Protection of Civilians Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Protection Transition and Reintegration Section of the United Nations Mission South Sudan (UNMISS) in Wau, a non-family duty station classified as 'E'. The role supports the mission's mandate to protect civilians and build local capacities.
Job Purpose
The Protection of Civilians Officer, reporting to the Head of Field Office and Senior Protection of Civilians Advisor, plays a crucial role in advising on civilian protection strategies and implementation within the Wau regional office. This involves ensuring protection concerns are integrated into mission planning and operations, with a focus on vulnerable groups. The role supports the mission's communication strategy on protection of civilians, fosters cooperation with various mission components and external partners to strengthen early warning and response systems, and disseminates lessons learned. The officer contributes to the development and implementation of the mission-wide POC strategy, supports the POC Task Force, and coordinates with protection actors to mainstream protection principles into all operational frameworks and local plans, aiming to enhance the mission's effectiveness in safeguarding civilians.
Responsibilities
The Protection of Civilians Officer advises the Head of Field Office on civilian protection measures, capacity building, and the implementation of Wau regional office initiatives to fulfill the mission's mandate. Responsibilities include supporting mission components to integrate Protection of Civilians (POC) concerns into planning and operations, particularly for vulnerable groups, and assisting with the POC communications strategy. The role ensures POC efforts align with mission strategy and policy, cooperating with UN entities to enhance early warning and response systems, and disseminating best practices. The officer supports the development and implementation of the mission-wide POC strategy, coordinates with POC partners, and contributes to mainstreaming protection into operational frameworks and local plans. This includes developing and updating POC threat assessments, coordinating joint protection teams, and ensuring POC analysis is included in reporting. The role also involves reporting on resource constraints affecting POC mandate implementation and assessing/supporting POC training needs within the mission and for regional counterparts.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in political science, humanitarian affairs, human rights, international relations, or public administration at national and international levels is required. Experience in post-conflict settings or peacekeeping operations is necessary, along with skills in integrating a protection of civilians approach and mobilizing stakeholder support. Previous experience in protection of civilians issues is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Communication, Creativity, Judgment/Decision-Making.