UN Volunteer - Protection

Job Advertisement

Position Title: UN Volunteer - Protection
Location: Bogotá
Country: Colombia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action for the protection of refugees worldwide. UNHCR aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise their right to seek asylum in another state and enjoy it. The organization also identifies durable solutions for refugees, such as voluntary repatriation in dignified and safe conditions, integration into the host society, or resettlement in a third country. UNHCR's mandate also includes stateless persons. The organization operates globally, providing vital assistance to millions of people who have been forced from their homes due to violence, persecution, war, or disaster. UNHCR has been instrumental in addressing the needs of over 7.1 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with Colombia hosting more than 2.4 million Venezuelans, many of whom are in the process of regularization. The agency continues to work towards durable solutions and support for vulnerable populations affected by conflict and violence.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer in Protection will work under the delegated authority and supervision of the Assistant Protection coordination-officer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Cluster Coordination Officer. The role involves supporting the planning and development of actions for the Inter-Agency Protection Coordination Team (ECP), which is part of the Mixed Migration Flows Inter-Agency Group (GIFMM). The volunteer will participate in sessions convened by UNHCR's Protection and Inter-Agency Coordination Area, the ECP, and the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG). The position requires technical support to the subsectors integral to the Protection Sector of GIFMM, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Child Protection, and Trafficking. The volunteer will also provide secretarial support for meetings, maintain updated recipient lists, draft meeting materials, organize logistical support, and disseminate relevant information to external audiences as appropriate. This role is crucial for ensuring effective communication and coordination among partners in the Protection Coordination Team and supporting the management of information related to sector updates and other relevant inputs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will carry out a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the planning and development of actions for the Inter-Agency Protection Coordination Team (ECP) and the Protection Sector of GIFMM.
• Participating in sessions convened by the Protection Area and ECP.
• Providing technical support to subsectors such as GBV, Child Protection, and Trafficking.
• Offering secretarial support for meetings, including drafting and reviewing minutes, maintaining recipient lists, and organizing logistical arrangements.
• Serving as a liaison with partners in the ECP as requested.
• Supporting the Cluster and Sector coordinators in ensuring effective communication with Areas of Responsibility (AdR), subsectors, and working groups.
• Assisting in the management of information by sharing updates and relevant materials with colleagues.
• Supporting other functions of the Protection Sector, including disseminating weekly calendars and work plans.
• Building information products as required. 1
• Following up on information products disseminated by GIFMM, such as bi-weekly newsletters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian principles and the protection of vulnerable populations. Experience in working with refugees or in humanitarian settings is an advantage. Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize information are also required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant area is an advantage. Candidates should have a solid understanding of refugee protection principles and international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in humanitarian work, protection, or related fields. Experience in coordination roles or working with inter-agency groups is highly desirable. Familiarity with the context of mixed migration flows and the challenges faced by refugees and migrants in Colombia is beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as the position requires communication with local partners and stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also required, and knowledge of additional languages relevant to the refugee population in Colombia is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position under the UN system, and it may be full-time or part-time depending on the needs of the organization. The duration of the contract is typically for a specified period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, and may involve some travel within the country to support field activities. Compensation details are not specified, but UN Volunteers may receive a modest living allowance and other benefits.