General

Description of assignment title

Protection Cluster Assistant

Assignment country

Colombia

Expected start date

10/02/2023

Sustainable Development Goal

10. Reduced inequalities

Volunteer category

National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity

UNHCR

Type

Onsite

Duration

6 months ( with possibility of extension )

Number of assignments

one

Duty stations

Bogota

Details

Mission and objectives

UNHCR works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home. Since 1950, UNHCR has provided support in the face of multiple crises globally, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. UNHCR helps save lives and build better futures for millions forced from their homes.

Context

Colombia is the country most affected by the departure of more than 7.1 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants, hosting more than 2.4 million Venezuelans, most of which are in the process of regularization. Furthermore, and despite the 2016 Peace Agreement, conflict and armed violence continue to uproot Colombians ( an estimated 842,000 new displaced by the internal conflict since November 2016 ) and, in a growing and worrying trend, also to Venezuelans and other nationalities. More than 2.3 million Venezuelans living in Colombia have registered to benefit from the Temporary Protection Status ( TPS ), issued by the Government of Colombia in February 2021. The TPS provides 10-year protection status and access to a full range of rights, including medical care. , education,formal employment and financial inclusion. More than 1.4 million permits have been issued, however challenges remain in terms of access to rights and services. Xenophobia persists against Venezuelans, as disinformation and perceptions that Venezuelans will take away job opportunities from Colombians fuel general discontent. UNHCR supports the implementation of TPS and believes that it is a promising path to address the vulnerable situation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and continues to work towards durable solutions. Furthermore, Afro-Colombians and indigenous peoples continue to be disproportionately affected by the displacement and confinement events of large groups, particularly on the Pacific coast. UNHCR and its partners work to strengthen preventive actions,as well as to respond to emergencies, providing protection and solutions to the people we serve.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Assistant Protection Cluster Coordination Officer and / or its designated representative ( a ), the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks: – Support the actions of the Protection Cluster in revitalizing the “ community involvement ” group, part of the flaghsip initiative in Colombia. – Identify opportunities and lessons learned from community involvement processes in the humanitarian response in Colombia, at the national and territorial level, which allows the illustration of recommendations to the Country Humanitarian Team to Support the Protection Cluster to guarantee that protection informs and shapes the global humanitarian response and that the protection response be integrated into the common humanitarian action plan of the Country Humanitarian Team.- Support coordination with government counterparts and other relevant authorities. – Support the coordination and conduct of protection needs assessments at the level of the Protection Cluster or Inter-Cluster, including participatory evaluations of affected populations. – Contribute to the development of common financing criteria, mobilization of resources and prioritization within the Protection Sector Group for inclusion in the unified appeals processes and common funds. – Collaborate in carrying out protection training activities for members of the Protection Cluster, Thematic Protection Groups and areas of Responsibility, other local partners and relevant authorities.- Contribute to initiatives to develop the protection capacity of national and local government, partners and civil society. – Support the preparation of reports and the exchange of information within the Protection Cluster and between the different groups. – Support and facilitate the strategy and information management mechanisms of the Protection Cluster. – Contribute to periodic updates to the Protection Cluster and briefing notes on protection problems for the affected population, response activities, challenges and recommendations. In addition to the above, UN Volunteers are urged to join the UNV program mandate within their allocation and promote voluntary action through integration into communities in the development of his work.As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate part of their working time to one of the following recommended activities:

•  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteering by reading relevant publications from both the UNV and external programs, as well as playing an active role in the activities of the UNV program ( for example, in the events commemorating the International Volunteer Day-do );
•  Know and develop traditional and / or local forms of volunteering in the host country;
•  Provide annual and end-of-allocation self-assessment reports on UNV actions, results, and opportunities;
•  Contribute articles / reviews of their experiences in the field and send them to headquarters for inclusion on the website, publications, pamphlets / brochures, press releases, etc. of the UNV program;
•  Assist with the Mentor Program for the new UN Young Volunteers;
•  Promote or advise local groups in the use of the Online Volunteer service of the UNV program or promote the use of the service to relevant local individuals and organizations when technically possible

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in working with non-governmental organizations, international or UN agencies Desirable experience in the design, implementation or evaluation of projects with community organizations, State institutions, NGOs, international organizations. Likewise, it is desirable to have studies related to research in participant action or in general in the work of strengthening community processes.

Area ( s ) of expertise

Crisis and emergency response, Social work

Driving license

–

Languages

Spanish, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Law, Social and Human Sciences or related areas

Competencies and values

Professionalism Integrity Teamwork and respect for diversity Commitment to continuous learning Planning and organization Communication Flexibility Genuine commitment to the principles of volunteering, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and autonomy

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Living conditions in any of UNHCR’s destinations in Colombia, including Bogotá, are generally good. There is a wide variety of activities in these cities, from tourism, theater, cultural and sports activities, and restaurants offering typical local and regional food as well as international cuisine. Living conditions in any of UNHCR’s destinations in Colombia, including Bogotá, are generally good. There is a wide variety of activities in these cities, from tourism, theater, cultural and sports activities, and restaurants offering typical local and regional food, as well as international cuisine. Medical services are available in the main cities ( clinics and private hospitals ). Visitors are informed that some clinics require a down payment before admitting a patient,even in emergency situations. Visitors should take medical precautions and seek advice before traveling. Travelers to the Urabá, Chocó, Córdoba, Putumayo, Vichada, Guainía, Gua-viare, Meta, Amazonas, Casanare, Vaupés areas, Norte de Santander and Caquetá must have vaccination certificates against yellow fever, malaria, measles and chicken pox, as well as some airlines require passengers to carry these documents. Rural areas continue to be affected by the activities of the illegal armed groups ( ELN and newly emerging armed groups ) and by clashes between them and the Colombian Armed Forces. The contract lasts for the period indicated above, with the possibility of extensions subject to the availability of financing,operational need and satisfactory performance. However, renewal of the allocation is not planned. The corresponding subsistence allowance ( in English, Volunteer Living Allowance or VLA ) to COP $ 5,319,810, is provided monthly to cover housing, services, ordinary living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as final repatriation ( if applicable ). This allocation requires complete availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for procuring their own housing and others essential for subsistence. National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan renewal of the allocation is not planned. The corresponding subsistence allowance ( in English, Volunteer Living Allowance or VLA ) to COP $ 5,319,810, is provided monthly to cover housing, services, ordinary living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as final repatriation ( if applicable ). This allocation requires complete availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for procuring their own housing and others essential for subsistence. National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan renewal of the allocation is not planned. The corresponding subsistence allowance ( in English, Volunteer Living Allowance or VLA ) to COP $ 5,319,810, is provided monthly to cover housing, services, ordinary living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as final repatriation ( if applicable ). This allocation requires complete availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for procuring their own housing and others essential for subsistence. National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan Volunteer Living Allowance or VLA ) a COP $ 5,319,810, is provided monthly to cover housing, services, ordinary living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as final repatriation ( if applicable ). This allocation requires complete availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for procuring their own housing and other essentials for subsistence. National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan Volunteer Living Allowance or VLA ) a COP $ 5,319,810, is provided monthly to cover housing, services, ordinary living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as final repatriation ( if applicable ). This allocation requires complete availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for procuring their own housing and other essentials for subsistence. National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan as well as final repatriation ( if applicable ). This allocation requires complete availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for procuring their own housing and others essential for subsistence. National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan as well as final repatriation ( if applicable ). This allocation requires complete availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for procuring their own housing and others essential for subsistence. National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan National UN Volunteers are part of the intentional damage insurance plan

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity program that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds