Project Officer at HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya

DEPARTMENT:      GENDER AND GBV

DIVISION:               GENDER AND GBV

HIRING MANAGER: HR COORDINATOR

SUPERVISOR:         GENDER AND GBV PROGRAM MANAGER

START DATE:          7TH DECEMBER 2022

END DATE:             31ST DECEMBER 2023

GRADE:                     6

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit a project officer who will implement a project, whose goal is: ‘Improved access to, and uptake of, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) refugees of reproductive age in Nairobi’. The project seeks to contribute to:

• Improved enabling environment among LGBTQ refugees in Nairobi
• Enhanced capacity of LGBTQ refugees to address their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) issues
• Enhanced capacity for LGBTQ community-based organizations (CBOs) to advocate for their SRHR in Nairobi

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support program strategy design and development in relation to sexual and reproductive health and rights issues
• Support HIAS Kenya institutional strengthening through coordination of trainings for HIAS Staff, partners and the refugee community on SRHR, sexual and gender diversity and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
• Map out and train healthcare and frontline service providers from facilities providing LGBTQ-friendly youth services and train them (including community leaders) on handling and addressing the SRHR needs of LGBTQ refugees
• Support the implementation of national policies, strategies, plans and programs on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SHRH)
• Enhance knowledge, skills and capacities of HIAS staff and partners in GBV to identify the most vulnerable women and girls in the refugee community who are sexual and gender minorities
• Assist in protection mainstreaming by providing insight in protection interventions for the LGBTQ population
• Ensure safety and capacity of staff responding to GBV incidences within the community through provision of safety information
• Facilitate access to local support networks within the Kenyan LGBTQ community and organizations
• Maintain and develop relationships with Key stakeholders and partners to advocate for rights of sexual and gender minorities from the refugee and asylum seeker community
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs with partners for protection, medical and psychosocial needs of the LGBTQ refugees
• Enhance community-based protection mechanism and support for the vulnerable LGBTQ community including LGBTQ survivors of GBV
• Develop monthly budget request, track projects’ progress, and ensure timely activity implementation according to work plan and the budget
• Closely work with social/case workers, community workers and protection monitor to ensure that regular assessment of needs of vulnerable LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers are met
• Coordinate the social/case worker to implement payment of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) premiums, provision of cash-based transport allowance to LGBTQ CBOs for access to SRH services, provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and hygiene packs to the LGBTQ refugee and asylum seeker community
• Facilitate access to, and referrals for, appropriate medical/health services for the sexual and gender minority refugees and asylum seekers that is inclusive of counselling, HIV testing and administration of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• Process referrals and action plans for support services for GBV survivors to other agencies.
• Conduct timely follow up on referrals and support services provided to LGBTQ GBV survivors, ensuring that they receive the assistance recommended
• Contribute in the development of project proposals, concept notes and sector publications
• Perform other duties as and when required

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Gender Studies, Community Development, Legal Studies and/or other related fields of study.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience providing programs support/implementation on sexual and reproductive health-related programs with a non-governmental organization
• Demonstrate technical understanding of sexual and reproductive health and right issues at the national, regional and international stage
• Demonstrated experience working directly with LGBTQ refugees who are survivors of GBV
• MUST have a demonstrated understanding of diversity and inclusion for persons of diverse Sex, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SSOGI).
• Good knowledge of Human Rights principles and doctrines
• MUST have experience with operationalizing GBV principles, knowledge of international humanitarian standards for GBV prevention and response.
• Experience working with persons of diverse Sex, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SSOGI).
• Training in gender equality and/or SRHR.
• Computer literacy is a must, with strong knowledge of Access, Excel and Word
• Ability to work in a team, maintain confidentiality and respect for diversity, uphold integrity, respect and accountability
• Self-starter with the ability to work with minimal supervision in a culturally diverse team
• Excellent Analytical, Communication and Report writing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders
• Ability to maintain one’s composure while under pressure
• Knowledge of Accountability to affected populations and PSEA

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.