Purpose for the job:

The Programme Specialist (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)) will be based in Kabul and provide technical and strategic support to the entire UNICEF Afghanistan across the country under the supervision of the International Programme Specialist (PSEA) P4.

Within the context of the emergency response and the HCT PSEA framework, ACO has identified the following significant needs related to robust protection against sexual exploitation and abuse:

1. Further accelerate the PSEA implementation across the country.
2. Strengthening capacity in PSEA of UNICEF staff, partners, and frontline workers.
3. institutionalizing PSEA mechanisms more solidly across sectors and within the organization.
4. Strengthen the internal and external reporting mechanism to ensure confidential and accessible channels for staff and beneficiaries.
5. Strengthen the accountability to be able to respond to the SEA through prompt and appropriate survivor assistance as well as verification/investigative process.

To fulfil this commitment, the Programme Specialist (PSEA) NOC will support the International Programme Specialist (PSEA) P4 to implement UNICEF Afghanistan Office’s Action Plan on PSEA which focuses on enhancing UNICEF staff and partners’ capacity to prevent and respond to SEA; supporting the country office in managing and responding to the case of SEA; and coordinating with different sectors/sections and PSEA Focal Points of related organizations;  supporting partners to implement internal complaints and investigation procedures; support the Technically support in strengthening complaints and feedback mechanism (CFM) and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM); representing UNICEF in PSEA coordination forums including the Afghanistan PSEA Network; together with SBC, Communication and related sectors, and in liaison with the PSEA network, develop awareness raising materials for UNICEF office and partners.

How can you make a difference?

1. Support Afghanistan Country Office PSEA Action Plan implementation

• Review of existing internal reporting mechanisms to support UNICEF Afghanistan in strengthening its PSEA risk mitigation and complaints handling mechanism in line with UNICEF and international best practice standards.
• Technically support Field Offices and programmes that the PSEA work plan is operationalized at all levels and with all sectors.
• Technically support International PSEA Programme Specialists as well as FCO/Programmes to make effective IEC materials in all UNICEF-supported sites.
• Acting as backup PSEA focal point for the provinces when needed.

2. Support Appropriate Reporting and response of SEA allegations.

• Support and advise the International Programme Specialist (PSEA) P4 on the reporting of SEA allegations by facilitating collection of information, translation, and advice in culturally appropriateness in managing the case.
• Receive complaints and reports about alleged SEA (from staff, partners, community members and others).
• Be the focal point for the established reporting mechanism for PSEA hotline, GRM as well as UNICEF’s complaints and feedback mechanism (CFM) established in the different intervention/programmes

3. Capacity Building in PSEA

• Revise and develop PSEA-related training materials in local languages.
• Deliver mandatory training for all staff of UNICEF, Implementing Partners as well as contractors (including 3rd party HR company hired personnel, suppliers as well as contractors).
• Deliver capacity-building training and consultation for different sectors/staff to make sure PSEA is integrated into different sectors’ interventions.
• Technically support Implementing Partners to build organizational PSEA capacity in line with mandatory PSEA assessment using UN Common Tool and UNPP.
• Supporting partners to have PSEA policies and structures in place, aligned with international standards and UNICEF systems; consulting and following up with partners on codes of conduct and safeguarding policies (including beyond PSEA) and risk mitigation plans including technical review and support as required by partners.
• Provide technical support concerning appropriate prevention and risk mitigation strategies in programme proposals as well as partnership agreements/programme documents.
• Technically support UNICEF’s Implementing Partners to appropriately respond to SEA case when their staff/personnel are involved, including reporting obligation, protection measures for survivors, facilitation of survivor assistance as well as investigative process.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in one of the following fields is required: international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law, or another relevant social science field.
• Alternatively, a first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted instead of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in design, implementation, and management of PSEA, Safeguarding and Accountability to Affected People (AAP), or Protection and GBV programming, preferably with the UN and/or international NGO.
• Experience working in humanitarian contexts. Familiarity with the latest developments in PSEA, inter-agency PSEA responses and humanitarian cluster system is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills. Proven ability to work independently under difficult conditions.
• Excellent facilitation, training, networking and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English in addition to good commands of both Dari and Pashto is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.