Assistant.e Chargé.e de la Protection Communautaire

Job Posting Organization:
The position is part of the UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS was established in 1973 and operates in over 80 countries, providing project management, infrastructure, and procurement services. The organization focuses on delivering sustainable solutions in various sectors, including health, education, and humanitarian assistance, with a mission to support the implementation of peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security initiatives worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Assistant.e Chargé.e de la protection communautaire is a member of the protection unit within a country operation and reports to the protection officer or community protection officer. This role is crucial in identifying risks faced by communities under the UNHCR's mandate and mobilizing their capacities for self-protection. The position requires a significant amount of fieldwork, establishing and maintaining networks within communities of persons of concern (PoC). The incumbent will support the implementation of community protection standards, operational procedures, and practices, ensuring that community protection activities are effectively carried out at the ground level. The role emphasizes the importance of developing constructive relationships with PoC, which directly impacts planning, programming, and protection outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work directly with communities to identify risks and mobilize their capacities for self-protection.
• Supervise a portion of protection and/or support staff, ensuring adherence to community protection standards.
• Collaborate with UNHCR staff, government authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance community protection efforts.
• Spend a substantial part of the workday outside the office to engage with PoC and build networks.
• Support the development of a community protection strategy based on consultations with PoC.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of community protection activities and make recommendations for improvements.
• Facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives for community members and local partners.
• Document and report on community protection issues and initiatives to inform program planning and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of community protection principles and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse communities.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and with various stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on community needs and risks.
• Ability to work in challenging environments and adapt to changing circumstances.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in protection, humanitarian response, or community development are advantageous.

Experience:
At least 2 years of relevant experience in community protection, humanitarian assistance, or a related field is required. Experience working with vulnerable populations and knowledge of the UNHCR's mandate is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, and proficiency in English is desirable. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the community is an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as LICA8 under UNOPS, indicating a level of responsibility and complexity. The role is not remote and requires the incumbent to be based in Gbadolite. The position is full-time, and the contract duration is subject to the needs of the organization and funding availability.