View all jobs
UNHCR-AAP Capacity Strengthening Officer-P3-Port Sudan, Sudan
Port Sudan, SudanPosition Title: AAP Capacity Strengthening Officer
Receiving Agency: UNHCR
P Level: P3
Location: Port Sudan, Sudan
Duration: 3 months
Language: Fluency in English required; Arabic is desirable.
Sudan has historically hosted one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. Prior to the conflict, Sudan hosted 1.1 million refugees, majority of whom resided in Khartoum State. Since the start of conflict, UNHCR and partners have been able to map the internal movement of refugees within Sudan. Over 217,000 refugees have moved towards safer areas mainly in White Nile and Eastern states. There are an estimated 917,470 refugees and asylum seekers remain in Sudan.
Despite the conflict, UNHCR remains committed to stay and deliver inside Sudan. International and national staff are present in eight locations across the country, delivering protection and assistance to the forcibly displaced population both in response to the emergency and in line with UNHCR’s regular programmes. UNHCR Representation in Sudan has continued presence in Darfur, Kordofan, East Sudan, Northern Sudan, White Nile, Blue Nile and the Country Office, which was initially based in Khartoum, has been strategically restructured into three separate locations Port Sudan, Gedaref and Nairobi to better facilitate its oversight functions.
UNHCR leads Protection, Shelter/NFI and Site Management (CCCM) clusters in Sudan with a co-chair for each of these clusters from NGOs. UNHCR co-leads refugee consultation forum with Commission of Refugees (COR).
The Inter-Agency Coordination Officer will coordinate the refugee response in Sudan as well as will provide all required support for organizing RCF meeting, representing RCF in ISCG meeting, take lead in formulation of the Country Refugee Response Plan (CRP), monitoring and reporting. The incumbent will also contribute to the formulation of the contingency plan as required as well as support the RWG in the field level.
Living and Working Conditions:
The climate in Port Sudan is hot desert with hot summers and moderately hot winters. The average annual rainfall is 76 mm. January, February and March are the coldest months with mean daily minimum temperature of 23ﹾC whereas June, July and August are the hottest months with daily mean temperature between 32 to 35ﹾ C. There is a UN clinic in Port Sudan. Subsequently, Port Sudan is classified as E and non-family duty station with 4 weeks R&R cycle. Sensitivity to the Sudanese culture and dress code is very important. Port Sudan office has a guesthouse for international staff accommodation combined with the office space and there is another guesthouse across the office. The guesthouse is equipped with TV. Food stuffs are available in the local markets and one can eat/buy food in the local restaurants. Bottled water and water dispensers are recommended for drinking as the quality of the tap water is not adequate. The internet connectivity even though stable, can be erratic at times. Staff members are strongly recommended to bring toiletries, medicines that they use regularly, books etc. Assigned staff need to have completed the BSAFE module and produce copies of certification to obtain UN identification card in Sudan and update the TRIP profile.
Recently a new CBP Officer is hired on TA and the Field focal points updated, however there is need to capacitate them through a series of trainings and establishing a mechanism to institutionalize AAP in the Sudan Operation. In addition, as a Protection agency, there was a request from the AAP WG for UNHCR to co-chair or play more roles in training the agencies and members of the different coordination fora on AAP. However, with limited staffing and expertise, UNHCR was not able to play those roles so far.
Therefore, AAP Deployment Support to Sudan - from SBP deployment will play vital role in revamping what was done, including building capacity of focal points, developing tools, and establishing mechanisms. Besides, the deployee, will be reviewing and strengthening UNHCR role and position in the coordination and capacitating the AAP WG.
At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in protection with AAP responsibility, on accountability and communication with communities, ensuring participation and inclusion of the forcibly displaced in issues of their concern, as well as provision of feedback. Demonstrated knowledge on UNHCR as well as IA AAP Guideline and skills in capacitating staff, setting up SOPs and system with its implementation. Experience in interagency coordination mechanisms and developing strategies and work plans.
Essential requirements
Personal Characteristics
Receiving Agency: UNHCR
P Level: P3
Location: Port Sudan, Sudan
Duration: 3 months
Language: Fluency in English required; Arabic is desirable.
Operational Context
The operational context in Sudan changed drastically when, on 15 April 2023, armed conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The ongoing conflict is the latest development in Sudan’s stunted transition to democratic governance following the military takeover on 25 October 2021. The conflict has dramatically worsened the humanitarian conditions in Sudan, exacerbated pre-existing intercommunal and ethnic tensions, and triggered massive displacement. As of March 2024, over 8.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict, including 6.6 million internally and over 1.8 million who fled outside the country in search of safety and security. Combined with old IDP caseload, Sudan is the largest internal displacement crisis in the world. Current interagency estimates for internal displacement are higher than the recorded IDP movements of the last four years combined, highlighting the largescale humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan and which continues to affect its neighboring countries. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HRP) for Sudan estimates that there are 24.8 million in need of humanitarian assistance mainly due to the ongoing conflict. Ten out of 18 states are considered hard to reach and the humanitarian response in these areas is delivered mainly through cross line and cross border modalities.Sudan has historically hosted one of the largest refugee populations in Africa. Prior to the conflict, Sudan hosted 1.1 million refugees, majority of whom resided in Khartoum State. Since the start of conflict, UNHCR and partners have been able to map the internal movement of refugees within Sudan. Over 217,000 refugees have moved towards safer areas mainly in White Nile and Eastern states. There are an estimated 917,470 refugees and asylum seekers remain in Sudan.
Despite the conflict, UNHCR remains committed to stay and deliver inside Sudan. International and national staff are present in eight locations across the country, delivering protection and assistance to the forcibly displaced population both in response to the emergency and in line with UNHCR’s regular programmes. UNHCR Representation in Sudan has continued presence in Darfur, Kordofan, East Sudan, Northern Sudan, White Nile, Blue Nile and the Country Office, which was initially based in Khartoum, has been strategically restructured into three separate locations Port Sudan, Gedaref and Nairobi to better facilitate its oversight functions.
UNHCR leads Protection, Shelter/NFI and Site Management (CCCM) clusters in Sudan with a co-chair for each of these clusters from NGOs. UNHCR co-leads refugee consultation forum with Commission of Refugees (COR).
The Inter-Agency Coordination Officer will coordinate the refugee response in Sudan as well as will provide all required support for organizing RCF meeting, representing RCF in ISCG meeting, take lead in formulation of the Country Refugee Response Plan (CRP), monitoring and reporting. The incumbent will also contribute to the formulation of the contingency plan as required as well as support the RWG in the field level.
Living and Working Conditions:
The climate in Port Sudan is hot desert with hot summers and moderately hot winters. The average annual rainfall is 76 mm. January, February and March are the coldest months with mean daily minimum temperature of 23ﹾC whereas June, July and August are the hottest months with daily mean temperature between 32 to 35ﹾ C. There is a UN clinic in Port Sudan. Subsequently, Port Sudan is classified as E and non-family duty station with 4 weeks R&R cycle. Sensitivity to the Sudanese culture and dress code is very important. Port Sudan office has a guesthouse for international staff accommodation combined with the office space and there is another guesthouse across the office. The guesthouse is equipped with TV. Food stuffs are available in the local markets and one can eat/buy food in the local restaurants. Bottled water and water dispensers are recommended for drinking as the quality of the tap water is not adequate. The internet connectivity even though stable, can be erratic at times. Staff members are strongly recommended to bring toiletries, medicines that they use regularly, books etc. Assigned staff need to have completed the BSAFE module and produce copies of certification to obtain UN identification card in Sudan and update the TRIP profile.
Aim of the Mission
Prior to the conflict, the CBP Officer was AAP focal point for the operation at the Representation Office level, supported by focal points from each FOs/SOs. Trainings were conducted to focal points and internal coordination mechanism was established. In addition, UNHCR Sudan was active member of the AAP Working Group including co-leading one of the Pillars, on capacity building and conducted training to the AAP WG members. However, with restructuring and cutting of the position of the CBP Officer at the end of 2023, and displacement of staff due to the conflict, there was hiccup in the progress.Recently a new CBP Officer is hired on TA and the Field focal points updated, however there is need to capacitate them through a series of trainings and establishing a mechanism to institutionalize AAP in the Sudan Operation. In addition, as a Protection agency, there was a request from the AAP WG for UNHCR to co-chair or play more roles in training the agencies and members of the different coordination fora on AAP. However, with limited staffing and expertise, UNHCR was not able to play those roles so far.
Therefore, AAP Deployment Support to Sudan - from SBP deployment will play vital role in revamping what was done, including building capacity of focal points, developing tools, and establishing mechanisms. Besides, the deployee, will be reviewing and strengthening UNHCR role and position in the coordination and capacitating the AAP WG.
Mission OBJECTIVES
- Capacitate CE/AAP focal points in the Sudan operation in their role and train staff on AAP
- Support institutionalized of AAP throughout the offices, with tools and mechanisms established.
- Review and strengthen UNHCR role and engagement in the AAP WG,
- Support in development of CE/AAP strategy and workplan for 2025.
Responsibilities
Under direct supervision of the CBP Officer/SPO, the AAP Capacity Strengthening Officer will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Capacity-building: Review existing AAP capacities and mechanisms capacities in UNHCR Sudan and prepare short- and long-term plans on capacity building.
- Conduct a series of AAP trainings to focal points as well as to staff in general and engage bilaterally with each SO/FO and where feasible conduct missions and provide the support needed.
- Review and reinvigorate UNHCR role and engagement in AAP WG and implementation of the guidance and tools developed by IASC on collective AAP and support development of CE/AAP strategy and workplan for 2025.
- Produce a mission report with recommendations to UNHCR Sudan on institutionalising and strengthening CE/AAP in the response overall.
PROFILE
ExperienceAt least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in protection with AAP responsibility, on accountability and communication with communities, ensuring participation and inclusion of the forcibly displaced in issues of their concern, as well as provision of feedback. Demonstrated knowledge on UNHCR as well as IA AAP Guideline and skills in capacitating staff, setting up SOPs and system with its implementation. Experience in interagency coordination mechanisms and developing strategies and work plans.
Essential requirements
- Knowledge of the international legal and policy framework governing refugees in general and UNHCR as well as IA AAP Guideline
- Experience in communication and engagement with community as well as feedback mechanisms.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills in providing trainings and capacitating staff
- Demonstrated knowledge Interagency coordination mechanisms, developing tools, ToRs, strategies
- Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to AAP will be added advantage.
Personal Characteristics
- Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration.
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.