SayPro Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C) Service

The IRC is seeking a qualified Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C) Specialist for an anticipated three-year World Bank-funded project, which will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Health. The project is called “Improving Healthcare Services in Somalia (Damal Caafimaad)” and is focused on expanding the coverage of high-impact health and nutrition services in target regions. The GBV and FGM/C Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all GBV and FGM/C services in the Damal Caafimaad project region are delivered in a technically accurate and safe manner. They will be based in Somalia in the region where the project is focused (location TBC), with travel to project sites.

Background:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading humanitarian and development organization working in more than 40 countries to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and crisis to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

The IRC began working in Somalia in the early 1980s – initially to assist people seeking refuge in the aftermath of the Somalia-Ethiopian conflict. The focus of IRC Somalia programming is on Health, Nutrition, Economic Resilience, Recovery and Development, Governance, WASH, Women’s Protection and Empowerment interventions to crisis affected communities in most of the targeted locations. With headquarters in Mogadishu, the IRC oversees field offices in Dhusamareb, Gaalkayo and Garowe in Puntland, Galmudug and Benadir Region. IRC programming in Somalia adopts an integrated approach, in which each sector provides mutually reinforcing services to at-risk populations.

The upcoming Damal Caafimaad project will support the rapid expansion of high-impact health and nutrition services within the Government of Somalia’s Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS). The project also aims to develop the Federal and State Ministries’ of Health capacity to act as stewards of the health sector. The project will focus on primary healthcare, improving the availability of pharmaceuticals, strengthening the quality of care, and developing strong management systems. Robust community level health services and engagement will also be a critical part of the project. The World Bank is funding the project, which will be delivered through Federal Ministry of Health contracting of NGOs.

Scope of work:

The GBV and FGM/C Specialist will ensure that all GBV and FGM/C services in the Damal Caafimaad project region are delivered in a technically accurate and safe manner, and that they are based on global and Somalia-specific guidelines. They will take steps to mitigate risks in delivering GBV and FGM/C services, developing materials to ensure delivery of safe and effective GBV and FGM/C services.

The GBV and FGM/C Specialist will support mainstreaming the health response to GBV and improving the reporting system for GBV by overseeing training to all relevant staff on safe, confidential, survivor centric and respectful health responses to GBV. They will also oversee training and supervise staff on prevention and management of FGM/C and support mainstreaming of FGM/C treatment and prevention into service delivery.

The GBV and FGM/C Specialist will train health service providers in GBV and FGM/C service provision and conduct ongoing supervision of GBV and FGM/C services. They will work with health facilities to organize and execute GBV and FBM/C community consultation, stakeholder trainings, and awareness campaigns. Finally, the GBV and FGM/C Specialist will closely collaborate with Regional and State-level Government to support a multi-sectoral response to GBV and FGM/C.

This position reports to the Team Leader. It is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding; we anticipate that the project will begin in 2022.

Requirements:

• A degree in sociology, anthropology or community development, population studies or gender

• A Master’s degree in sociology, anthropology or community development, population studies or gender

• At least eight years of general professional experience

• At least five years of specific experience in supervising GBV and FGM/C prevention and response activities in a healthcare setting

• At least five years of experience in GBV and FGM/C awareness raising is strongly preferred

• Excellent knowledge of the guiding and ethical principles that govern work with survivors of GBV and FGM/C and good practices in the implementation of activities to prevent and address GBV and FGM/C

• A strong understanding of principles of medical care for GBV and FGM/C

• Good experience in data collection and analysis on GBV and FGM/C

• Strong understanding of the relevant legislation/legal frameworks in Somalia in the area of GBV is preferred

• Excellent command of Somali and excellent writing skills (for writing reports)

Safety & Security Situation

All staff must comply with all IRC Somalia security policies and procedures.

Standards for Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.