JO 37008 (Re-advertisement)- International Individual Consultant (Home-based) “Strengthening Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) in MENA”

Agency: UNHCR MENA Regional Bureau in Amman

Title of project: Strengthening Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) in the MENA region.

Purpose of project:

UNHCR will seek to streamline CBP and AAP in the region promoting horizontal learning and integration of CBP and AAP across sectors, while ensuring increased consideration of people with specific needs and diverse profiles when developing and implementing digital and face-to-face AAP channels and analysis tools. This would involve finalization and dissemination of the MENA AAP toolkit, the provision of training and technical support to operations and partners, and the gathering of good practices.

Duration and dates of the assignment: ASAP until 31 December 2022.

Duty Station: Home-based

1. General Background of Project or Assignment:

The 2018 UNHCR Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) emphasizes the importance of establishing and implementing effective AAP interventions for refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people, stateless people, returnees, people in mixed movements and host communities, in coordination with relevant stakeholders and duty-bearers. The 2020 Global Operational Guidance on Accountability to Affected Population (AAP) provides the framework for further regional developments. This approach echoes the Global Compact for Refugees.

In line with the 2018 MENA Regional Guidance note on Community-Based Protection, a community-based and rights-based approach towards refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, stateless people, returnees and people in mixed movements is being strengthened. Participatory assessments, AAP mechanisms, and Communication with Communities (CWC) tools are implemented and piloted across MENA operations, supporting community-led initiatives and referrals which are designed to address the needs of all people of concern. An AAP/Gender self-assessment conducted in 2019 in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, identified the need to enhance analysis and integration of AAP in MENA, with a focus on persons with specific needs, as a priority.

2. Overall purpose and Scope of Assignment:

UNHCR will seek to streamline CBP and AAP in the region promoting horizontal learning and integration of CBP and AAP across sectors, while ensuring increased consideration of people with specific needs and diverse profiles when developing and implementing digital and face-to-face AAP channels and analysis tools. This would involve i) finalization and dissemination of the draft MENA AAP toolkit that includes digital and face-to-face tools applied or piloted in the region (e.g. AAP SOPs, AAP strategies, satisfaction surveys, help.org, inter-agency call centers, Feedback and Complaint forms and map, hotlines, WhatsApp Trees, online Participatory Tool, etc.), ensuring accessibility for diverse communities, and including a digital accessibility guidance tool; ii) the launch of an AAP Grant for Community and Grassroot organizations enhancing multisectoral approaches, iii) the implementation of capacity building and knowledge exchange events (2 webinars and one-to-one support) with a focus on principles and core actions ( as included in UNCHR AGD policy and AAP Operational Guidance) and implementation of requested tools (AAP strategies, AAP SOPs, implementation of digital and face-to-face channels such as Help.org, hotline, WhatsApp, Facebook, chatbots, Outreach Volunteers, community centers, community-led initiatives by people with specific needs,etc. ); iv) provision of one-to-one support to operations,; v) the compilation of CBP/AGD good practices and tools in different contexts and with diverse populations (refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, stateless persons, persons in mixed movements; vi) and the continued support to the MENA AAP reference group. The project will also be interlinked and coordinated closely with related two-way communication activities to increase meaningful outreach and participation of persons of concern of all ages, genders and backgrounds. This will support the development of operational strategies and the implementation of global and regional toolkits and handbooks, focusing on the implementation of social media listening, knowledgebase, and awareness raising and communication materials.

Expected outcomes include:

• UNHCR MENA AAP Reference Group is supported, consulted, and engaged in training opportunities, and operations receive timely advice and guidance through regional meetings and dialogues.
• The MENA AAP Toolkit is finalized and disseminated to provide guidance and systematic support to operations in a harmonized manner in consideration with corporate and interagency priorities. The toolkit is accessible for people with diverse capacities, including through online means.
• A MENA AAP Grant for community and grassroots organizations is launched, monitored, and evaluated, identifying lessons learned for improved engagement and participation of local actors and communities on AAP across sectors and through digital and face-to-face methods.
• At least two AAP webinars are facilitated and regular support to operations and partners provided for the development and enhancement of country CBP/AAP strategies and procedures. The webinars present the MENA toolkit and focus on solving issues faced at the country operation level, aiming at engaging community and grassroot organizations.
• Engagement and participation with Interagency Risk Community and Community Engagement meetings are supported, and feedback shared regularly with the supervisor and operation focal points as appropriate increasing integration of UNHCR’s persons of concern in interagency AAP initiatives.
• CBP/AGD good practices tool is initiated, focusing on supporting outreach volunteers, enhancing engagement of youth, persons with disabilities and others with specific needs, including psychosocial needs.
• Support and participation in a broader AAP face-to face workshop is implemented COVID 19 permitting.

3. Required Qualifications:

Essential:

• University degree in community development, social science, human rights, anthropology, cultural studies or any other relevant field
• 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
• Previous experience in Community-Based Protection and Accountability to Affected Populations
• Expertise on Digital AAP and communication tools in humanitarian and development contexts, including development and implementation (help.org, WhatsApp, hotlines)
• Expertise on community engagement and participation, including face-to-face strategies.
• Technical and practical understanding of traditional as well as digital AAP and communication tools, including accessibility strategies and functionalities.
• Capacity to develop information and two-way feedback systems.
• Capacity to deliver all requested products within the established deadline.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English language

Desirable:

• Previous experience in Community-Based Protection and Accountability to Affected Populations with UNHCR or other UN agencies
• Knowledge of UNHCR’s protection mandate and the inter-agency context.
• Familiarity with other organizations conducting AAP and community engagement in MENA and/or other regions.
• Knowledge of French and/or Arabic languages