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UNFPA-GBV Programme Specialist-P3/P4-Gaza, Palestine (with missions to Jerusalem/West Bank)
Gaza, PalestinePosition Title: GBV Programme Specialist
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P3/P4
Location: Gaza (with missions to Jerusalem / the West Bank, and pre-deployment from home-based / Cairo)
Duration: 3 months (with possible extension)
Language: Fluency in spoken and written English language necessary with preferred proficiency in spoken and written Arabic.
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
The security situation in Jerusalem and the West Bank continues to be tightly linked to the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza. The higher the level of security unpredictability in Gaza, the more likely security incidents will occur in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Direct and indirect security threats affecting UN personnel, assets (including premises), and programmes persist in Jerusalem and the West Bank as per the below threat categories:
Armed Conflict: While the epicenter of the current military operations continues to be Gaza, rockets targeting Jerusalem have been intercepted. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in Jerusalem and the West Bank continue to be reported. UN personnel, assets (including premises), and programmes are not directly targeted. However, collateral damage cannot be ruled out.
Civil Unrest: Outbreaks of rioting and demonstrations occur in Jerusalem, usually concerning internal issues such as security and military operations. In the West Bank, civil unrest incidents are primarily organized in retaliation to armed escalations, search-and-arrest operations, or denounce military escalation in Gaza. These incidents do not directly impact UN personnel. However, civil unrest incidents planned to be peaceful can turn violent with little to no prior notice.
Terrorism: While several terrorist-affiliated groups operate in the duty station, the UN has not been directly affected by terror-related activities.
Crime: Opportunistic crime in the form of armed robbery, vandalism, and verbal assaults occur in Jerusalem and the West Bank. UN personnel and assets have been targeted by crime-related incidents in Jersualem and the West Bank.
Role Description: Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Palestine CO Representative, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst / Team Lead for Gender GBV, the incumbent will facilitate implementation of UNFPA’s GBV programming in Gaza and support coordination of the GBV Sub-Cluster for Gaza, as needed. GBV programming in humanitarian emergencies is multi- sectoral and involves organizations and actors from the displaced and host communities, NGO and government implementing partners, UN agencies, and other national and international organizations that engage in comprehensive prevention and response initiatives. Key duties include: assessment and planning; partnership development; training and sensitization; and monitoring and evaluation. Planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of GBV initiatives in Gaza will be conducted through the use of available global guidelines and standards, and will be in line with UNFPA’s Minimum Standards for Addressing GBV in Emergencies. While the post is geographically focused on GBV programming and coordination in Gaza, due to the fluidity of the current context, the incumbent may be asked to support programming in the West Bank if urgent/acute support is required.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Programme Development and Implementation
● Conduct field assessments and/ or situational analyses to determine needs and gaps for GBV
prevention and response. Where appropriate, ensure GBV issues are integrated in other key assessments.
● In partnership with relevant UN, national and international NGOs, Red Crescent, and
government stakeholders, support implementation of UNFPA’s GBV programme in line with available global guidance that adheres to UNFPA’s Minimum Standards for Addressing GBV
in Emergencies.
● Orient UNFPA CO staff, implementing partners, UN sister agencies, and national authorities in planning and implementing GBV programmes for the population in Gaza.
● Coordinate and facilitate training sessions on GBV in emergencies for health care providers,
community services officers, security personnel, the refugee/IDP population, etc.
● Identify opportunities to strengthen capacities to ensure survivor access to health services including through capacity building and the procurement and distribution of Inter-agency RH Kits and other relevant commodities, monitoring distribution and utilization by the end-point
user.
● Support the CO to accelerate implementation of activities funded through CERF, UNFPA Emergency Fund and other resources mobilized while also engaging with donors to raise additional programme funds in line with UNFPA’s response plan.
Partnerships
● Maintain solid working relationships; in collaboration with the GBV Sub-Cluster
Coordinator, Emergency Response Coordinator, and UNFPA Representative/Head of Office,
provide regular and comprehensive updates related to UNFPA’s progress to address GBV with the UN Country Team, GBV Sub-Cluster, Protection Cluster, Health Cluster, PSEA Network, and other relevant actors.
● Represent UNFPA in relevant Cluster and other humanitarian coordination bodies in/for Gaza
to ensure that GBV issues are adequately mainstreamed in the context of the humanitarian response efforts.
● Provide inputs on GBV prevention and response to inter-agency reports and mappings on behalf of UNFPA in Gaza.
● Establish linkages between existing Gender, RH and youth programmes to ensure synergies between programmes that maximize impact.
● As needed / relevant - support coordination of the GBV Sub-Cluster in Gaza, in cooperation with the relevant UNFPA capacities.
Reporting
● Monitor GBV assistance provided by UNFPA and through implementing partners to crisis
affected populations.
● Monitor UNFPA’s GBV programme activities by keeping a close record of activities, such as capacity building, expenditures and agreements made with local partners.
● Prepare regular progress reports and document lessons learned.
● Support CO on coordination of humanitarian issues and prepare reports and SitReps, as required.
Capacity Development
● Provide coaching to newly recruited staff and consultants, where appropriate.
● Coach and build capacity of relevant staff members as well as staff of implementing partners responding to emergency/humanitarian crisis, as needed.
Qualifications and Skills Required
● Advanced technical degree with specialization in areas such as social work, public health, gender, law/human rights, international relations, and/or other related social science
disciplines.
● 2 to 10 years of specialized experience addressing GBV at the international level; experience in this field in a humanitarian context is an asset.
● Demonstrated leadership and management experience within a multinational and multicultural environment.
● Direct experience providing support to GBV survivors as an asset.
● Fluency in spoken and written English language necessary with preferred proficiency in spoken and written Arabic
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P3/P4
Location: Gaza (with missions to Jerusalem / the West Bank, and pre-deployment from home-based / Cairo)
Duration: 3 months (with possible extension)
Language: Fluency in spoken and written English language necessary with preferred proficiency in spoken and written Arabic.
Background Description of Emergency / Justification for Request (Please provide a short paragraph outlining the prevailing humanitarian situation and context and why this justifies the role.)
● At 06:30 on the morning of 7 October 2023, Hamas launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” with more than 5,000 rockets reportedly fired towards Israel from multiple locations in Gaza, as well as ground operations into Israel. In response to this attack, Israeli authorities declared that the country is in a state of war and called up military reservists. At 12:00 noon, the Israeli Forces launched operation ‘Iron Sword’ with strikes on the Gaza strip by air, land and sea. Exchanges of fire in the towns and communities in Israel surrounding Gaza continued for the second consecutive day following the infiltration of members of Palestinian armed groups into Israel. Palestinian armed groups in Gaza continued rocket fire into Israel. Simultaneously, Israel continued air, naval and land strikes throughout the night and morning. While tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants have been increasing over the past few years, this military escalation marks a significant departure from previous conflicts.
● In the evening of 7 October, Israeli authorities ceased supplying electricity to the Gaza strip, reducing the hours of electricity to 3-4 per day. The Gaza Power Plant is currently the only source of power and could run out of fuel within days. This has devastating consequences on the functioning of health facilities which need to rely on generator fuel which is expected to run out within a few days. The Israeli authorities have continued to impose multiple movement restrictions, including the closure of several checkpoints and entrances to towns and cities in the West Bank.
● Declaration of a complete siege in Gaza and closure of all crossings creates severe shortages of electricity, food, water, and fuel. Drugs, medical supplies and fuel are only expected to last a few days. Gaza’s 13 hospitals and health facilities are only partially functioning. Prior to the escalation there were stockouts of 48% of essential medical supplies in Gaza, including 20 items crucial for maternity and pediatric services. WHO has documented 37 health attacks since 7 October resulting in casualties among healthcare workers and damage to 13 healthcare facilities and at least 15 ambulances. This further impedes access to life-saving SRH services including emergency obstetric and newborn care. Strict closures in the West Bank and potential settler attacks have disrupted service delivery at mobile clinics and health facilities and significantly limited population movement and access to services.
● WHO has documented 62 attacks on health care affecting 29 health care facilities (including 19 hospitals damaged) and 23 ambulances. Seven hospitals, including four in northern Gaza (Beit Hanoun, Hamad Rehabilitation, Al Karama, and Ad Dura) either sustained damage or had to be evacuated and are no longer operational.
● As of 22 October, 2023 Mass internal displacement including following the Israeli evacuation order of 13 October 2023 has reached about 1.4 million internally displaced people (IDPs), with nearly
580,000 sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters (DES).As of 22 October, the Palestinian MOH reported 4,651 deaths and 14,245 injured in Gaza and 91 deaths and 1,734 injured in the West Bank.
● Critical concerns for UNFPA programme beneficiaries include
○ Shortage of drugs and medical disposables; 48% of items reported as out-of-stock, including 20 items for maternity and pediatric services
○ Continued attacks against Gaza; Declaration of a siege against Gaza with all crossing closed
and no electricity, food, water, fuel into Gaza and supplies estimated to last up to Sunday at best.
○ West Bank, strict closures and potential settler attacks have disrupted functioning of mobile
clinics and health facilities. Urgent measures needed to improve access to primary healthcare services, including integrated SRH care and GBV services through mobile clinics to address health needs of most vulnerable populations in Area C.
○ Opening of the borders to Gaza for access to humanitarian assistance.
○ Staffing remains a critical concern including potential evacuation.
● One of the key objectives will be to ensure the continuity of essential sexual and reproductive health services, including safe delivery, pregnancy care, and family planning. Key protection priorities include providing psychosocial support (PSS) for affected families, dignity kits for women and men, cash assistance for the host community and protection cases, as well as emergency referral pathways for GBV. The OPT Flash Appeal was initiated on October 12, 2023, and seeks to secure US$294 million to address the most pressing requirements of 1,260,000 individuals in Gaza and the occupied West Bank over a three-month period. Within the framework of this inter-agency flash appeal, UNFPA’s financial requirements amount to US$6.9 million as follows: Sexual and Reproductive Health US$3.6 million Gender-Based Violence US$3.3 million
● At 06:30 on the morning of 7 October 2023, Hamas launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” with more than 5,000 rockets reportedly fired towards Israel from multiple locations in Gaza, as well as ground operations into Israel. In response to this attack, Israeli authorities declared that the country is in a state of war and called up military reservists. At 12:00 noon, the Israeli Forces launched operation ‘Iron Sword’ with strikes on the Gaza strip by air, land and sea. Exchanges of fire in the towns and communities in Israel surrounding Gaza continued for the second consecutive day following the infiltration of members of Palestinian armed groups into Israel. Palestinian armed groups in Gaza continued rocket fire into Israel. Simultaneously, Israel continued air, naval and land strikes throughout the night and morning. While tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants have been increasing over the past few years, this military escalation marks a significant departure from previous conflicts.
● In the evening of 7 October, Israeli authorities ceased supplying electricity to the Gaza strip, reducing the hours of electricity to 3-4 per day. The Gaza Power Plant is currently the only source of power and could run out of fuel within days. This has devastating consequences on the functioning of health facilities which need to rely on generator fuel which is expected to run out within a few days. The Israeli authorities have continued to impose multiple movement restrictions, including the closure of several checkpoints and entrances to towns and cities in the West Bank.
● Declaration of a complete siege in Gaza and closure of all crossings creates severe shortages of electricity, food, water, and fuel. Drugs, medical supplies and fuel are only expected to last a few days. Gaza’s 13 hospitals and health facilities are only partially functioning. Prior to the escalation there were stockouts of 48% of essential medical supplies in Gaza, including 20 items crucial for maternity and pediatric services. WHO has documented 37 health attacks since 7 October resulting in casualties among healthcare workers and damage to 13 healthcare facilities and at least 15 ambulances. This further impedes access to life-saving SRH services including emergency obstetric and newborn care. Strict closures in the West Bank and potential settler attacks have disrupted service delivery at mobile clinics and health facilities and significantly limited population movement and access to services.
● WHO has documented 62 attacks on health care affecting 29 health care facilities (including 19 hospitals damaged) and 23 ambulances. Seven hospitals, including four in northern Gaza (Beit Hanoun, Hamad Rehabilitation, Al Karama, and Ad Dura) either sustained damage or had to be evacuated and are no longer operational.
● As of 22 October, 2023 Mass internal displacement including following the Israeli evacuation order of 13 October 2023 has reached about 1.4 million internally displaced people (IDPs), with nearly
580,000 sheltering in 150 UNRWA-designated emergency shelters (DES).As of 22 October, the Palestinian MOH reported 4,651 deaths and 14,245 injured in Gaza and 91 deaths and 1,734 injured in the West Bank.
● Critical concerns for UNFPA programme beneficiaries include
○ Shortage of drugs and medical disposables; 48% of items reported as out-of-stock, including 20 items for maternity and pediatric services
○ Continued attacks against Gaza; Declaration of a siege against Gaza with all crossing closed
and no electricity, food, water, fuel into Gaza and supplies estimated to last up to Sunday at best.
○ West Bank, strict closures and potential settler attacks have disrupted functioning of mobile
clinics and health facilities. Urgent measures needed to improve access to primary healthcare services, including integrated SRH care and GBV services through mobile clinics to address health needs of most vulnerable populations in Area C.
○ Opening of the borders to Gaza for access to humanitarian assistance.
○ Staffing remains a critical concern including potential evacuation.
● One of the key objectives will be to ensure the continuity of essential sexual and reproductive health services, including safe delivery, pregnancy care, and family planning. Key protection priorities include providing psychosocial support (PSS) for affected families, dignity kits for women and men, cash assistance for the host community and protection cases, as well as emergency referral pathways for GBV. The OPT Flash Appeal was initiated on October 12, 2023, and seeks to secure US$294 million to address the most pressing requirements of 1,260,000 individuals in Gaza and the occupied West Bank over a three-month period. Within the framework of this inter-agency flash appeal, UNFPA’s financial requirements amount to US$6.9 million as follows: Sexual and Reproductive Health US$3.6 million Gender-Based Violence US$3.3 million
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
The security situation in Jerusalem and the West Bank continues to be tightly linked to the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza. The higher the level of security unpredictability in Gaza, the more likely security incidents will occur in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Direct and indirect security threats affecting UN personnel, assets (including premises), and programmes persist in Jerusalem and the West Bank as per the below threat categories:
Armed Conflict: While the epicenter of the current military operations continues to be Gaza, rockets targeting Jerusalem have been intercepted. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in Jerusalem and the West Bank continue to be reported. UN personnel, assets (including premises), and programmes are not directly targeted. However, collateral damage cannot be ruled out.
Civil Unrest: Outbreaks of rioting and demonstrations occur in Jerusalem, usually concerning internal issues such as security and military operations. In the West Bank, civil unrest incidents are primarily organized in retaliation to armed escalations, search-and-arrest operations, or denounce military escalation in Gaza. These incidents do not directly impact UN personnel. However, civil unrest incidents planned to be peaceful can turn violent with little to no prior notice.
Terrorism: While several terrorist-affiliated groups operate in the duty station, the UN has not been directly affected by terror-related activities.
Crime: Opportunistic crime in the form of armed robbery, vandalism, and verbal assaults occur in Jerusalem and the West Bank. UN personnel and assets have been targeted by crime-related incidents in Jersualem and the West Bank.
Role Description: Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Palestine CO Representative, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst / Team Lead for Gender GBV, the incumbent will facilitate implementation of UNFPA’s GBV programming in Gaza and support coordination of the GBV Sub-Cluster for Gaza, as needed. GBV programming in humanitarian emergencies is multi- sectoral and involves organizations and actors from the displaced and host communities, NGO and government implementing partners, UN agencies, and other national and international organizations that engage in comprehensive prevention and response initiatives. Key duties include: assessment and planning; partnership development; training and sensitization; and monitoring and evaluation. Planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of GBV initiatives in Gaza will be conducted through the use of available global guidelines and standards, and will be in line with UNFPA’s Minimum Standards for Addressing GBV in Emergencies. While the post is geographically focused on GBV programming and coordination in Gaza, due to the fluidity of the current context, the incumbent may be asked to support programming in the West Bank if urgent/acute support is required.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Programme Development and Implementation
● Conduct field assessments and/ or situational analyses to determine needs and gaps for GBV
prevention and response. Where appropriate, ensure GBV issues are integrated in other key assessments.
● In partnership with relevant UN, national and international NGOs, Red Crescent, and
government stakeholders, support implementation of UNFPA’s GBV programme in line with available global guidance that adheres to UNFPA’s Minimum Standards for Addressing GBV
in Emergencies.
● Orient UNFPA CO staff, implementing partners, UN sister agencies, and national authorities in planning and implementing GBV programmes for the population in Gaza.
● Coordinate and facilitate training sessions on GBV in emergencies for health care providers,
community services officers, security personnel, the refugee/IDP population, etc.
● Identify opportunities to strengthen capacities to ensure survivor access to health services including through capacity building and the procurement and distribution of Inter-agency RH Kits and other relevant commodities, monitoring distribution and utilization by the end-point
user.
● Support the CO to accelerate implementation of activities funded through CERF, UNFPA Emergency Fund and other resources mobilized while also engaging with donors to raise additional programme funds in line with UNFPA’s response plan.
Partnerships
● Maintain solid working relationships; in collaboration with the GBV Sub-Cluster
Coordinator, Emergency Response Coordinator, and UNFPA Representative/Head of Office,
provide regular and comprehensive updates related to UNFPA’s progress to address GBV with the UN Country Team, GBV Sub-Cluster, Protection Cluster, Health Cluster, PSEA Network, and other relevant actors.
● Represent UNFPA in relevant Cluster and other humanitarian coordination bodies in/for Gaza
to ensure that GBV issues are adequately mainstreamed in the context of the humanitarian response efforts.
● Provide inputs on GBV prevention and response to inter-agency reports and mappings on behalf of UNFPA in Gaza.
● Establish linkages between existing Gender, RH and youth programmes to ensure synergies between programmes that maximize impact.
● As needed / relevant - support coordination of the GBV Sub-Cluster in Gaza, in cooperation with the relevant UNFPA capacities.
Reporting
● Monitor GBV assistance provided by UNFPA and through implementing partners to crisis
affected populations.
● Monitor UNFPA’s GBV programme activities by keeping a close record of activities, such as capacity building, expenditures and agreements made with local partners.
● Prepare regular progress reports and document lessons learned.
● Support CO on coordination of humanitarian issues and prepare reports and SitReps, as required.
Capacity Development
● Provide coaching to newly recruited staff and consultants, where appropriate.
● Coach and build capacity of relevant staff members as well as staff of implementing partners responding to emergency/humanitarian crisis, as needed.
Qualifications and Skills Required
● Advanced technical degree with specialization in areas such as social work, public health, gender, law/human rights, international relations, and/or other related social science
disciplines.
● 2 to 10 years of specialized experience addressing GBV at the international level; experience in this field in a humanitarian context is an asset.
● Direct experience providing support to GBV survivors as an asset.
● Fluency in spoken and written English language necessary with preferred proficiency in spoken and written Arabic
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.