they meet their complementary pathways objectives and resettlement quotas.

– In close collaboration with DIP, (a) contribute to the development of background and general normative, policy, and legal positions, in compliance with UNHCR¿s global protection policies and standards; (b) contribute to the development of strategies at the regional and country level on the usage of law and policy approaches, including legislative and judicial engagement and UN human rights mechanisms ¿and/or regional ones ¿ and other protection frameworks, and integrated human rights standards in protection strategies and advocacy; and (c) coordinate and review UNHCR¿s country reports to the UN human rights mechanisms.

– Engage in relevant international and regional fora and forge regional partnerships to advocate for key protection and mandate issues, and engage in cross-cutting protection-related matters, including mixed movement, internal displacement and climate change/disaster-related displacement responses, as well as Statelessness in cooperation with DIP and where relevant RSD.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P4/NOD – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Law, International Law, International refugee Law, International Human Rights Law,

International Humanitarian Law, Refugee and Forced Migration, Political Sciences

or other relevant field.

(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses

Protection Learning Programme RSD-Resettlement Learning Programme

Management Learning Programme

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in the area of refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights or international humanitarian law, including experience in working directly with Field Offices. Very good knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles, and of UNHCR¿s protection strategies and policies. Excellent legal research, analytical skills and drafting.

Desirable

Diverse field experience. Good IT skills including database management skills.

Functional Skills

*PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators

*PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD)

PR-Refugee Coordination Model

PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards

PR-International Humanitarian Law

PR-Assessment of IDPs Status, Rights, Obligation

PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework

LE-Judicial Engagement

PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement

PR-Accountability to Affected People – Principles and Framework

PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination

(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.

Desired Candidate Profile

S/he is the senior protection officer for all the Far North of Cameroon, a region with a complex and delicate protection and operational context. Working under the supervision of the Head of the Office, and with functional support from the Assistant Representative Protection, s/he is responsible for creating, updating and delivering on protection strategies and responses for the region.

The candidate needs to have experience in a diversity of operational contexts; emergency, repatriation, return of refugee and IDPs, IDP displacement (conflict and flood), a diversity of solutions, and camp and non-camp responses.

S/he will need to lead consultative processes with government counterparts, partners, and persons of concern to develop and implement a strategy addressing the protection and solution needs of people UNHCR serves. This includes women and women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, minority groups such as sexual minorities and persons living with HIV/AIDS; Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) priorities with regard to these persons.

The Senior Protection Office is also responsible for the promotion of international and national Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policies and standards, and that all sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations are able to mainstreaming protection in their activities. For this strong protection analysis experience should be demonstrated by the candidate.

S/he will need to have significant experience and expertise in protection coordination in both IDP and refugee environments, including excellent familiarity with all related IASC guidance. Protection Cluster coordination experience, at the national, sub-national or global level are also essential skills.

Provide technical guidance and support to UNHCR and partners on all protection-related issues.

Oversee and manage individual protection cases including those on SGBV, resettlement, and child protection.

Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to internal and external interlocutors; ensure legal assistance is accessible to persons of concern.

Liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documents to refugees and others that UNHCR serves (civil documentation, birth certificates).

Monitor, and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion, and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners.

Implement and oversee Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection and solutions activities, including resettlement and voluntary repatriation.

Coordinate the design, implementation, and evaluation of protection-related programming with implementing and operational partners.

Ensure that the protection activities make effective use of information, ensuring disaggregated data is used to design responsible and effective protection strategies.

The candidate will also need to be well acquainted with the Global Compact for Refugees, and its implications and implementation in complex refugee situations. Knowledge of the Global Compact of Migration and its relation to displacement issues is also needed.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

French

Desired languages

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The Far North Region is classified under security level 4 with related security concerns and restrictions. Missions in some areas must be accompanied by military escorts.

To view details occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

S/he is the Senior Protection Officer for all the Far North of Cameroon, a region with a complex and delicate protection and operational context. Working under the supervision of the Head of the Office, and with functional support from the Assistant Representative Protection, s/he is responsible for creating, updating and delivering on protection strategies and responses for the region.

Living and Working Conditions:

The Far North Region is classified under security level 4 with related security concerns and restrictions. Missions in some areas must be accompanied by military escorts.

The working and living conditions are challenging. The working environment is constrained by the security situation, long distances to cover, inaccessibility of some areas due to seasonal flooding, and poor road conditions in some areas exist as well. The Security situation is precarious and stressful. The Cameroonian security forces guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers, refugees and property assigned to the operation. Staff either live in the UN Guest House or in private accommodation approved by UN Security Staff.

Staff either live in the UN Guest House or in private accommodation approved by UN Security Staff. However, it is also possible to rent a house in the parts of the city authorized by UNDSS; the monthly rental cost varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. Health care can be an issue due to low health facilities condition. Hotels are also an alternative.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Protection Cluster Coordination, CL-Sector/Cluster Advocacy, International Human Rights, PG-Results-Based Management, PR-Asylum related guidelines, policy and procedures development, PR-Child Protection Advocacy and awareness-raising, PR-Community-based Protection – Community engagement and capacity building, PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework, PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework, PR-Durable Solutions/Comprehensive Solutions Strategies development, PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination, PR-Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Operations, Program Designing, PR-Protection Technical Guidelines and Standards, PR-Refugee Coordination Model, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework, Strategy Implementation, Taking Initiative

Education

BA: International Law (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Political Science (Required)

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR Resettlement Learning Program – UNHCR

Work Experience

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: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

March 2023 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

Postuler (Apply for the job) sur son site Internet: https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Maroua-Cameroon/Snr-Protection-Officer_JR2315859?locationCountry=b579d21545a140c49418f0a3451a3160

The Weekly Job Report, Le rapport de travail hebdomadaire: https://afriquejobs.com/?s=Job+Report

All companies hiring (Entreprises qui emploi au Cameroun): https://www.afriquejobs.com/2020/07/emplois-jobs-au-cameroun-liste-des.html

More jobs (Plus d\’offres d\’emploi): https://www.afriquejobs.com/

Share this:

Like this:

Related