Organizational Context:

The Assistant Field Officer (Protraction) is supervised by the Head of Sub-Office and can receive indirect guidance from the Management at country level. UNHCR Manual, programme and protection objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the incumbent. The incumbent will also supervise some support staff. S/he has daily contacts with staff will have close liaison with the authorities, local civilian and military authorities and counterparts in NGOs and UN agencies to discuss matters of common interest.

The Assistant Field Officer (Protection) also provides timely analysis on the protection situation in the field in North Kordofan, highlighting important political, social, military and economic developments affecting the protection of persons of concern. He is responsible for the application of protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery at the field level and is relied upon by the Field or Country Office to plan and undertake quality, timely and effective responses to the needs of populations of concern.

To achieve this, the incumbent will build daily contacts with persons of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection.

The incumbent also expected to have an interpersonal skill that assist in achieving the following:

• Identify vulnerable groups or individuals who may need special attention or special arrangements and make recommendations on the needs of different groups of refugees.

• Assess protection and assistance needs of refugees and asylum-seekers in the region and monitor implementation of refugee assistance programmes;

• Develop and maintain relations with local authorities ensuring smooth negotiations in all aspects of UNHCR's mandate for the benefit of refugees;

• Monitor the security situation in the area and intervene as appropriate with the local authorities. 

Functional Statement:

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

• The protection needs of populations of concern are met through the application of International and National Law, relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards and IASC principles.

• The Participation of persons of concern is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches.

• Protection incidents and gaps in assistance are immediately identified and addressed.

Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)

• Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment and provide advice to senior management.

• Support UNHCR’s consultative process with local government counterparts, partners and persons of concern for effective needs assessment and planning.

• Facilitate UNHCR’s responses in addressing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) priorities and other specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, minority groups such as sexual minorities and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

• Monitor the integrity of UNHCR operations management standards and procedures in the AOR and facilitate the respect of deadlines.

• Maintain protection presence through regular field missions and reports, making direct contact with persons of concern, host communities, local authorities and partners.

• Monitor and report on the protection, security and safety situation of persons of concern.

• Facilitate and monitor programmes on an AGD basis to address identified protection needs.

• Support communities in establishing representation and coordination structures. Promote confidence building and conflict resolution among populations of concern, authorities and host communities.

• Provide advice and guidance on protection issues to internal and external interlocutors; ensure legal assistance is accessible to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documents and services to persons of concern.

• Contribute in developing and implementing an education plan for the AOR as part of the protection strategy.

• Intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion, arbitrary deprivation of nationality, and other protection incidents through close working relations with governments and other partners.

• Assess resettlement needs and apply priorities for the resettlement of individuals and groups of refugees and other persons of concern.

• Support the effective systematization and management of data to enhance monitoring, response and evaluation mechanisms.

Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)

• Endorse field protection documents for submission to senior management.

• Intervene with authorities on protection issues.

• Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, standard operating procedures.

• Negotiate with local counterparts, partners and populations of concern.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Professional Experience Required:

• Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in International Law, Political Science, or related fields plus minimum 1 year of previous work experience relevant to the function. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s) or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) may also be accepted.

• Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another UN language.

• Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Required Competencies:

• Political Awareness

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

• Computer skills.

• Knowledge of additional UN languages.

***For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential***

Only short listed candidates will be notified.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Candidate Assessments may include a written examination followed by a Competency Based Interview.