GBV Specialist

Country:             Turkey

Department:    International Operations

Essential Job Duties/Scope of Work:

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

JOB SUMMARY

The primary function of the GBV Specialist is to ensure integration of protection principles and GBV risk mitigation into ongoing humanitarian operations serving displaced Syrians and to develop appropriate, focused GBV prevention and response activities.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

International Medical Corps is working to improve services for displaced Syrians along the Turkey border. Sexual violence and other forms of GBV are of increasing concern in the Syrian crisis. Strong social norms attributing shame to survivors of GBV and their families make it difficult for survivors to seek services. Service providers, likewise, may be reluctant to acknowledge and address issues of GBV. International Medical Corps recognizes a need to increase women’s participation in the design of multi-sectoral services, to provide focused support for women and girls, and to work with communities to prevent all forms of GBV.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Planning

• Work closely with the Protection Coordinator, emergency team and GBV Advisor to understand program goals and to meet expectations
• Lead assessments to identify protection risks, to map points of service for survivors of GBV and vulnerable individuals, and to identify points of entry and support structures for reinforcement
• Analyze trends of GBV and develop/adjust program strategies to meet needs
• Contribute to program design and the preparation of concept notes and proposals

2. Program Implementation and Capacity Development

• Identify and reinforce existing support mechanisms and work closely with local counterparts to ensure community buy-in and cultural appropriateness of activities
• Build capacity of psychosocial workers to offer appropriate referral and support to GBV survivors
• Develop and strengthen GBV referral systems
• Develop protocols for information collection and sharing
• Train GBV staff to become leaders of GBV prevention and response. Trainings will include: guiding principles of addressing GBV, GBV case management, community mobilization toward prevention of GBV
• Train other program staff to integrate guiding principles and risk mitigation into various sector interventions
• Support trainings for healthcare providers, as needed
• Coordinate with religious leaders and women’s associations to strengthen support and information networks.
• Compile regular program reports, on time and with accurate data
• Maintain flexibility to take on added responsibility as and when needed
• Establish and/or maintain community-based activities for women in all determined project locations

3. Coordination

• Coordinate with local and international organizations, UN agencies and other stakeholders to ensure holistic support for survivors, including development of GBV SOPs and referral pathways
• Contribute to the positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organization’s Code of Conduct

4. Human Resources Management

• Assist in the selection, training and support of qualified program staff
• Develop support strategies for staff and introduce principles of self care

5. Financial Management

• Develop work plans in line with financial pipelines
• Work with Finance and Logistics to plan and procure supplies within program budgets
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations

6. Security

• Ensure compliance with security protocols and policies
• Consider security implications of all program activities, reviewing all new initiatives with national staff and community leaders

7. Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 

• Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within International Medical Corps and amongst beneficiaries served by International Medical Corps.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, International Development or other relevant field of study
• Three years experience in GBV program design and implementation, including at least one year of international, humanitarian experience
• Proven knowledge and experience in developing and implementing community mobilization projects
• Supervisory experience
• Relevant regional experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with standards and guidelines for GBV programming and coordination as well as guidance on PSEA
• Familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of donors, UN agencies, and other NGOs
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, to remain flexible to a changing environment, and to make decisions independently
• Ability to work well with a cross-cultural team
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written

Language Skills: 

• Ability to read, write, analyze and interpret technical information in the English language.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond appropriately to questions from senior managers in the field and HQ, counterparts, government representatives and others
• Ability to speak and understand Arabic strongly preferred 

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