Protection Monitor Unhcr

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps has worked in Lebanon since 1993, running community development programs focused primarily on promoting agricultural and economic development, environmental sustainability, and increased opportunity for disadvantaged communities. At present, Mercy Corps is implementing programs funded by international donors, the United Nations, and private donors. Mercy Corps in Lebanon leverages the thriving Lebanese network of development organizations, and works very closely with local entities to implement programs that focus on: (1) Addressing humanitarian needs resulting from the Syrian crisis in Lebanon; (2) Increasing stability and resiliency among communities; (3) Catalyzing economic opportunities for youth, women and disadvantaged groups in the local economy.   Based on the results of a recent assessment and the priorities identified in the Regional Response Plan, Mercy Corps has worked since September 2013 on a project to establish community-led protection monitoring and responses to identified protection threats. The goal of the protection monitoring project is to strengthen identification of protection needs to respond more effectively to protection concerns for Syrian refugees and conflict-affected host communities in Lebanon. Mercy Corps supports effective targeting of assistance for Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities through protection monitoring, as well as directly contributing to improved access to services and support for refugee and vulnerable host communities by strengthening existing local community support networks and building localized referral mechanisms.  GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Protection Monitor will conduct community-based monitoring activities with a district team with up to 4 other monitors and work closely with Syrian Refugee Outreach Volunteers (ROVs). Monitors will be responsible for the collection, monitoring and reporting of information primarily at the community level through direct observation, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, monitoring surveys, and information awareness sessions. Information to be collected will include the following topics: Population profile and pattern of displacement Access to basic needs and essential services such as: Food, water, shelter, health and education Community empowerment and self-reliance Registration and legal status Freedom of movement and detention Security from violence and exploitation Child Protection Gender based violence Vulnerable groups and special needs ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Conduct interviews and information awareness sessions with vulnerable refugee and host community members, and with community leaders and make referrals on all necessary cases. Lead focus group discussions, organized separately for men and women on an average of 10 persons per focus group on the topic of youth violence. Collaborate with the ROVs through regular attendance at their gatherings and joint info awareness sessions. With support from the Program and Area Managers, work with local municipalities to develop and observe protection safety committees, including membership from the Lebanese and Syrian communities, local CBOs, and ISF, in order to receive training and address protection concerns. With support from the Program and Assistant Program Managers, work with refugee communities to develop and facilitate protection committees. Participate in rapid assessments as needed and identification of vulnerable cases for the RRR fund. Liaise with other protection and psychosocial support professionals in the Bekaa area coordination meetings as directed. Establish and develop good relationships between local teams and targeted communities. Target ministries, local authorities and INGOs to raise protection awareness in order to improve the accessibility of public services for the refugee population and strengthen protection response. Submit regular detailed progress reports and weekly reports with monitoring updates and trends seen in the field from observation, interviews and focus group discussions. In target areas where there is an identified gap, support the building service provision/ referral mechanisms for vulnerable populations. Assist in the development of partnerships with refugee and host community leadership and local CBOs to address urgent local protection concerns. Participate in training on knowledge, skills and application of interagency Protection standards as directed by the area or project manager. Meet with Mercy Corps staff on regular basis and participate in weekly team meetings. Attend relevant workshops and trainings as instructed. Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information with the various activities of the MC and UNHCR program staff. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission, especially honoring the Code of Conduct, confidentiality, and protection related policies. Other duties as assigned. ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Project Manager WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Fellow protection monitors, refugee and host communities, local CBOs, local government bodies (SDCs, municipalities, etc.) in his/her area of responsibility   KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years work experience in protection Solid relationships with local community Education degree: Bachelors Degree Language: Excellent Arabic and good English skills