The Position:
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a key protection concern in the State of Palestine; according to the
2019 Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) survey on violence, which was updated in July
2022, 59.3% of (married or previously married) women between the ages of 15 and 64 experienced
violence in the 12 months preceding the survey – 70.4% in Gaza and 52.3% in the West Bank. Those needs and challenges were exacerbated after 7 October.
GBV is increasingly becoming a known feature of the catastrophic crisis in Gaza, with an entire
population of women and girls, and increasingly men and boys, being at risk of one or more forms of
GBV. There are increased GBV risks to women and girls including, child protection and sexual
exploitation and abuse. Protection actors have also noted a steady deterioration of the protection
situation of Palestinians living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The movement restrictions, unprecedented levels of violence by settlers and Israeli Forces, and economic challenges exacerbate risks for GBV both in terms of intimate partner violence as well as other forms of GBV including sexual harassment and assault.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a key protection concern in the State of Palestine; according to the
2019 Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) survey on violence, which was updated in July
2022, 59.3% of (married or previously married) women between the ages of 15 and 64 experienced
violence in the 12 months preceding the survey – 70.4% in Gaza and 52.3% in the West Bank. Those needs and challenges were exacerbated after 7 October.
GBV is increasingly becoming a known feature of the catastrophic crisis in Gaza, with an entire
population of women and girls, and increasingly men and boys, being at risk of one or more forms of
GBV. There are increased GBV risks to women and girls including, child protection and sexual
exploitation and abuse. Protection actors have also noted a steady deterioration of the protection
situation of Palestinians living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The movement restrictions, unprecedented levels of violence by settlers and Israeli Forces, and economic challenges exacerbate risks for GBV both in terms of intimate partner violence as well as other forms of GBV including sexual harassment and assault.
You would be responsible for:
In the State of Palestine, UNFPA has the responsibility for leading the GBV Sub-Cluster, under the
Protection Cluster. The incumbent will provide GBV technical support for national and sub-national
GBV coordination to ensure strong partnership and collaboration with the UN as well as with
national/ international counterparts toward a comprehensive multi-sectoral GBV survivor-centred
prevention and response. This includes close cooperation amongst health, psycho-social, protection,
and legal actors to ensure that survivors’ needs are met. Strengthened GBV coordination will result in enhancing women and girls’ protection and dignity, through increased awareness by GBV actors on GBV prevention and response services. UNFPA has been leading the GBV Sub-Cluster coordination in the State of Palestine since 2014 bringing together more than 100 members in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip including UN, INGOs, NGOs, donors and the government.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The GBV SC National Coordinator is located in the State of Palestine Country Office and will operate
from East Jerusalem with travel to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to support the sub-national GBV Sub-Clusters.
Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Country Office Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative / Humanitarian Coordinator and with close collaboration with the Gender/GBV team lead, the GBV SC National Coordinator coordinates the rapid implementation of multi-sectoral, inter-agency GBV interventions in a humanitarian emergency and advice on all aspects related to planning, implementation, and coordination of multi-sectoral, inter-agency GBV prevention and response interventions in emergencies. Comprehensive GBV prevention and response requires skilled coordination of a range of organizations and actors including NGOs, government entities, UN agencies and other national and international organizations.
The GBV SC National Coordinator ensures access to quality multi-sector GBV response services for
survivors, building the capacity of GBV service providers and other stakeholders to deliver quality care in line with best practices and minimum standards for humanitarian settings, and enabling active participation of affected communities in GBV awareness-raising, response, prevention, and risk mitigation, sustaining partnerships, strategic planning, advocacy and information management. The GBV SC National Coordinator will use the IASC’s Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action: Reducing Risk, Promoting Resilience, and Aiding Recovery, the GBV Area of Responsibility’s Handbook for Coordination of GBV Interventions in Emergencies (2019), UNFPA’s Managing GBV Programmes in Emergencies Guide and Inter-agency Minimum Standards for Prevention and Response to GBV in Emergencies (GBV AoR) to facilitate planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of inter-agency GBV initiatives.
Specifically, the duties entail;
Building and Sustaining Partnerships
▪ Maintain an appropriate inter-agency, multi-sectoral GBV Sub-Cluster at the national level and support the sub-national sub-clusters building on and strengthening pre-existing sectoralcoordination, respect and ensure that the Principles of Partnership are reflected in the day-to-day work of the GBV sub-cluster.
▪ Establish result-oriented, two-way communication channels between national and sub-national GBV Sub-clusters 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, PSEA etc.) and categories of actors (UN, NGO, civil society, government, etc.).
▪ As feasible, engage with UN missions addressing GBV, including but not limited to ensuring inter-agency inputs to the annual secretary General’s report on conflict-related sexual violence and the annual report on the Assistance to the Palestinian People.
▪ Regularly represent the GBV sub-cluster in donor briefings Protection Cluster meetings, OCHA-led meetings (e.g. around the development of the Strategic Response Plan or for the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group NICCG), and other relevant meetings, including those called by the Humanitarian Coordinator and the Global GBV AoR.
▪ Coordinate and collaborate with other clusters/working groups and thematic groups such as the Health Cluster, Child Protection sub-cluster, Shelter Cluster, Food Security Cluster, WASH Cluster, Education Cluster, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Working Group, the PSEA network, etc. to ensure integration of GBV-related action in their Cluster 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 and GBV capacity development.
▪ Develop regular updated reporting to the regional and global GBV AoRs, the protection cluster and to other relevant partners.
GBV SC Strategic Planning
▪ Support the GBV SC members to use the developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the update/development of referral pathways.
▪ In collaboration with national and international GBV actors and the humanitarian coordination body, map the GBV SC's current institutional response capacities, including facilitating the mapping of GBV-specific 4Ws to identify gaps, avoid duplication, and build complementarity of members’ actions in line with the national system.
▪ Develop an annual action plan based on the SC members' needs engaging a range of sectors and regularly monitor progress against the plan during coordination meetings.
▪ Coordinate the submission of GBV proposals from GBV Sub-Cluster members to the Humanitarian Pooled Fund and HRP, flash appeal, participate in vetting panels and
collate GBV inputs for HRP mid-term and final reviews.
Capacity Development
▪ Work with GBV SC members to update and start rolling out an inter-agency GBV capacity development strategy that meets the needs and priorities of key national and local stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the agreed work plan.
▪ Support efforts to strengthen the capacity of sub-cluster members in planning and responding toGBV in emergencies and on safe and ethical GBV information management.
▪ Ensure all GBV sub-cluster members and others are aware of relevant policy guidelines, technical standards, and other resource materials.
▪ Facilitate training on GBV Case Management, update referral pathways, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Inter-agency Minimum Standards for GBV programming in emergencies, GBV mainstreaming for other relevant sectors, and the GBV pocket guide.
▪ Support the national efforts to monitor supervision and support systems for GBV case management services.
GBV SC Advocacy
▪ Develop an advocacy strategy/plan for the GBV SC outlining the priorities of the GBV AoR SC as linked to advocacy.
▪ Reactivate and co-lead the Child Marriage Task Force to roll out the Child Marriage Strategy, especially its advocacy component.
▪ Provide technical support to the development of relevant advocacy and policy documents to address GBV and promote consistent communications that emphasize the life-saving nature of GBV-related interventions in the crisis-affected context.
▪ Provide technical support for the development of communication products on the GBV situation, needs and gaps, including in OCHA sit-reps and stories.
▪ Identify advocacy concerns to contribute to HC and HCT messaging and action.
▪ Undertaking advocacy activities on behalf of the sub-cluster members and the affected population.
Preparedness and Contingency Planning
▪ Capacity building of GBV AoR members on preparedness and early warning.
▪ Support the development of a Contingency and response plan for the GBV SC during an emergency.
▪ Continue organizing capacity-building sessions amongst non-GBV actors on GBV detection and referral based on the Minimum Standards of GBV Programming.
Knowledge Management
▪ Engage in robust analyses of available secondary data to ensure the GBV response is evidence- based through the available information on trends and patterns of GBV to inform strategic decision-making for the humanitarian response.
▪ Contribute with GBV SC members to development of the annual inter-agency Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) that fits within the wider protection response and is captured in the overall Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) or Flash Appeals.
▪ Conduct assessments on the GBV situation and gaps and/or work with relevant agencies and the population 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.
▪ Collaborate with existing coordination forums including national coalitions to ensure GBV SC members and other sectors use the available tools with particular emphasis on the Guiding Principles for Working with GBV Survivors and applying a survivor-centered approach and in line with the National Referral System.
▪ Support GBV SC members to document good practices and incorporate them into guiding documents, to be replicated.
▪ Incorporated evaluation results, lessons learned and new knowledge in the design of policies and strategies.
▪ Plan and coordinate GBV safety audits, GBV assessments, response analysis, and GBV trends analysis in collaboration with the relevant humanitarian actors, sub-national coordinators and the Information Management Officer.
▪ Ensure an effective information management system is established for sharing of information andgeneration of analysis, to, from and between the sub-cluster members and other stakeholders, and between national and sub-national levels.
Other
Undertake other relevant tasks as requested by the Deputy Representative to support the inter- cluster coordination.The GBV Sub-Cluster Coordinator is expected to travel to the Gaza Strip to support the facilitation of the sub-national GBV Sub-Cluster.
Key Deliverables:
▪ GBV sub-cluster Strategy including advocacy and communication plans align with the nationalVAW strategy and the national referral system (3-month / 6-month planning periods)
▪ Gaps analysis on GBV services in Gaza and the West Bank (monthly as context allows).
▪ Increased participation of Women's Rights Organizations from Gaza and the West Bank in the GBV sub-cluster ensuring all initiatives are informed by their needs and priorities.
▪ Strengthened capacity of GBV Sub-Cluster Members in Gaza and West Bank on meeting GBVminimum standards for response services (virtual and in-person training, mentoring, and mentoring).
▪ Preparedness strategies for Gaza and the West Bank aligned with the HRP. Endorsed by members of the GBV SC.
▪ Monthly GBV Status Updates, incorporating Gaza and West Bank
▪ Two GBV Dashboards with 4 Ws (Gaza and West Bank) and a consolidated national Dashboard
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
Master university degree with specialization in areas such as gender studies, humanitarian affairs, human rights, law, social sciences, development studies, international relations, and/or related social science fields.
Knowledge and Experience:
▪ At least 5 years working on GBV of which 3 years are at the international level, preferably in ahumanitarian context.
▪ Experience leading inter-agency coordination mechanisms with a wide range of stakeholders.
▪Demonstrable knowledge of the critical components to facilitate effective inter-agency
- Experience in utilizing the following international tools: GBV Coordination Handbook, GBStandard Operating Procedures; GBV Information Management System; IASC GBV Guidelines; IASC Gender Handbook; GBV Coordination Handbook; WHO Ethical and Safety Recommendations.
- 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 Humanitarian Program Cycle and roles and responsibilities of key humanitarian actors.
- Experience in designing and managing GBV programs in NGOs is recommended.
- Ability to self-manage, emotional intelligence, empathy, team spirit, conflict management and negotiating skills.
Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is essential; the ability to communicate in Arabic is an advantage.
Required Competencies:
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.
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