Prevention Officers job at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

About the Organization

The International Rescue Committee is a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The International Rescue Committee provides vital support to Ugandans who are rebuilding from decades of war while hosting a growing influx of refugees from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Kampala.

Job Description

The WPE Prevention Officer will lead IRC GBV Prevention activities and the roll out of behavioral change methodologies like adolescent girls programming (Girl Shine), Male Engagement (ToT and roll out) and advocacy on the prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment and Abuse in Bidibidi Settlement. He /she will be the focal person for coordinating actions with other stakeholders to prevent GBV in the community while mentoring and building the capacity of the team to implement GBV prevention Activities. Reporting to the WPE Manager, the Officer will be tasked to prepare regular weekly and monthly reports, work plans and budget forecasts for the team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program design and implementation

Reinforce adherence to the GBV guiding principles throughout all WPE activities.
Ensure that engagement with women, girls and the wider community adheres to best-practice principles when working with survivors of GBV
Work with the Community structures to train them and mentor them to conduct outreaches and sessions on GBV
Prepare and maintain/update detailed work plan(s) with the structures that support and achieve activities.
Hold regular debriefing feedback sessions with structures to identify challenges early and find appropriate local solutions to the problems and work to strengthen the working relation among the teams and with staff.
Provide ongoing supervision, support, mentoring and guidance to WPE Prevention team, and Volunteers to ensure outreach activities meet the highest quality standards and adheres to GBV best practice and guiding principles.
Create and consolidate strong synergies with the local community stakeholders like Protection partners, LCs, women groups, the religious leaders and government counter parts the police and the health to support local activism at sub county level.
Plan and mobilize communities to participate in community mass awareness events like women’s day, Day of the Girl child, World Refugee day and 16 days of activism
Ensure timely and accurate procurements and finances for activities by ensuring all Purchase Requests and payment requests are raised at least two weeks before delivery date in accordance with program budget provisions to avoid disruption of activities.

Monitoring and Documentation

Document all activities: Meetings, Trainings, and Events, Field monitoring e. t. c. using appropriate documentation and reporting tools in the sector as required and ensure that all documents/data collected is properly and safely filed and stored
Actively plan and submit weekly and monthly work plans and progress reports against set work plans using agreed reporting tools to the Manager.
Develop, reprint and distribute IEC materials on behavioral change and awareness aspects.
Prepare and share weekly and monthly reports as required.

Coordination and Representation

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders including community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, Community Based Organizations and other IRC sectors to enhance multi-agency and sectoral cooperation and coordination.
Ensure that the community of operation is consulted in the development of Women’s Protection and Empowerment programs and as much as possible are involved in the implementation, monitoring and supervision of activities
Participate actively in all zonal protection and GBV Coordination meetings while proactively sharing updates

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

University degree in Social Sciences (i.e. social work, counseling, sociology, psychology, gender studies, human rights, etc.).
At least 2 years of experience in working in the social sector, particularly in GBV Prevention with refugees.
Excellent communication, facilitation and analytical skills and ability to present ideas effectively, in both oral and written form.
Ability to communicate sensitively and without judgment; good diplomatic and persuasion skills.
Ability to use good judgment when making decisions and to take accountability for decisions made.
Emotional maturity and stability to resolve conflicts in non-violent way and maintain appropriate boundaries.
Good interpersonal skills including ability to gain trust and build relationships.
Ability to handle multiple tasks; proven self-initiative and problem solving abilities.
Good computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, and Power Point
Be able to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments.