Program Officer, Gender-based Violence

BACKGROUND:

The Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) works to improve the lives and defend the rights of refugee and internally displaced women, children and young people. As an advocacy organization, the Commission is dedicated to bringing about systemic changes that lead to greater respect for the rights of uprooted women, children and young people.  The organization strives to effect policy and programmatic change with broad, worldwide impact.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Program Officer for Gender-based Violence will lead a 2½ year project focused on enhancing the humanitarian system’s capacity to address GBV prevention and response for diverse population groups (adolescent girls, women, men and boys, persons with disabilities and LGBTI refugees) in urban and non-camp settings. This will be accomplished through knowledge generation inclusive of field-based research in four countries, the drafting of tools and a framework, piloting, training, dissemination of findings and recommendations and advocacy. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Implementation

• Develop research methodology
• Conduct for four field assessments to identify risks, risk mitigation strategies, and community-based solutions  per population group as well as identify and assess local community-based organizations, local NGOs, and host government GBV services and capacity to engage and respond
• Capture best practices for GBV prevention and response in urban areas
• Draft a framework and guidance for how to conduct risk assessments and risk mitigation strategies in urban and non-camp areas
• Lead and drive global thinking and learning on GBV prevention and response in urban and non-camp contexts

Financial Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage project budget
• Oversee disbursement and utilization of small grants for field-based partners
• Coordinate with the Senior Finance Officer on donor financial reporting requirements

Research and Writing

• Prepare donor reports
• Write country briefs for each field assessment on findings
• Conduct literature review on GBV in urban contexts
• Write, edit, produce and distribution of program documents, including reports, guidance, possible journal articles and other materials.
• Write grant proposals, if necessary, to further build out the project

Advocacy and Public Education

• Brief in-country and global stakeholders on field assessment findings
• In collaboration with senior staff, develop, implement and support advocacy and communications strategy to promote global uptake of learning, recommendations and tools
• Provide technical expertise and policy advice internally (Women`s Refugee Commission staff and board) and externally (policy makers in governments, UN agencies, NGOs) on GBV prevention and response.
• Represent the Women`s Refugee Commission on GBV issues to a variety of audiences, including with policy makers, government and U.N. officials, at public events, meetings, conferences, with media, and other venues as appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Master’s Degree in international affairs, women’s rights, social work, social science research, non-profit management or related field.
2. Minimum 5 years of field experience in humanitarian assistance working with displaced populations.
3. Minimum 2 - 3 years project management experience in refugee protection and humanitarian assistance programs.
4. Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in gender-based violence prevention and response targeting displaced populations (refugees, internally displaced persons, and/ returning populations).
5. Strong research skills covering qualitative and mixed method research methodologies, literature reviews, and research analysis.
6. Excellent writing and communication skills, including synthesis of research findings, policy analysis and reports to donors.
7. Proven record of effective project management, demonstrating the ability to ensure that projects are carried out on time, within budget, and producing products of excellent quality.
8. Strong organizational skills..
9. Ability to travel – approximately 15 - 20% time.
10. Proven record as a team player, demonstrating flexibility and diplomacy.
11. Excellent written and spoken English; working knowledge of French, Arabic or Spanish desirable. 
12. Good Computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, and email/internet software.
13. U.S. citizen, green card holder, or able to work in the U.S.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please send a cover letter and resume to Dale Buscher:  DaleB@wrcommission.org