UN Technical Expert - Community-Based Protection Systems Strengthening

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With a mission to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development, UNRWA operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. The agency employs over 30,000 staff members and serves approximately 5.7 million registered Palestine refugees. UNRWA's services include education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance, aiming to promote the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees.

Job Overview:
The position of UN Technical Expert in Community-Based Protection Systems Strengthening is a consultancy role that is expected to last for a period of eight months. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader and will closely coordinate with Protection Programme staff, Area Offices, and relevant stakeholders. The primary functions of this role include conducting comprehensive community assessments, engaging with stakeholders, facilitating participatory protection risk analyses, developing community volunteer networks, providing capacity building and technical support, and implementing community-based responses. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring the meaningful participation of diverse community members and documenting lessons learned throughout the consultancy period.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including: conducting a comprehensive review of existing assessments and protection monitoring data; mapping and analyzing community protection mechanisms; conducting stakeholder mapping of relevant actors; facilitating participatory Focus Group Discussions (FGDs); identifying protection threats and vulnerabilities; developing selection criteria for community volunteers; establishing a community volunteer network; developing training materials and delivering training sessions; facilitating participatory planning processes; and developing an operational transition plan for handover of activities. The consultant will also be responsible for producing reports summarizing findings and recommendations, and providing monthly progress briefings to the Protection Team Leader.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, excellent facilitation and communication abilities, and a commitment to protection principles and ethical standards. The candidate should have strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse communities and vulnerable populations. Excellent drafting, reporting, and documentation skills are also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Social Work, Human Rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Psychology, Community Development, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of community-based protection and the socio-political context in which the consultant will operate.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in community engagement, protection programming, and capacity building. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with vulnerable populations and implementing community-based protection initiatives. Experience in conducting assessments, facilitating training, and working in humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.

Languages:
The consultant must have an excellent command of written and spoken English, which is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for eight months, with a monthly payment of USD 7,40

• The consultant will be based in Damascus, Syria, and UNRWA will arrange and cover inbound travel to the duty station at the start of the assignment and outbound travel at the end. Accommodation will be provided in a UNDSS-approved hotel. The consultant will work according to the UNRWA Syria Field Office schedule, which is Sunday to Thursday, from 7:45 am to 3:15 pm. Rest and Recuperation (R&R) travel will be granted according to the prevailing ICSC cycle for Damascus, and the consultant will be entitled to five days of R&R and two travel days. The consultant must adhere to all applicable UNRWA security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, safety, and administrative requirements and is responsible for obtaining any required medical insurance coverage. The consultant will also be responsible for any taxes or governmental charges arising from the consultancy fee.