Gbv Technical Advisor

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps has run community development programs focused on promoting economic development and increased opportunity for disadvantaged communities, while responding to emergencies as they have emerged. In 2012, the program portfolio shifted in response to the massive refugee influx from Syria and Mercy Corps in Lebanon has solidified its emergency response programming while integrating longer-term development programming by focusing on key sectors: Protection, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Governance and Conflict, and Livelihoods.  CONTEXT The GBV Technical Advisor will provide technical support to Mercy Corps’ 12-month USDS/BPRM-funded program providing WASH and Protection Support to Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Lebanon. The program aims to increase access to WASH and protection services and support for Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities in underserved urban and rural areas in South Lebanon, Mount Lebanon and Bekaa. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY Under the guidance and supervision of the BPRM Program Manager, the Technical Advisor will ensure the high technical quality of SGBV component under the BPRM program. He/She will ensure the quality implementation of the SGBV and the inter - gender dialogue sessions, review the SGBV tools, deliver awareness sessions for local partners and Mercy Corps staff, Prepare the SGBV referral mechanism structure aligned with the GBVIE (Gender- Based Violence in Emergency Minimum standards). ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Review existing SGBV tools and develop new materials based on the program requirement Develop inter gender dialogue tools and facilitate the focus group discussions at field level. Train Mercy Corps staff and partners in how to work in SGBV sensitive manners and to adopt a survivor-centered approach. Create a referral mechanism pathway for Mercy Corps BPRM program that includes the WASH, Livelihoods and GBV team. Train the field team on the referral structure to ensure that cases are referred within the programs or to external providers depending on the service needed.  Participate in national level SGBV sector meetings. Ensure that all programming incorporates a gender equity, conflict sensitivity, and environmental awareness lens with a ‘do no harm’ approach; Adhere to organizational security standards, financial, procurement, program management minimum standards, code of conduct and child protection protocols;  Support the program teams to engage men and boys in the SGBV sessions where they will play a key role in: identifying risks, supporting the referral system, sharing information on services, monitoring the community and strengthening self-awareness of SGBV prevention. Work closely with the M&E team to develop the pre and post tests of the tools that will be used in the awareness sessions. Support the BPRM team on developing the KAP survey and design the questions for the GBV part that fits with the program requirements. Other necessary duties as required.  Able to work in Bekaa and South Lebanon.          Organizational Learning    As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. Accountability to Beneficiaries Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: N/A ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports directly to:  BPRM Program Manager   Works directly with:  Program Manager, Protection Program Manager, Field Coordinators, Wash and Livelihood Project Managers, field officers. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BA/S or equivalent in social science, Gender, GBV, international development, or other relevant field; MA/S in human rights or other relevant field preferred but not necessary. Strong technical knowledge and experience with designing, managing, monitoring and evaluating refugee protection, GBV programming in emergency, transitional and development contexts. Excellent knowledge of SGBV issues, including Gender and protection.  Experience establishing and supporting community-based protection mechanisms and strengthening local systems preferred. Solid knowledge and application of established inter-agency standards and guidelines relevant to protection. Experience in capacity building and strengthening various duty bearers understanding of and response to child protection. Strong experience of coordination with other humanitarian actors and local authorities on child protection and protection issues. Minimum 5 years of professional work experience in protection programming, with three years in Lebanon based GBV program activites. Proven ability to apply a rights based approach incorporating the principles of the CRC and other relevant UN conventions   Proven technical support provision, capacity building and capacity development skills. Good understanding of the linkages and intersections between child protection and social welfare, justice, education and health, with ability to advise and implement strategies that promote coordination between sectors. Excellent analytical skills with ability to identify problems and propose solutions. Strong communication, networking, advocacy, negotiation and diplomacy skills. Specialized background in gender, child protection, and minority rights and other vulnerable groups preferred. Knowledge of Lebanon, in particular its displacement context and protection threats relevant to internal conflict preferred. Proficiency in English and Arabic essential   SUCCESS FACTORS A successful candidate will have the ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly fluid work and security environment with a capacity to spark innovative approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results based on programmatic needs. Knowledge of security standards, equipment, precautionary measures, communication protocols, various unstable conditions and familiarity with Child Protection Systems strengthening approaches, Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Pyramid are essential, as is an ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.   LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This position is based in Beirut, Lebanon. The security situation is uncertain in Lebanon, with a possibility for rapid deterioration, particularly dependent on the Syrian conflict.  Though currently secure in Beirut, all security guidelines and protocols must be closely followed at all times.   Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.