Assistant Protection Officer (N) At UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Job Title: Assistant Protection Officer (N)

Location: San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Time type: Full time

Job requisition ID: JR2328686

Hardship Level: B

Family Type: Family

Grade: NOA

Staff Member/Affiliate Type: National Professional Officer

Reason: Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted: No

Target Start Date: 2024-04-01

Job Posting End Date: December 04, 2023

Standard Job Description

Assistant Protection Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Assistant 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-based protection, registration, resettlement, and education. S/he provides functional protection guidance to information management and programme staff on all protection/legal matters and accountabilities. These include: statelessness (in line with the campaign to End Statelessness by 2024), Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) commitments, age, gender, diversity (AGD) and accountability to affected populations (AAP) through community-based protection, Child protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response, gender equality, disability inclusion, youth empowerment, psycho-social support and PSEA, registration, asylum/refugee status determination, resettlement, local integration, voluntary repatriation, human rights standards integration, national legislation, judicial engagement, predictable and decisive engagement in situations of internal displacement and engagement in wider mixed movement and climate change/disaster-related displacement responses. S/he supervises protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards.

The Assistant Protection Officer is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (PoC), ensuring that operational responses in all sectors mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. The incumbent contributes to the design of a comprehensive protection strategy and represents the Organization externally on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor. S/he also ensures that PoC are meaningfully engaged in the decisions that affect them and support programme design and adaptations that are influenced by the concerns, priorities, and capacities of them. 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.

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

– Stay abreast of political, social, economic, and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.
– Consistently apply International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct.
– Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to PoC.
– Provide legal advice and guidance on protection issues to PoC; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation.
– Conduct eligibility and status determination for PoC 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.
– Contribute to a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy.
– Provide inputs for the development of protection policies and standards within the AoR.
– Implement and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities.
– Manage individual protection cases including those on GBV and child protection. Monitor, and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents.
– Recommend durable solutions for the largest possible number of PoC 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 PoC.
– 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 with sectorial and/or cluster partners.
– Contribute to and facilitate effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems.
– Assist capacity-building initiatives for communities and individuals to assert their rights.
– Participate in initiatives to capacitate authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen national protection related legislation and procedures.
– Intervene with authorities on protection issues.
– Assist the supervisor in deciding priorities for reception, interviewing and counselling for groups or individuals.
– Assist the supervisor in enforcing 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.
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P1/NOA – 1-year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree.

Field(s) of Education

Law,

International Law,

Political Sciences,

or other relevant field.

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

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified;

Relevant Job Experience

Essential:

Knowledge of International Refugee and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.

Desirable:

Completion of the Protection Learning Programme, RSD- Resettlement Learning Programme.

Functional Skills

*PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
*PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD)
MG-Project Management
PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards
PR-International Humanitarian Law
PR-Assessment of IDPs Status, Rights, Obligation
PR-Climate change and disaster related displacement
CO-Drafting and Documentation
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

Language requirement: Spanish C2 and English B2.

The Assistant Protection Officer will lead the whole Protection Unit and will be responsible for managing approximately 4 staff members.

The candidate should demonstrate strong leadership and experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, in particular government (local and national authorities), UNHCR partners, civil society and academia.

The incumbent will be involved in regulatory law-making processes, through preparing and/or contributing to proposals, conducting training with Government officials, local authorities, civil society, and providing comments on existing and drafted legislation.

The Assistant Protection Officer will play a significant role to guarantee community-based intervention are aligned with the protection strategy and the priorities agreed.

The candidate is responsible for guaranteeing that the physical protection needs of IDPs, people at risk of displacement and People in need of international protection are met, as well as that effective protection responses are properly coordinated and delivered.

The Assistant Protection Officer is also responsible for monitoring, analyzing and identifying situational protection trends in both urban and rural areas, as at the border with Guatemala; and putting forward protection advocacy strategies to improve the protection response.

The incumbent must have strong communication and negotiating skills as well as a proven knowledge of protection planning and monitoring, to ensure effectiveness of interventions, in the best interest of persons with and for whom UNHCR works.

The candidate should demonstrate teamwork and management skills, as well as flexibility to adapt to context changes.

Knowledge of UNHCR mandate is an advantage.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Eligibility:
This position is advertised to internal and external applicants. Candidates must be legally present in Honduras at the time of application, recruitment, and hire. Only Honduran citizens or candidates legally present in Honduras will be considered eligible.

Interested staff members should consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2022/07). If you have questions regarding your eligibility, you may also contact the HR Unit.

In line with the RAP, the below category of candidates are eligible to apply for internally/externally advertised vacancies:

Internal candidates:
Current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving in the country of the vacancy at the grade of the position or one grade below or above.

Candidates with UNHCR experience:
Current GS staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment in the country of the vacancy applying to two grades above their own, staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment in other categories (P/FS/NPO), staff loaned/seconded from another UN organization/international organization/government entity, staff members on temporary appointment, affiliate workforce, interns, as well as former UNHCR locally recruited staff members who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5 years for females).

External candidates:
External candidates must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position, candidates not citizens of the country must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.

Remuneration:
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission and please refer to the relevant category / grade level at: http://icsc.un.org.

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

All applications must be submitted online in Workday. Email applications will not be accepted. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates might be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or any other fees).

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at inspector@unhcr.org or through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.

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.

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

Spanish, English

Desired Languages

–

Operational context

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

Nature of Position:

Honduras is facing increasing multidimensional risks associated with displacement. Insecurity and violence exerted by criminal gangs is exacerbated by the negative impacts of climate change and disasters, increasing levels of poverty and gender inequality. Internal displacement is projected to persist in 2024 and numbers of people in mixed movements to increase, putting pressure on the response capacities of host communities.

In line with the commitments made by the State in the framework of the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS), UNHCR will continue to work in close collaboration with the Government in establishing a favorable protection environment to respond to the increased needs of internally displaced people and of those in need of international protection. Similarly, UNHCR will strengthen its support and engagement with multi-agency efforts to respond to these needs.

Honduras is facing increasing multidimensional risks associated with displacement. Insecurity and violence exerted by criminal gangs is exacerbated by the negative impacts of climate change and disasters, increasing levels of poverty and gender inequality. Internal displacement is projected to persist in 2024 and numbers of people in mixed movements to increase, putting pressure on the response capacities of host communities.

In line with the commitments made by the State in the framework of the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS), UNHCR will continue to work in close collaboration with the Government in establishing a favorable protection environment to respond to the increased needs of internally displaced people and of those in need of international protection. Similarly, UNHCR will strengthen its support and engagement with multi-agency efforts to respond to these needs.

UNHCR will promote the consolidation of institutional networks that implement protection responses for displaced populations. These initiatives entail the implementation of the bill on internal displacement and amendments to the migration legal framework to enhance the protection of refugees and access to asylum in Honduras. UNHCR will also provide technical support and capacity building to assure that the Government’ s policy is in line with international standards. The asylum system will be strengthened to meet possible increasing demands despite handling relatively small numbers.

The response will also entail a national system to identify specific needs of forcibly displaced population and appropriately refer cases for assistance. While this is being set-up and as a last resort, UNHCR will continue to act as a direct provider of services, including life-saving protection measures, through its protection network. Cash assistance will be used as a modality in this regard. UNHCR will empower local communities and grassroot organizations to prevent forced displacement and establish response mechanisms to tackle the effects of generalized violence.

UNHCR´s presence in the field will ensure coverage in strategic locations enabling monitoring of the context and engagement with the communities.

Aligned with the Secretary-General’ s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, UNHCR will work to attain durable solutions for those forcibly displaced and in need of international protection. Furthermore, UNHCR will work with authorities to establish effective land recovery mechanisms for internally displaced people. Livelihood and economic inclusion programmes will be implemented, and for the most vulnerable cases that cannot achieve a durable solution in Honduras, UNHCR will provide alternative pathways, such as participating in third country solutions and resettlement options.

The Assistant Protection Officer in San Pedro Sula will report to the Associate Field Officer and work in close coordination with local authorities, civil society, UN, and persons of concern to implement Protection strategy for IDPs, Returnees, Asylum seekers and Refugees in the northern region of Honduras. He/she will monitor protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards. The Assistant Protection Officer is expected to develop strong and positive relationships with local partners, public institutions and key actors at all levels in Cortés, Atlántida, Santa Barbara and Yoro department, to ensure protection gaps are identified, GBV case management is carried out and child protection is ensured, and she/he will actively participate in the subgroups of which UNHCR is the leader. Main activities developed by FO are focused on strengthening municipal response to forced displacement, developing community protection mechanisms for IDPs and persons at risk of displacement in high-risk communities, identification, and assistance of returnees with protection needs, border monitoring and promotion of livelihoods for IDPs.

Living and Working Conditions: – Family duty station B
The position will be located in San Pedro Sula. Family duty station B

• Limited access to infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications) and limited access to leisure and recreational facilities due to security restrictions. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, limitations in many aspects of daily life for staff (leisure, cultural activities, attractions) have increased and the levels of insecurity, as well as basic development indicators (poverty, food security, etc.) have worsened. The possibility of walking in the main cities is non-existent due to lack of security (assault, robbery) and lack of sidewalks or sidewalks in poor conditions, lack of lighting.
• There is no lack of private schools, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is not so high.
• Security: high level of violent crime, including murder, robbery and threats of kidnapping, a growing number of femicides, lack of safe and reliable public transportation and of safe public spaces for socializing and deficiency off health services. It is strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness.
• Due to the number of robberies and armed assaults suffered by UN staff and some visitors, it is discouraged to walk alone at all times in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, personal or official movements should be done in a vehicle.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science.

Certifications

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration.

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Functional clearance

This position requires Functional Clearance