Project Officer – Cotabato/Iligan City, Philippines (National) At Geneva Call

Mission

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to strengthening the protection of civilians affected by conflicts involving armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs). Geneva Call works to increase respect for international humanitarian norms, based on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) as well as relevant local and religious norms, by AGDAs, towards positive policy and behaviour change, while supporting communities’ efforts to improve their own protection.

In the context of armed conflict, Geneva Call focuses its efforts on the protection of children, education, healthcare, humanitarian access and cultural heritage; preventing forced displacement and food insecurity; prohibiting sexual violence and working towards the elimination of gender discrimination; as well as curbing the use of anti-personnel mines and other means and methods which are not in compliance with humanitarian norms.

In the Philippines, Geneva Call employs a mix of direct and indirect strategies to advocate for the added value of humanitarian engagement with armed actors, with the aim of preventing protection risks in humanitarian crises. Equipping local stakeholders for humanitarian engagement is equally a centrepiece of Geneva Call’s strategy, which aims for sustainability and local ownership.

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Role

The Project Officer contributes to the operations of Geneva Call by supporting the design, planning and implementation of initiatives according to programme and budget plans, internal procedures and guidelines as well as donor requirements. The project goal is Communities, particularly women, children, and those most at risk, feel safer from rido and conflict-related violence in BARMM and adjacent areas. S/he is expected to take the lead with specific project activities in the field, such as awareness-raising, meetings, trainings, workshops and coordinating initiatives with traditional/religious leaders and civil society partners as well as monitoring and reporting on contextual developments.

Core responsibilities

I. Planning, Implementation & Reporting

In consultation with the Project Coordinator:

• Support development and implementation of approaches to promote civilian protection and respect for international humanitarian norms in conflict contexts in program sites, particulary Central Mindanao;
• Contribute to the development and updating of detailed project work and financial plans and other related planning documents (MEAL plan, risk management plan, communications plan etc.);
• Responsible for quality project implementation, incl. activities such as trainings and workshops, as well as implementation of the project MEAL plan where appropriate, in accordance with Geneva Call and donor work plans, budget and operational procedures;
• Monitor and report on the implementation of all project activities, outputs and outcomes, submitting required reporting and documentation accurately and on time including supporting local partners in their reporting;
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports and related materials;
• Manage safe-keeping of information and knowledge, including complete and timely filing of project records, reports, and other project documents and materials in accordance with Geneva Call operational procedures;
• Collect and analyse information relating to the context, conflict situation, humanitarian needs and potential impact on Geneva Call’s work in project area(s);
• Monitor the security situation vis-à-vis the project, project partners and Geneva Call, preparing risk assessments and suggesting mitigating measures following up on incidents as necessary;
• Support in the conduct of research into specific humanitarian issues as well as policies, practices and values (religious, ideological, cultural etc.) of conflict parties to analyse trends and support arguments to improve compliance with humanitarian norms;
• Coordinate with technical program staff where needed.

II. Communications & External Relations

In coordination with the Project Coordinator and/or Head of Mission:

• Support design and production of innovative communications materials adapted to the local context;
• Provide material (photos, videos, stories from the field) about project activities and timely reports to showcase project outcomes and achievements;
• Engage community-based stakeholders, local and international organizations regularly;
• Assist HoM and Project Coordinator in engaging senior officials and other key stakeholders; draft speaking points and messages for colleagues at Geneva Call.

III. Administrative and Finance tasks

With support of the Admin/Finance Officer:

• Follow all administrative and finance procedures;
• Release resources to partners/projects as per approved plans and agreements and reimbursement and/or liquidation of project expenditures;
• Monitor and report on all project expenses of budgets and available funding, including supporting documents;

IV. Other Duties

• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the line manager.

Main qualifications

Education

• Completed degree of Higher Education in relevant field such as Islamic Studies, Political or Social Science, International Humanitarian Law or Human Rights.

Languages

• Fluency in English, both written and oral;
• Tagalog and local dialects (Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Teduray, Bisaya, Tausug, Yakan etc.) preferred.

Technical knowledge or experience in

• At least 3 years in a humanitarian/human rights/protection organisation working in conflict-affected areas;
• Knowledge of the conflict context in Central Mindanao;
• Experience in reporting, monitoring and research;
• Experience in community organising;
• Knowledge of and/or work experience in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law;
• Knowledge of and/or work experience in Islamic Law;
• Knowledge of and/or work experience in Protection;
• Knowledge and experience in designing and implementing capacity-building programmes;
• Demonstrable knowledge of humanitarian issues and capacity for in-depth analysis;
• Experience in developing professional relationships with various stakeholders and working in a neutral and objective manner;
• Experience working with civil society and international organisations preferred;
• Understanding and respect for organizational principles, vision, mission and confidentiality;
• Strong logic and organizational skills, flexibility and adaptability to change;
• Ability to take responsibility, proactive and efficient functioning, strong communication skills;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team and multicultural environment;
• Accuracy and reliability, ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Personal qualities

• Understanding and respect for organizational principles, vision, mission and confidentiality;
• Strong logic and organizational skills, flexibility and adaptability to change;
• Ability to take responsibility, proactive and efficient functioning, strong communication skills;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team and multicultural environment;
• Accuracy and reliability, ability to meet deadlines under pressure.

Performance management

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the GC Performance Management p. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan
• The Competency Framework

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

Conditions

• Position : Project Officer
• Type of Contract: Fixed-Term (National Contract)
• Activity rate: 100%, full-time position
• Work place: Cotabato City and Iligan City, Philippines
• Preferred start date: as soon as possible