Protection Task Force Coordinator

Job posted by: International Rescue Committee (IRC)-USA - Fri, 22 Aug 2014

Job Details:

Organisation: International Rescue Committee (IRC)-USA

Deadline Tue, 21 Oct 2014

Job type: Permanent

Location: Turkey

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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The Child Protection Working Group (CPWG) was established in March 2013 as part of the humanitarian response in Northern Syria. Although the Working Group initially focused on child protection, over time the members of the group decided that the group should not be solely focused on child protection but on general protection concerns as well.

In early 2014, the group became the Protection Task Force (PTF) and started meeting twice monthly, with one meeting focused on child protection and one on general protection, held alternatively in Antakya and in Gaziantep. The IRC Co-Lead arrived in February 2014 and was joined by a UNICEF co-lead in May 2014. In mid July 2014, the IRC’s Co-Lead resigned her position.

In response to UNSCR 2165 the UN is increasing its presence in Southeastern Turkey in accordance with a new mandate for cross border assistance. One result of this will be the formalization of the UN Cluster System of which the PTF will become a part. The PTF members are finalizing a TOR for what will be a permanent Protection Cluster Co-Lead and that position will be posted. Meanwhile, the IRC is recruiting for a limited-term interim Coordinator to fill the gap.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The IRC PTF co-lead will work with the current UNICEF co-lead and HCR Senior Protection Officer to transition the PTF to a Protection Working Group with Child Protection and GBV sub Working Groups. The new structure will continue to address the following priorities identified by the Protection Task Force members and articulated as the Strategic Objectives of the Response Plan:

Preventing and responding to child protection concerns, especially the worst forms of child labor (specifically hazardous labor), child recruitment, early marriage, the risk of serious injury or death presented by Explosive Remnants of War, as well as psychosocial stress, child abuse, children living in households where there is domestic violence, etc. Referral pathways for child protection will be developed as a priority;

Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (to include the development of referral pathways);

  • Preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities, minorities, older persons and other vulnerable groups throughout all sectors;
  • Mainstreaming protection and incorporating the principles of meaningful access, safety, and dignity into all humanitarian aid activities (including participation and empowerment of women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons; accountability to beneficiaries; assistance provided in proportion to need and without any barriers; avoid causing harm) and
  • Strengthening response to psychosocial distress through the provision of psychosocial support services including child and women-friendly spaces, and encouraging provision of services to men and boys.

In addition, the Protection Sector identified key advocacy issues:

  • The inclusion of protection in all emergency response planning and inclusion of a protection component in all assessments;
  • Strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability through livelihood programs; and
  • Advocating for a stop to indiscriminate attacks on civilians and for respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, including the right to seek asylum.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work with UN Co-leads to guide the PTF members through the process of cluster formalization.
  • Work with UN Co-leads and PTF members to ensure that key protection (including CP and GBV) concerns are reflected in OCHA or NGO-led multi-sectoral assessments, as well as other protection specific sectoral assessments.
  • Guide the PTF Information Management Officer in revision of the 3Ws so that reporting by partners, in particular Syrian NGOs is more consistent.
  • Raise protection concerns in interagency fora such as the Intersectoral Coordination Working Group (ICWG), the Humanitarian Liaison Group (HLG) and the Humanitarian Coordination Meeting (HCM).
  • Arrange/conduct direct training in protection (including CP and GBV) for key national and local stakeholders (local councils, camp coordination committees, camp managers, etc.) as feasible.
  • Represent protection actors within the Inter-Working Group coordination.
  • Collaborate with other bodies, including, in particular, the Education, Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) and Health Working Groups to ensure integration of protection concerns and responsive programming.
  • Work with partners to promote understanding of and adherence to humanitarian and protection principles and standards according to international legal frameworks.
  • Advocate with donors to ensure appropriate support for inter-agency protection (including CP and WPE) activities.

Human Resources Management and Development

  • The Coordinator will supervise, together with the UNICEF Co-Lead, the work of the PTF Information Management Officer (TORs available).
  • Explore capacity building and learning opportunities (in country and international) for the Information Management Officer and build capacity through formal training sessions, mentoring and coaching.
  • Conduct Performance Review of the Information Management Officer discuss job expectations, set objectives and provide appropriate and timely feedback regarding performance.
  • Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions including staff development plans.
  • Provide leadership support for the successful implementation of and adherence to the IRC Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures.
  • Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability to the “IRC Way” – Global Standards for Professional Conduct.

Professional Standards
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Post graduate degree in international law, social sciences or related field
  • Minimum of 5 years proven experience working on protection issues in humanitarian environments, including provision of technical advice to field teams
  • Excellent understanding of protection issues in emergency situations and detailed knowledge of humanitarian principles, guidelines and laws
  • Strong experience with information management as related to the protection sector, including maintaining standards of impartiality and confidentiality with data of a sensitive nature
  • Excellent leadership, coordination, capacity building, planning and analytical skills
  • Excellent advocacy and representation skills including the development of strong interpersonal relationships to facilitate communication within the cluster
  • Able to work successfully under pressure and ability to make timely decisions
  • Excellent written and spoken English, Arabic is an asset
  • Self motivated and excellent observer and surveyor of protection issues in the country
  • Previous experience of working within the cluster system preferred
  • Experience in Syria and/or in the region is preferred

Work Environment
The position will be based in Antakya, Turkey, and is an unaccompanied post. The IRC’s security phase for Antakya is currently yellow.


Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=c3RldmVueS42NzIzMC40ODEwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20


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