Vacancy Notice No.: ETHJI/VN/49/18
Grade: NOA
Type of Appointment: TA
No. Vacant Post: One
Date of Issue: 04/5/2018
Closing Date: 13/5/2018
Duration of Contract: Until 31 December 2018
Organizational Context:
In complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters where UNHCR is designated as the Protection Cluster Lead Agency under the Cluster Approach, UNHCR performs a dedicated coordination, strategy development and advocacy function through the position of the Cluster Coordinator (Protection) and with the support of the Assistant Protection Officer (Cluster Support). The Assistant Protection Officer (Cluster Support) supports UNHCR to work within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Cluster Approach. The position reinforces UNHCR Protection Cluster Lead Agency functions by providing support to the role of Cluster Coordinator in ensuring UNHCR’s leadership within a diverse protection community.
While Ethiopia battles residual needs from the 2015/2016 El Niño-induced drought, below average rains in the southern and south-eastern parts of the country led to a drought in lowland pastoralist areas, with the Somali region the worst affected. As a result, some 10 million people in Ethiopia require emergency food assistance. In addition, in 2017 another drought affected the same area of the country causing 8.5 million Ethiopians to be in need of relief food assistance. In September 2017, a series of events escalated in conflict between the Oromia and Somali regions. By the end of 2017, 1.6 million persons were displaced, and among these 1.1 million were displaced as a result of conflict. Internal displacement is increasing, due to the combination of drought and inter-communal tensions.
The Somali region currently hosts more than 562,000 IDPs. Displacement places additional strain on the limited resources for affected populations, which may also lead to competition over resources between host communities and displaced persons. Reports and assessments led by local authorities indicate that access to services is not designed to incorporate the needs of vulnerable groups amongst affected populations. As a result, the national Protection Cluster is working to ensure that services are provided in a meaningful and inclusive manner for affected populations based on the principle of the Centrality of Protection.
In order to address the significant needs in the Somali region, a sub-national Protection Cluster was established to coordinate and enhance humanitarian protection efforts in the Somali region with a focus on IDPs. The Assistant Protection Officer (Cluster Support) is expected to facilitate the work of the Somali Protection Cluster through the provision of support in analysis, organization and reporting. This includes the provision of active support, as applicable, to sub-clusters or working groups of the Cluster which may be coordinated by other Agencies. As a result, the incumbent supports an inter-agency team in an environment that requires high standards of accountability, facilitation, and negotiation, in which respect the principles of partnership and collaboration are essential.
The Assistant Protection Officer (Cluster Support) supports the Cluster Coordinator (Protection) in Inter-Cluster Coordination mechanisms, for advocacy and facilitation of protection mainstreaming and cross-cutting issues of age, gender and diversity in the humanitarian response and early recovery activities. The Assistant Protection Officer (Cluster Support) works closely with multi-functional Protection Cluster Support staff in the areas of data and information management, monitoring, needs assessment, profiling, reporting and advocacy.
Accountability:
Responsibility:
Authority:
Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:
Required Competencies: