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UNFPA-Roving GBV Sub-Sector Coordinator-P3-Homs, Syria
Homs (Roving), SyriaPosition Title: Roving GBV Sub-Sector Coordinator
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P3
Location: Homs, Syria (Roving)
Duration: 3 months
Language: Fluency in English required, and working knowledge of Arabic desirable.
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P3
Location: Homs, Syria (Roving)
Duration: 3 months
Language: Fluency in English required, and working knowledge of Arabic desirable.
Mission Specific Considerations
Remote-Based Deployments (if remote-based please only fill in this table)
Physical deployments (only fill out if you anticipate surge to physically deploy)
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.)
On September 24th, escalation of hostilities in Lebanon has generated an influx of displaced populations across Syria. To date (October 28th) A total of approximately 440,0001 people (Lebanese, Syrians and third-country nationals) are estimated to have crossed from Lebanon to Syria since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon. It is estimated that 71 percent are Syrians and 29 percent are Lebanese and other country nationals. The flow of arrivals concentrates at three main border points in Damascus, Homs and Tartous. Internal movement is registered towards other areas of the country. Since 24 September, 9,985 families (50,779 individuals) have arrived in north-east Syria, with the highest number of families heading to Ar-Raqqa Governorate, followed by Deir-ez-Zor and Al-Hasakeh Governorates. GBV risks are on the rise a s a result of the displacement, including at border points, hosting centres and within communities.
UNFPA leads the GBV Sub-Sector in Syria to ensure effective coordination and delivery of GBV
Prevention, risk mitigation and response services to affected populations. In order to adequately respond to increasing needs emerging from the Lebanon influx crisis, UNFPA requires the immediate deployment of an experienced GBV Sub-Sector Coordinator to support sub-national response, with basis in Homs and roving across affected governorates.
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
The security situation across Syria is considered as volatile and unstable. While the main hot spots remain, including: Daraa, Al-Hassakah, Deir Ezzor, Latakia, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib governorates. As per the updated UN Security Risk Management documents “SRM,” Security Risk levels are still unchanged, Substantial in Damascus and its rural side, High in the south including Daraa, As Sweida and Quneitra. Also High in both northern the country in Aleppo/rural Aleppo and north-east in Ar Raqqah, Qamishli Al Hassakeh and Deir Ez Zor. While Idlib is considered on Extreme level. While the main threats are the Armed Conflict, Terrorism and Crime, the ERW/UXO threat is still a major concern across the country.
Role Description: MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: We ask Country offices to review the list of duties and responsibilities and make appropriate amendments where necessary.
Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Representative and with direct supervision from the GBV National Sub-Sector Coordinator, the incumbent facilitates and coordinates the rapid implementation of multi-sectoral, inter-agency GBV interventions in a humanitarian emergency. Comprehensive GBV prevention and response programming in humanitarian emergencies requires skilled coordination of a range of organizations and actors from the displaced and host communities, NGOs, government partners, UN agencies, and other national and international organizations.
The GBV Sub National Coordinator’s duties include: building and sustaining partnerships, strategic planning, capacity development, advocacy, and information management. The GBV Coordinator will use the GBV Area of Responsibility’s Handbook for Coordinating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Emergencies (2019), Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for Prevention and Response to GBV in Emergencies and IASC’s Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action: Reducing Risk, Promoting Resilience, and Aiding Recovery, to facilitate planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of inter-agency GBV initiatives.
In Syria, UNFPA leads the GBV Sub-Sector under the Protection Sector. The incumbent will represent UNFPA in an inter-agency capacity in field locations to ensure a robust and well-functioning coordination body that promotes the highest standards of GBV prevention and response, in line with global guidance.
Building and Sustaining Partnerships
Strategic Planning
Capacity Development
Advocacy
Information Management
Any other duties
Qualifications and Skills Required
Remote-Based Deployments (if remote-based please only fill in this table)
| Considerations for remote-based deployments | |
| If the deployment is remote-based, is the country office set up to ensure ongoing communication / team integration and appropriate supervision with the deployee from afar? Please explain. | N/A However, the deployee will start working remotely until the visa is approved |
Physical deployments (only fill out if you anticipate surge to physically deploy)
| Pre-departure considerations for physical deployments | |
| Does this duty station require candidates to have undertaken SSAFE training? If so, can the office provide training upon arrival? | Yes, the candidate is required to undertake SSAFE training. The SSAFE training module specific to Syria context will be provided upon arrival. |
| Visa Are there any special/new, specific visa considerations that need to be considered? |
Nationalities restrictions apply. For UNLP holders, the Syria CO will apply on their behalf. |
| Equipment Is there any equipment that the Surge should become equipped with prior to travel, e.g. PPE such as masks, gloves, sanitizer, etc? |
Laptop if possible |
| Is there any other paperwork that the local government authorities require upon entry/re-entry into the country? | No |
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On mission considerations (for physical deployments):
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Accommodation
What type of accommodation is available for Surge deployees? |
Surge will be based at the Un Hub in Homs, and will access accommodation in other UN hubs when roving across governorates. When transiting in Damascus, base is FSH |
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R&R
Is the duty station on an R&R cycle and if so how often? |
Yes, regular R&R cycle each 28 Days when duty station is outside of Damascus. The global guidelines developed for the pandemic for R&R duty stations applies. |
| Medical Treatment Are there any government restrictions or limitations that would adversely impact in-country medical treatment plans or medical evacuation? |
No |
| Office arrangement for telecommuting If the Surge needs to telecommute within the country, can the country office demonstrate that the deployee is realistically able to work in terms of remote connectivity, equipment, etc.? |
Yes. Internet connectivity in the hotel room as well as in the UNFPA office room in the Hub. The surge deployee will also be provided with 4G. |
| Equipment If the Surge is required to physically deploy, can the country office provide necessary equipment, e.g. masks, gloves, sanitizer? |
Yes, all needed equipment will be provided. |
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.)
On September 24th, escalation of hostilities in Lebanon has generated an influx of displaced populations across Syria. To date (October 28th) A total of approximately 440,0001 people (Lebanese, Syrians and third-country nationals) are estimated to have crossed from Lebanon to Syria since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon. It is estimated that 71 percent are Syrians and 29 percent are Lebanese and other country nationals. The flow of arrivals concentrates at three main border points in Damascus, Homs and Tartous. Internal movement is registered towards other areas of the country. Since 24 September, 9,985 families (50,779 individuals) have arrived in north-east Syria, with the highest number of families heading to Ar-Raqqa Governorate, followed by Deir-ez-Zor and Al-Hasakeh Governorates. GBV risks are on the rise a s a result of the displacement, including at border points, hosting centres and within communities.
UNFPA leads the GBV Sub-Sector in Syria to ensure effective coordination and delivery of GBV
Prevention, risk mitigation and response services to affected populations. In order to adequately respond to increasing needs emerging from the Lebanon influx crisis, UNFPA requires the immediate deployment of an experienced GBV Sub-Sector Coordinator to support sub-national response, with basis in Homs and roving across affected governorates.
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
The security situation across Syria is considered as volatile and unstable. While the main hot spots remain, including: Daraa, Al-Hassakah, Deir Ezzor, Latakia, Hama, Aleppo and Idlib governorates. As per the updated UN Security Risk Management documents “SRM,” Security Risk levels are still unchanged, Substantial in Damascus and its rural side, High in the south including Daraa, As Sweida and Quneitra. Also High in both northern the country in Aleppo/rural Aleppo and north-east in Ar Raqqah, Qamishli Al Hassakeh and Deir Ez Zor. While Idlib is considered on Extreme level. While the main threats are the Armed Conflict, Terrorism and Crime, the ERW/UXO threat is still a major concern across the country.
Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Representative and with direct supervision from the GBV National Sub-Sector Coordinator, the incumbent facilitates and coordinates the rapid implementation of multi-sectoral, inter-agency GBV interventions in a humanitarian emergency. Comprehensive GBV prevention and response programming in humanitarian emergencies requires skilled coordination of a range of organizations and actors from the displaced and host communities, NGOs, government partners, UN agencies, and other national and international organizations.
The GBV Sub National Coordinator’s duties include: building and sustaining partnerships, strategic planning, capacity development, advocacy, and information management. The GBV Coordinator will use the GBV Area of Responsibility’s Handbook for Coordinating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Emergencies (2019), Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for Prevention and Response to GBV in Emergencies and IASC’s Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action: Reducing Risk, Promoting Resilience, and Aiding Recovery, to facilitate planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of inter-agency GBV initiatives.
In Syria, UNFPA leads the GBV Sub-Sector under the Protection Sector. The incumbent will represent UNFPA in an inter-agency capacity in field locations to ensure a robust and well-functioning coordination body that promotes the highest standards of GBV prevention and response, in line with global guidance.
Building and Sustaining Partnerships
- Facilitate inter-agency, multi-sectoral GBV coordination group (“sub-sector”) at sub-national levels. Promote, respect and ensure that the Principles of Partnership are reflected in the day-to-day work of the GBV sub-sector.
- Establish result-oriented, two-way communication channels between national and sub-national GBV coordination groups to ensure a standardized response to GBV.
- Proactively engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure coordination bodies reflect the range of actors addressing GBV, including across multiple sectors (health, psychosocial, legal, security, etc.) and categories of actors (UN, NGO, civil society, government, etc.). As feasible, engage UN missions who may be active in addressing GBV, including but not limited to ensuring inter-agency inputs to the annual S-G’s report on conflict-related sexual violence.
- Regularly represent the GBV sub-sector in Protection sector meetings, OCHA-led meetings (e.g. around development of the Strategic Response Plan or for Inter-sector Coordination), and other relevant meetings, including those called by the Humanitarian Coordinator.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other sectors/working groups such as the Health sector, Child Protection Sub-sector , Shelter/NFI sector , Food Security sector, Education sector, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group, etc. to ensure integration of GBV-related action in their sector plans and to advocate for joint awareness-raising for non-GBV specialists.
- Advocate with donors and mobilize resources for inter-agency GBV prevention and response in line with GBV sub-sector work plan and SRP. As necessary, leverage resources within UNFPA to support inter-agency GBV activities under the Sub-sector.
- In consultation with non-governmental GBV actors and national civil society, identify appropriate mechanisms for working with and collaborating with national authorities on GBV issues.
- Support the roll out of the GBV case management capacity building initiative
Strategic Planning
- Facilitate implementation of Standard Operating Procedures. Regularly review and revisit SOPs at strategic points throughout the crisis response.
- In collaboration with national and international GBV actors, map current institutional response capacities, including facilitating mapping of GBV-specific 3Ws.
- Lead a process to develop a realistic, evidence-based multi-sectoral and inter-agency prevention and response plan. Promote engagement of a range of sectors and ensure realistic benchmarks and timelines for achieving set objectives. Regularly monitor progress against plans during coordination meetings. Allow space for new actors to engage with a plan over the course of the crisis response.
- Work with partners to continually identify response gaps in line with proposed work plans (including geographic coverage and programmatic scope) and seek solutions to fill gaps. Advocates with UNFPA as sub-cluster lead to address gaps not yet filled by partners.
Capacity Development
- Work with partners to develop an inter-agency GBV capacity development strategy that meets the needs and priorities of key national and local stakeholders to facilitate implementation of agreed work plan.
- Revise existing training materials according to local context and ensure partners’ access to relevant training sessions.
- Support efforts to strengthen the capacity of sub-sector members on planning and responding to GBV in emergencies and on safe and ethical GBV information management.
- Ensure all GBV sub-sector partners and others are aware of relevant policy guidelines, technical standards, and other resource materials (go to www.gbvaor.net for the latest information).
Advocacy
- Provide technical support to the development of relevant advocacy and policy documents to address GBV in the context of broader gender inequality issues.
- Promote awareness of national laws and policies that inform action to address GBV.
Information Management
- In line with WHO’s Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Researching, Documenting and Monitoring Sexual Violence in Emergencies:
- Engage in robust analyses of available secondary data to ensure readily-available information on known trends and patterns on GBV for inclusion at relevant points along the Humanitarian Programme Cycle, including the MIRA.
- Consolidate existing assessments on the GBV situation and/or work with relevant agencies, the displaced and host populations to conduct relevant participatory analyses of GBV.
- Undertake new assessment missions as necessary/appropriate to determine the magnitude and scope of GBV and identify strategic inter-sectoral approaches for addressing it.
- Work with the GBV coordination groups to adopt a standardized GBV incident report/intake form and other relevant forms as necessary. Train partner organizations and other sectors in the use of this form with particular emphasis to the Guiding Principles for Working with GBV Survivors and in line with the PRIMERO/GBVIMs+
- If necessary, develop monthly report formats that capture relevant information and that support the analysis and evaluation of program progress and outcomes.
- Document best practices and approaches for responding to issues of GBV in order to deepen the knowledge base among relevant partners.
- Prepare regular analytical reports on emerging issues.
Any other duties
- Write monthly reports documenting progress against work plan outputs.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications and Skills Required
- Advanced degree in social work or other social sciences, public health, community health, international relations, international law, human rights or related field.
- 5-7 years of experience working on gender-based violence, of which 4 are at the international level, preferably in a humanitarian context.
- Experience leading inter-agency coordination mechanisms with a wide range of stakeholders. Demonstrable knowledge of the critical components to facilitate effective inter-agency coordination.
- Awareness and demonstrable knowledge of how GBV manifests in humanitarian settings and ability to describe context-specific prevention and response actions.
- Demonstrable knowledge of humanitarian emergency operations, including the Cluster System and HPC, and roles/responsibilities of key humanitarian actors.
- Experience designing and managing GBV programmes in an NGO (recommended).
- Proficiency in English required. Proficiency in Arabic is desired. Other UN languages an asset.
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.