INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Protection Officer
Code: SR-48-1378
Duty station: Buea (with sporadic missions to Bamenda)
Starting date: 15/04/2020
Contract duration: Until 30/06/2020
Reporting to: Head of Mission
Supervision of: Technical supervision of Protection staff
Dependents: No
General context of the project
Since the beginning of 2016, an unprecedented crisis has erupted in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon (North-West and South-West). On 1 October 2017, the secessionist movements unilaterally proclaimed the independence of the English-speaking regions. This led to an unprecedented mobilization of security forces in the areas concerned, followed by violent clashes that resulted in numerous casualties, injuries and the destruction of entire villages, as well as the massive displacement of populations in the affected areas. inside and outside the country. The latest estimates validated by the humanitarian country team show the presence in both regions of more than 437,500 Internally Displaced People (as of January 31, 2019) and more than 500,000 affected people in the host communities. These numbers are increasing rapidly and consistently, as 7 months earlier, the estimates of people affected was around 160,000 individuals.
Since the end of 2017, incidents of increased insecurity have increased: targeted killings, summary executions, indiscriminate attacks, physical violence, looting, sexual violence (including rape) and violence against children, abductions and arrests arbitrary, and retaliation between belligerent forces. Entire villages were burned and emptied of their populations. Civilians have been seriously affected by the deterioration of the situation. The escalation of tension and hostilities between non-state armed groups and the military has precipitated communities in a precarious situation, marked by significant humanitarian needs due to mass displacement of people in the bush and in foster families, and the loss of the usual means of subsistence. In January 2019, OCHA estimated a humanitarian need in this area of 1.9M people, including 356,365 IDPs (81.5%) with unhedged shelter needs and 76.04% (317,850 IDPs) with uncovered NFI needs.
General purpose of the position
The Protection Officer supports the Project Manager/s in technical, programmatic support and guidance to INTERSOS Projects implemented in the North and South West of Cameroon. He/she as technical focal point provides appropriate and timely technical guidance as well as to increase capacity building to National Team involved in Protection Monitoring and case management activities (Protection Monitor, Social Worker, GBV specialist). Furthermore, he/she supports the Mission in drafting proposals of protection projects and, if required, in representing INTERSOS in meeting with donors and other stakeholders in NWSW.
Main responsibilities and tasks
Support to the Protection activities:
- Along with Project Manager, provide support to Project Field Team (Protection Monitors - Social Workers - GBV Specialist) that will result in development and implementation of high -quality Protection approaches, strategies and activities that make a measurable impact;
- Along with Project Manager, support the development of case management SOPs, and disseminate the internal guidelines;
- Support the Project Manager in revise materials, tools, resources, and templates for implementing protection activities;
- Ensure compliance with the work plan and propose readjustments if necessary;
- Guide and supervise the implementation of protection case management activities according to the project schedule, with emphasis on technical aspects and quality assurance through close monitoring, supervision and training for national staff;
- Ensure that international minimum standards and INTERSOS standards in case management and case management are respected.
- Support the Mission in drafting proposals of Protection projects;
- When required, represent INTERSOS in meeting with donors and other stakeholders in NW-SW
Development and learning:
- Support, increase and enhance analysis of protection monitoring activities and data collected both in North and South West (Flash Alert - Weekly Report - Monthly Report).
Capacity building:
- According to identified needs and resources available and in coordination with the Project Manager, deliver trainings and workshops to national and staff on protection related issues:
- In tight coordination with the Project Manager, map Protection staff expertise and identify human resources that are willing and capable to increase their capacity in the protection fields.
Required profile and experience
Education
- Master’s degree in relevant field (Law, International Studies, Human rights, social science, psychology, social work, development studies, humanitarian affairs, or related social sciences disciplines).
Professional Experience
- At least 2 years of professional experience in humanitarian settings, including direct program management of Protection/GBV/CP programs in the field. Experience with Protection and CP/GBV programming and implementation is mandatory.
- Experience of monitoring and evaluating protection programmes in an emergency contexts
- Experience in designing and delivering a wide range of protection related trainings
- Knowledge, skills, and experience in providing/leading direct services to survivors of gender-based violence using a survivor-centered and multi-sectoral approach.
- Good knowledge of and experience in using established inter-agency standards and guidelines in child protection, such as the Inter-agency Guidelines on Separated and Unaccompanied Children, IASC Guidelines on GBV in Emergency Settings, IASC Mental Health and Psycho-social Support in Emergency Settings.
Professional Requirements
- Strong training and capacity building skills, particularly using participatory techniques for training on different components of protection programming;
- Flexibility, adaptability and high work capacity to ensure activities and technical management/coordination support provided in a timely manner to achieve project results;
- Ability to work independently while being a strong team player with proven supervisory skills;
- Strong skills in Microsoft Office.
Languages
- Fluent in French and English (oral and writing)
Personal Requirements
- Excellent analytical skills, observation and analysis capacity
- Very strong interpersonal skills: strong communication and diplomatic skills
- Practical and problem-solver
- Excellent ability to establish inter-personal relations and good negotiation skills
- Strong team spirit, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment
- Excellent analytical skills, observation and analysis capacity
- Attention to detail and structured way of approaching tasks (very organized)
- Able to ensure quick quality delivery in stressful environment (stress-resilient)
- Ability to deal with heavy work pressure
- Ability to adhere to deadlines and respect line management
- Flexibility to basic living standards in shared guest house and willingness to live in field location
How to apply:
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password, citizenship and Skype address), sign-up and apply attaching your CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
In case you encounter severe difficulties applying through the platform, you can send an email attaching your CV and motivation letter (both in PDF version) via email to recruitment@intersos.org, with subject line: “**Platform issue** – SR-48-1378 – Protection Officer - Cameroon”.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least two references, including the line manager during your last job. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.