Director, Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

BACKGROUND:

Prevention and Compliance is an integral part of the Human Resources Department and provides oversight of compliance implementation and monitoring. Overall responsibility includes ensuring current human resource policies are maintained, implementing the IRC Standards for Professional Conduct, developing strategies to address staff wellness and retention, and serving as liaison to key NGO partners and UN agencies in relation to the protection of beneficiaries from exploitation and abuse.

In response to a much-publicized report produced in 2001, citing evidence of significant abuse and exploitation of refugee women and children in West Africa, almost all humanitarian agencies have implemented Codes of Conduct or policies consistent with the standards outlined in the Secretary Generals’ Bulletin of October 2003. In addition to developing its own Policy on the Prevention of Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries, IRC is establishing a dedicated position to address this important human resource issue.

SCOPE OF WORK: The Director’s primary focus will be to support all IRC’s programs to ensure continued vigilance with regard to the risks of abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries by IRC staff, and the further development of complaints mechanisms and investigation capacity. The Director will contribute to the safety and well-being of IRC’s beneficiaries through ensuring incidents of abuse and exploitation are reported and investigated promptly. They will support all IRC programs, our partners, sub-grantees and other agencies to foster a work environment that minimizes the potential for abuse and exploitation. This involves supporting the development of safe and accessible complaints mechanisms and investigation capacity. In addition, the Director will be the lead IRC representative on all interagency activities related to Protection from Exploitation and Abuse of Beneficiaries. The incumbent will report directly to the Senior Director, Prevention and Compliance, but will also liaise closely with all parts of the organization. Externally, the Director will maintain close relationships with the key NGO networks, UNHCR, UNICEF and DPKO.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the IRC’s Focal Point for the prevention of abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries globally; • With senior teams of various countries and specific senior program personnel, monitor implementation of the pertinent policies; identify countries requiring additional support, and provide advice through country visits and distance support; • Complementing the ICVA initiative, continue to develop IRC’s capacity to respond to allegations of exploitation and abuse violations, including the development of a pool of mentors within senior management; • Conduct especially difficult investigations as necessary; • Support and mentor staff conducting investigations; • Update and institutionalize a database; monitor and analyze data on incidents to identify trends and impact of our prevention strategy; • Maintain, update and disseminate orientation and training materials; • Revise existing drafts and further develop tools to support a mapping of risks of abuse and exploitation within country programs, and advise and support the development of service delivery, human resources and monitoring to minimize these risks; • Continue to work closely with other agencies, UN, NGOs, donors, to maintain an interagency, consistent approach to the issue. • Represent IRC in interagency forums; • Work with recruiters to strengthen processes in terms of safeguarding communities and colleagues from potential abusers/exploiters. • With input from legal counsel, develop standard protocols and contractual clauses for partners and sub-contractors.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Advanced Degree in social sciences, law, human resources or other related field; • Min. 8-10 yrs. related work experience in an international or multi-cultural setting; • Extensive experience of working with children and vulnerable adults, including demonstrable experience of undertaking difficult interviews and investigations, with sensitivity. This might include conducting status determinations, and/or child abuse investigations, and/or criminal investigations etc. • Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering successful training sessions, as well as developing and implementing organizational procedures and protocols; • Excellent communication skills, including writing, training and presentation skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills and solid analytical skills; • Solid organizational skills: the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced multi-tasking team environment; • The ability to be well organized and apply a flexible approach to work; • French language skills desirable but not essential; • The ability to travel extensively to developing countries; • Strong computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email/internet software.

Please apply at: http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=IRC&cws=1&rid=7456