In the operational context covered by the UNHCR field office in Muyinga, the protection/community-based unit works directly with persons forcibly displaced in the northern camps, Kinama and Musasa. The unit covers the sectors of social welfare and care for people with specific needs, protection of refugees against gender-based violence, child protection, community mobilization of refugees on various issues and themes, health/nutrition, education, and empowerment of refugees by supporting them through income-generating activities and associative groups. To cover all these sectors, the protection/community-based unit works with partners, including IRC (International Rescue Committee), for the sectors of social welfare and care for people with specific needs, child protection, protection of refugees from sexual and gender-based violence, and community mobilization. For the health and nutrition sectors, the partner in charge is HealthNet TPO, while the partner JRS (Jesuit Refugees Services) implements the education sector.
For the aforementioned sectors, the protection/community-based protection unit ensures a role of coordination, support, and supervision through regular monitoring of activities so that the terms of the agreement with the implementing partners are respected and that the protection services via these sectors are best provided to beneficiaries. In the different areas of activities mentioned, the protection/community-based protection unit also ensures coordination with the partners concerned, prevention, awareness-raising, and management of protection problems. Furthermore, the volunteer of the protection/community-based protection unit interview beneficiaries in the camps and at home, particularly those with specific protection and care needs. Complex cases received by the different partners are also sent to the protection/community-based protection unit for an evaluation of better care to the extent possible. The protection/community-based protection unit also has as its responsibility the community mobilization of refugees for everything relating to community participation, thematic awareness-raising/awareness, participatory assessments, and commemorative day celebrations. As part of an ongoing multi-year resettlement program, the protection/community-based protection unit is in great demand for interviews, monitoring, and protection risk assessments for family members, some of whom are eligible for resettlement. The protection/community-based protection unit also targets and refers to individual protection cases, so resettlement is considered a durable solution and protection tool.
UN Volunteers should be provided with equal duty of care, as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:
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Introductory briefings about the organization and office-related context, including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice, and orientation to the local environment;
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Support with arrival administration and official processes as required;
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Structured guidance, mentoring, and coaching by a supervisor, including a clear workplan and performance appraisal;
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Access to office space, equipment, IT support, and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment, including a host entity email address;
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Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training, and learning;
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Ensure that UN Volunteers are provided with all necessary security measures as per the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS);
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Leave management;
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DSA for official travel, when applicable;
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All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Associate Protection Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Community-Based Protection Assistant will:
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Identify and monitor the general conditions of refugees with specific needs. Ensure that they are referred to competent services for assistance within the limits of resources/means available. Particular attention will be given to people whose needs are most acute.
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Ensure weekly individual listening, home visits and updating of data in proGres.
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Contribute to the management of individual cases of survivors of different forms of violence. Follow up with survivors to ensure access to available services. Systematically classify GBV files (provided by the partner), file notes and other related correspondence in the physical refugee files in the archive room after updating in proGres.
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Contribute to supporting partners in awareness-raising activities and support for refugees in the areas of combating GBV (behavior change, risk reduction), community participation, and community care for people at risk.
Contribute to requests from the resettlement unit regarding community-based protection contributions: update specific needs/events and follow up on other necessary matters related to resettlement files.
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Participation and support to partners in identifying beneficiaries of empowerment projects and supporting the partner in supporting beneficiaries.
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Contribute to the regular production of reports on community-based protection activities and file notes relating to case management.
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Assist in monitoring educational activities in the camps.
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Contribute to monitoring the partner’s activities in the health sector to ensure that the standards established in this area are respected. Raise awareness among beneficiaries about the services available.
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Assist in the distribution of food and core relief items on a need-basis, whether regular or ad hoc.
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Assist in planning, implementing, and reporting on relevant commemorative days.
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Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
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Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking an active part in UNV activities (for instance, in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
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Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
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Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities.
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Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
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Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
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Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
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Results/expected outputs:
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As an active UNHCR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
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Strengthening and improving personalized monitoring of beneficiaries with specific needs.
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Provide effective support to survivors of GBV and the protection partner throughout case management, sensitization, and finding protection solutions.
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A holistic assessment of protection risks for categories of beneficiaries with specific needs followed by referencing/submission for adequate protection solutions.
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Effective support for other units and feedback in relation to requests from other collaborators.
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Monitoring of partner activities is regularly ensured, and beneficiaries’ access to services is improved.
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Capacity building for case documentation, production of notes for the file, ad hoc reports.
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Updated database proGres V4 by continuous input of data and documentation of protection work using the correct modules in proGres.
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Increase in the number of volunteers mobilized, participation in activities and contribution to capacity development.
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Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
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Volunteers acting in a humanitarian context must demonstrate commitment and respect for the confidentiality of the information to which they will have access.
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Active involvement of volunteers is expected during activities and celebrations organized throughout the year for staff and beneficiaries.
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Volunteers are invited to follow the various mandatory and recommended training courses online, which will help strengthen their capacities.
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A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
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Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse
power or authority;
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Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
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Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
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Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
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Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options, and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
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Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
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Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; commitment towards UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
• at the national and/or international level in development, humanitarian work, refugee protection, or other relevant programmes; experience with UNHCR is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Highly desirable to have a background and previous experience working in the GBV sector.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete)
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in refugee protection and inclusion, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
This UNV assignment requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with a WHO-approved vaccine unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption.
The Muyinga Field Office is located in the capital of the province and commune of Muyinga, which is located in the north of the country, 205 km from the economic capital Bujumbura. It takes 3 and a half 4 hours to get there by vehicle. Muyinga has a climate with two rainy seasons (February to May and September to November) and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January). It is relatively cold at night and in the morning. It is therefore recommended that clothing for both seasons be brought accordingly. During the year, the temperature generally ranges from 18°C to 29°C and is rarely below 15°C or above 31°C.
There are essentially two hospitals with limited treatment capacities: Muyinga Central Hospital and BONANEZA Clinic. Pharmacies exist in Muyinga, but good-quality medication is not always available, and humanitarian staff are advised to stock up on essential medicines in Bujumbura before being deployed to the field.
The commune has five bank branches: BCB (Credit Bank of Bujumbura), Inter Bank, Bancobu, BBCI (Burundian Bank of Commerce and Investment), and BGF (Management and Financing Bank). However, international bank cards such as Visa and MasterCard do not work there.
Inter-city travel can be made by taxi or bus. UNHCR provides travel to camps and transit centers according to a visit plan submitted in advance to the Administration. Roads to camps and transit centers are passable.
Mobile networks such as Lumitel, Econet, and Onamob are available in 2G, 3 G, and 4 G. They are often unstable. The Internet connection works relatively well in the camps. There is no supermarket where one can stock up on quality food and other items. The local market is poorly stocked with food items. However, there are fresh vegetables there.
Overall, the security situation in the province is relatively calm with rare, isolated incidents which have no impact on UNHCR staff or its partners or on the smooth running of the UNHCR operation in Muyinga province and the provinces covered by the office.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
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Conditions of Service for National UN Volunteers
The contract lasts for the period indicated above, with extensions possible subject to funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Travel to the duty station (if applicable), and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.
Furthermore, in non-family duty stations classified by the ICSC as belonging to hardship categories D or E, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.