PSEA Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within a diverse workforce.

Job Overview:
The PSEA Officer will be based in Bunia and is expected to travel within the Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. This role is critical in supporting the implementation of the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) component of the Ebola response plan. The officer will strengthen accountability systems through innovative approaches and ensure effective prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse. The position requires providing technical support to PSEA focal points, government counterparts, and civil society partners, as well as collaborating closely with the Child Protection team for victim assistance and the Social and Behavior Change (SBC) team for community engagement. The specialist will represent UNICEF in PSEA coordination mechanisms in the field and will adapt interventions to the dual context of the Ebola epidemic and ongoing conflict, contributing to the integration and sustainability of PSEA efforts within recovery programs following the outbreak.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PSEA Officer will be responsible for capacity building and risk mitigation, inter-agency collaboration and coordination, and providing support to government authorities. The officer will assist victims and manage reporting and response to allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). This includes developing training materials, conducting workshops, and ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of PSEA protocols and procedures. The officer will also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PSEA initiatives and provide recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the role involves engaging with community leaders and organizations to foster a culture of accountability and support for victims.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social sciences such as gender studies, development studies, human rights, psychology, social work, law, sociology, international law, or any other relevant field. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in the field of prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) or child protection is required. Relevant experience in areas such as gender-based violence in education (GBViE), protection, and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate skills in capacity building, incident management, autonomy, and communication.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, gender studies, development studies, human rights, psychology, social work, law, sociology, or international law. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in child protection and PSEA.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in the field of prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) or child protection. Candidates should have relevant experience in gender-based violence in education (GBViE), protection, and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. Experience managing SEA in public health emergencies and working in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is considered an asset. Additionally, experience within the United Nations or UNICEF is advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in French and intermediate English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the field.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve travel within the regions affected by the Ebola outbreak. UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. UNICEF provides a wide range of benefits to its staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments.