UN Volunteer - Gender-Based Violence Response Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
ONU Mujeres, the United Nations organization dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women, was established to accelerate progress that will improve the living conditions of women and respond to the needs they face globally. As a global advocate for women and girls, ONU Mujeres supports UN Member States in establishing international norms to achieve gender equality and works with governments and civil society to create laws, policies, programs, and services necessary to ensure effective implementation of standards that truly benefit women and girls worldwide. The organization focuses on five priority areas: increasing women's leadership and participation; ending violence against women; involving women in all aspects of peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security processes; enhancing women's economic empowerment; and making gender equality a central aspect of national development planning and budgeting. ONU Mujeres coordinates and promotes the work of the UN system towards gender equality and in all discussions and agreements related to the 2030 Agenda, striving for a more inclusive world with gender equality as a fundamental element of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Gender-Based Violence Response Specialist is crucial in addressing the specific needs of women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ individuals in situations of human mobility in Tapachula, Chiapas. The specialist will be responsible for conducting initial assessments that take into account the specific experiences of gender-based violence. This role involves collaborating with other organizations to promote awareness and respect for women in mobility situations, maintaining detailed and confidential records of the assistance provided, and working closely with legal staff and support personnel to facilitate case referrals when necessary. The specialist will also engage with shelters, UN agencies, and government entities in Chiapas to provide legal intervention in emergency situations with a gender perspective. The overarching goal is to deliver humanitarian, psychological, and legal services to vulnerable populations, ensuring their rights and safety are prioritized.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Gender-Based Violence Response Specialist include: conducting initial assessments that consider the specific experiences of gender-based violence; collaborating with other organizations to promote awareness and respect for women in mobility situations; maintaining detailed and confidential records of assistance provided to women, girls, and children, focusing on safety, privacy, and human rights; working closely with legal staff and support personnel, both internal and external to the Multi-Service Center, to facilitate case referrals; collaborating with shelters, UN agencies, and government entities in Chiapas; providing legal intervention in emergency situations with a gender perspective to women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ individuals in human mobility situations.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires adaptability and flexibility, creativity, sound judgment and decision-making skills, planning and organizational abilities, professionalism, and self-management. The specialist must demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as a strong understanding of the complexities surrounding gender-based violence in migration contexts.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, ideally in social work, law, gender studies, or a related field. The candidate should possess a strong understanding of gender issues, human rights, and the legal frameworks surrounding gender-based violence and migration.

Experience:
Candidates should have a proven track record of working in humanitarian settings, particularly with vulnerable populations such as women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ individuals. Experience in providing legal assistance and support in cases of gender-based violence is highly desirable. Familiarity with the socio-political context of migration in Mexico, especially in Chiapas, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, given the local context and the populations served. Proficiency in English or other languages relevant to the migrant populations in the area would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
The UN Volunteer will be based in Tapachula, Chiapas, where living conditions can be challenging due to high temperatures and humidity. The role requires a high level of cultural sensitivity and a strong commitment to working in potentially dangerous and difficult conditions. Flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to the local environment are essential for success in this position.