South Sudan: Civic Engagement Protection Officer

Department: Programme

Division: Programme Implementation

Duty Station: Juba with travels to field

Line Manager: Program Manager

Line Management Responsibility: N/A

Position Type: Full-time

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization committed to enhancing security and dignity for those affected by violent conflicts through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). Our mission is to reduce violence, safeguard civilians in conflict-affected countries and foster transformative approaches to conflict resolution.

Overview:

We are seeking a qualified individual with expertise in human rights mechanisms, experience in civil society engagement, and strong analytical abilities.

Job Summary:

The selected candidate will be responsible for implementing civilian protection measures for civil society organizations, fostering safe environments for civil society actors to carry out their vital work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough security assessments and develop effective risk mitigation strategies for Civil Society Organizations and National NGOs.
• Continuously monitor conflict dynamics to identify trends and assess the evolving needs of Human Rights Defenders.
• Regularly produce comprehensive context analyses on civil society actors.
• Establish residence within conflict-affected communities to cultivate trust, gain deep contextual insights, and maintain a nonpartisan stance.
• Provide tailored protection and threat mitigation support to civil society actors, emphasizing local capacity building.
• Design and implement context-appropriate protection interventions within the scope of NP's mandate and projects.
• Identify and prioritize communities or individuals requiring specialized support services, maintain up-to-date referral networks, and ensure efficient information dissemination.
• Develop and facilitate community training programs to enhance the security capabilities of South Sudanese stakeholders.
• Promote active participation and leadership of women activists in community-level peace and security initiatives.
• Manage and oversee protection cases in alignment with organizational protocols.
• Provide support for the organizational development of a national NGO partner.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of work experience: Demonstrated experience in human rights, civil society organizations, journalism or free press advocacy, human security, and child or civilian protection.
• Experience in Complex Security Environments: Proven track record of successful work in complex security environments, showcasing adaptability and resilience.
• Engagement with State Authorities: Demonstrated experience collaborating with state authorities, as well as proficiency in negotiation and mediation techniques.
• Independence and Problem-Solving: Ability to thrive independently and effectively resolve challenges in remote and demanding locations.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities to assess conflict, security, and political landscapes effectively.
• Educational Background or Equivalent Experience: Post-secondary education in fields such as law, human rights, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, negotiation, mediation, human security, or related disciplines; or equivalent practical experience.
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Additional Skills (Preferred):

• Experience providing protection services and implementing community-based interventions.
• Fluency in local languages.

Key Challenges:

• Adapting to Security Dynamics: Effectively navigating unforeseen security challenges that may hinder our capacity to provide protection services and fulfill our organizational objectives.
• Information Accessibility in Remote Areas: Overcoming the difficulty of accessing comprehensive information and data, particularly in remote regions where mainstream media coverage is limited.

Skills and Competencies:

• Prioritization and Problem-Solving: Ability to set priorities, address challenges effectively, and devise solutions in dynamic and demanding environments.
• Information Management: Proficiency in handling sensitive information with discretion and maintaining confidentiality as needed.
• Conflict and Political Analysis: Demonstrated skills in analyzing conflict and political dynamics, identifying strategic entry points, and designing effective prevention and protection strategies.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Effective Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, motivate team members, and thrive in a multicultural environment.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Solutions-focused mindset, with a track record of approaching challenges with creativity and innovation.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and nurture relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, military, police, and non-state actors.
• Community Engagement: Genuine commitment and interest in engaging with communities at the grassroots level, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate diverse and evolving contexts, adjusting strategies and approaches as necessary.

Working Conditions:

• Challenging Living Conditions: This field position may entail living in environments with limited access to amenities and potentially unstable security situations.
• Accommodation: You must be prepared to reside in basic or non-traditional accommodations during field visits, which may include shared housing, camps, or field-based settings.
• Security Protocols: Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict security protocols and maintain a high level of confidentiality is essential for this role.

How to Apply: 

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page), through our website detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is 7th May 2024
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview.

SPECIAL NOTICE: 

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE: 

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.