UN WOMEN Jobs - 14855- Referral Center Assistant (Female)

Referral Center Assistant (Female)

Advertised on behalf of

UN WOMEN

Location :

Parwan, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

08-Jun-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Organizational Values and Principles:

UNIFEM is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s human rights in Afghanistan. Staff and consultants of UNIFEM Afghanistan are expected to contribute to a professional working environment in which the strengthening of national capacities and human potential is prioritized. Respect for diversity and human dignity is required, as is the active pursuit of a collaborative and inclusive approach to both internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues and partners.

Background:
Violence against women (VAW) is present in varying degrees and forms in every society, and affects families throughout, whether they live in rural or urban locations. As in many countries, violence against women in Afghanistan is often concealed in practices that are seen as 'normal' by cultural or traditional standards. Violence against women is engrained in societies throughout the world. The promotion of policies, practices, programs and attitudes that foster gender equality is crucial to the elimination and prevention of violence against women.

The Government of Afghanistan has made a strong commitment to work towards the elimination of violence against women. It has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Constitution of Afghanistan (articles 6, 7 and 22) guarantees the advancement and equality of women.

The Presidential Decree of 16/3/1384 authorized the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Commission for the Elimination on Violence against Women. Under the direction of the Ministry for Women’s Affairs (MOWA), the Commission has designed a plan of action. The establishment and running of referral centres comes under the mandate of this Commission.

A referral centre is a reporting and support centre for women victims of violence or for those who are facing violence. The referral centre provides victims of violence assistance by providing temporary shelter. Based on the initial assessments they do, the professional staff of the referral centres will refer the victims to legal aid services, emergency shelters, police stations, hospitals, counsellors or any other support agency whilst ensuring safety and confidentiality.

The Ministry of Women Affaris ( MoWA) and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), both members of the Inter-Ministerial Commission for Elimination of Violence against Women, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly run the referral centres. The referral centre coordinator will have the responsibility to provide technical support to professional staff of MOWA and MOI in establishment and initial running of the referral centre. The Referral Centre Assistant will report to Referral Centre Coordinator. The Referral Centre Assistant will provide technical and administrative assistant for women victims of violence or for those who are facing violence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Tasks and Responsibilities include:

• Supporting and assisting the Referral Centre Coordinator with all aspects of technical and administrative work to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Centre..
• Conducting monthly meetings with all stakeholders.
• Conducting weekly staff meetings.
• Assessing, analyzing and following up cases for shelter needs and taking appropriate actions.
• Monitoring the referrals made to the Centre and following up with the relevant agencies.
• Liaising with the media and other stakeholders to inform the communities about the services and functions of the Centre (except the shelter component).
• Providing reports as requested under the Memorandum of Understanding between MOWA and MOI through Referral Centre Coordinator.
• Assisting in registration of the primary VAW database in collaboration with the Referral Centre Coordinator
• Providing support to the EVAW Commission and Gender and Justice monitoring teams.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNIFEM
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Contributes to UNIFEM Practice Areas and actively works towards continuing personal learning and development

Ability to provide top quality policy advice services on related issues
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues

Required Skills and Experience

• At least high school graduate. A university degree in social science, political science, human rights, or gender studies is desirable,
• At least two years of working experience in the area of women’s rights and the protection of women at risk.
• Good familiarity with gender issues in Afghanistan. An understanding of the social, cultural, and political context of Afghanistan and its relation to gender is desirable.
• An in depth understanding of all national and international instruments pertaining to human rights and women rights.
• Demonstrated discretion and tact when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to upholding the organizational values and principles of UNIFEM Afghanistan;
• A proven ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders and partners, including government, civil society, international organizations, the media and community-based organizations;
• Strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, excellent knowledge of national languages both spoken and written.