Victim Assistance Project Officer in Handicap international

 VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROJECT OFFICER  

REPORTS TO:   Victim Assistance Project Manager 

LOCATION:  Kharkiv 

GENERAL MISSION  

Outraged by the injustice faced by people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we aspire to a world of solidarity and inclusion, enriched by our differences, where everyone can live in dignity.  

Handicap International “HI” (operating as Humanity & Inclusion) is an independent and impartial international aid organization working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our action and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions and promoting respect for their dignity and their fundamental rights.   

HI opened in 2022 a multi-sectoral life-saving assistance to displaced and non-displaced populations in Ukraine such as: protection, health, NFIs, WASH, AVR and strengthening and supporting inclusion, access to the services and the protection of the rights.  

General Mission

Reporting to the Victim Assistance Project Manager (VA PM), the Victim Assistance Project Officer (VA PO) supports the implementation of HI’s comprehensive approach to Victim Assistance (VA) within the area of operations. The VA PO focuses on field-level activities liaising with relevant stakeholders to identify, evaluate and address the specific needs of vulnerable individuals affected by armed violence and conflict. The VA PO ensures effective implementation of field activities, collaborates with HI’s field teams and partners, and contributes to data collection and reporting processes. He/she maintains close coordination with other thematic sectors, such as Protection, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Rehabilitation and Inclusive Humanitarian Action (IHA). Under the guidance of the VA PM and in coordination with other PMs and technical specialists, the VA PO plays a key role in ensuring timely, high-quality VA delivery and fostering engagement with local communities and stakeholders. 

‘Victim Assistance’ (VA), was first a part of a multilateral treaty in the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and is one of the five pillars of Humanitarian Mine Action. 

Victim Assistance includes broad and specific efforts to address the needs and rights of victims. 

VA specific efforts in Mine Action are the efforts undertaken by the mine action sector to contribute to facilitating access to VA services.VA broader efforts are the efforts undertaken by sectors other than the mine action sector, including delivery of VA services, data collection, coordination, laws and policies.VA services include emergency and continuing medical care, rehabilitation, psychological and psycho-social support, socio-economic inclusion. 

Victim Assistance Standard IMAS 13.10 provides a broad overview of VA specific efforts as a pillar of Mine Action. 

 MISSIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES 

 Responsibility 1:  Field Activity Implementation 

Aim: Ensure high-quality, inclusive victim assistance services are delivered effectively to those in need. 

Activities: 

• Implement directly activities, following the technical framework validated by VA PM and VA TO, ensuring alignement with Standards and project objectives. 

• Support the implementation of VA broader efforts , ensuring alignment with project work plans, and collaborating closely with Protection, MHPSS, and Rehabilitation teams. 

• Conduct field visits to engage with key VA service providers, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), social services, health centers, and mine action operators. 

• Support the PM in the mobilisation of authorities/ external stakeholders for facilitating project implementation and inform them regularly about the progress made and the challenges faced  

• Assist in organizing and facilitating workshops with service providers to promote collaboration and gather insights on current service provision and gaps in victim assistance. 

• Facilitate regular communication and feedback loops between service providers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with project goals. 

• Collect information to support the mapping of VA service providers and identification of referral pathways for the provision of VA services. 

• Collaborate with the VA PM and Protection PM to design and implement field activities aimed at identifying barriers to access and propose solutions to improve inclusivity and outreach efforts. 

 Responsibility 2. Data Collection and Reporting 

Aim: Support evidence-based decision-making and improve project outcomes through accurate and timely data management. 

Activities: 

• Contribute to the development, review, and updating of tools and methodologies for project implementation  

• Collect and document information from field visits and workshops, focusing on the service access, and training needs of service providers. 

• Maintain a detailed record of beneficiaries and stakeholders engaged during project activities. 

• Contribute to project reports by providing field activity updates, data analysis, and beneficiary feedback to enhance accountability and transparency. 

• Assist in maintaining and updating the project database, ensuring regular verification and correction of any discrepancies. 

• Provide inputs for donor reporting, ensuring accurate reflection of field activities and results. 

• Participate in the creation of case studies to document project achievements and challenges. 

• Participate to lessons learnt analysis 

Responsibility 3: Capacity Building and Awareness-Raising 

Aim: Identify the needs for local service providers' capacities development and raise awareness of the needs of victims and the need for multisectoral responses. 

Activities: 

• Assist in the designand delivery of informative/training sessions for service providers on VA, including data collection, referral mechanisms, and VA standards mainstreaming. 

• Develop training materials and tools tailored to the identified needs of local service providers. 

• Collect data on service providers-delivered results and monitor the quality of their activities. 

• Identify gaps in partner capacities and provide inputs for the development of capacity-building plans. 

• Contribute to the dissemination of recommendations for establishing local referral pathways and improving access to services for explosive ordnance (EO) victims. 

Responsability 4. Participate in the life of the Program 

•  Participates in relevant Program meetings  as requested. 

• Contributes to the development of projects related to Victim Assistance. 

• Under the VA PM leadership – contribute to HI’s external influence communicating on the project to partners, authorities and stakeholders when relevant 

 PROFILE SOUGHT

Qualification(s): 

• First level degree (Undergraduate degree or equivalent) and/or master's degree in social work fields (i.e. health, public health, social work, legal assistance). 

 Experience (type and amount of experience): 

• 2+ years professional experience 

• Previous experience in at least one of the following fields: humanitarian mine action (HMA) or armed violence reduction (AVR), community engagement/liaison, protection, or human rights.  

• Previous experience with HI. 

• Experience in Protection field and needs assessments is an additional asset. 

• Experience in Victim Assistance. 

 Skills (knowledge, abilities required for the position, refer to skills repository document): 

Mandatory knowledge about: 

• The humanitarian principles; 

• The international human rights frameworks;  

• Fluent communication and writing capacities in Ukrainian and Russian; 

• Proficient: (use of MS Office package, Internet, Skype)  

• Knowledge on the strategies for fighting exclusion and discrimination;  

• Knowledge of English 

Personal qualities: 

• Excellent management and communication skills and diplomacy; 

• Ability to follow instructions and to be a member of a team; 

• Excellent organizational skills; 

• Autonomous and initiative-taking;  

• Flexibility; 

• Problem solving skills;  

• Practical, dynamic and solution oriented; 

• Strong attention to details; 

• Ability to multi-task and prioritise; 

• Open to cultural differences; 

• Ensuring efficient use of resources;  

• Good local roots;  

• Commitment to the most vulnerable. 

• Excellent capacity to withstand pressure and manage stress 

• Emotional maturity 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Contract: Employment contract (according to Ukrainian legislation) Fixed-Term

Type of employment: Full-time

Benefits Package:

• 30 calendar days for annual leaves 
• 12 days of internal wellbeing paid leaves annually (pro-rata)
• Medical Insurance for HI staff and one dependent (tax paid by HI)
• Individual counselling sessions for HI staff
• Relocation package might be granted for the managerial positions and key positions if needed 
• Relevant supportive measures for person with disabilities (if needed)

By submitting the CV application, the applicant gives his/her consent to the processing of his/her personal data (in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine).

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

HI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics. 

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.

If you have a disability and require any special arrangements to assist you during the interview, please inform us with the necessary details.

Handicap International has clear institutional policies on "Child Protection", "Anti-fraud, Bribery and Corruption", "Disability, Gender and Age" and "Protection of Beneficiaries from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment”. It is therefore mandatory for all staff to commit themselves to respect, uphold and promote these policies, and to sign the HI Code and Conduct.

 How to apply

Attention: This vacancy is open exclusively to Ukrainian citizens.

Please note that the application deadline is 31/12/2024. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the application closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 ФАХІВЕЦЬ ПРОЕКТУ З НАДАННЯ ДОПОМОГИ ПОСТРАЖДАЛИМ  

КРАЇНА:  Україна 

ПІДПОРЯДКОВУЄТЬСЯ:   Project Manager for providing assistance to victims

REGION:   Kharkiv  

MAIN TASK

Outraged by the injustices faced by people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we strive for a world of solidarity and inclusion, enriched by our differences, where everyone can live in dignity.  

Handicap International "HI" (operating as Humanity & Inclusion) is an independent and impartial international organization that provides assistance in situations of poverty and isolation, conflicts and disasters. Working side by side with people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our actions and beliefs are focused on meeting their urgent needs, improving their living conditions and promoting respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.   

The main task

Reporting to the VA PM, the VA PO supports the implementation of HI's integrated approach to disaster relief ( Victim assistance (VA) in The focus of the Victim Assistance Project is on local level activities, building relationships with relevant stakeholders to identify, assess and address the specific needs of vulnerable people affected by armed violence and conflict effective implementation of field activities, collaborates with HI field teams and partners, and participates in data collection and reporting processes He/she maintains a close coordination with other thematic sectors, such as protection, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSP), rehabilitation and inclusive humanitarian action (IHA). Under the direction of the VA PM and in coordination with other project managers and technical specialists, the VA PO plays a key role in ensuring timely and quality delivery of casualty assistance and facilitating engagement with local communities and interested parties.   

"Victim Assistance" (DP)/ "Victim Assistance" (VA) first became part of a multilateral treaty in the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines (ACPM). and is one of the five pillars of humanitarian mine action

Helping victims includes broad and specific efforts aimed at meeting the needs and respecting the rights of victims.

Mine Action Victim Assistance (MAA) specific efforts are efforts made by the mine action sector to facilitate access to MA services. Broad MA efforts are efforts made by sectors other than the mine action sector mine action, including provision of DP services, data collection, coordination, laws and policies. DP services include emergency and ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, psychological and psychosocial support, socio-economic integration.

Injury Assistance Standard (IMAS) 13.10 provides a broad overview of specific efforts to provide assistance to victims as part of mine action.

Tasks/REQUIREMENTS`LANGUAGES  

Duty 1: Implementing activities in the fields (on the ground): < /span>

Goal: To ensure the effective delivery of high-quality, inclusive VA services to those who need them.  

Activity: 

• Direct implementation of activities in accordance with the technical framework approved by the Project Manager (PM) and Technical Specialist (TO) of the project, ensuring compliance with project standards and objectives.

• Support the implementation of the wider assistance (VA) effort, ensuring alignment with project work plans and working closely with the protection, PPESP and rehabilitation teams.

• < p style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal">Undertake field trips to engage with key VA service providers, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), social services, medical centers, and mine action actors.

• Support the project manager in engaging authorities/external stakeholders to cooperate to facilitate the implementation of the project and regularly inform them of the progress made and the challenges they face.

• Assist in organizing and conducting workshops with service providers to promote collaboration and gather information on current service delivery and gaps in victim assistance. 

• Encourage regular communication and feedback between service providers, beneficiaries and stakeholders to ensure compliance with project objectives.

• Collect information to map service providers and identify referral pathways for victim care services.

• Collaborate with the Victim Assistance Project Manager and the Civil Protection Project Manager to design and implement field interventions to identify barriers to access and propose solutions to improve inclusiveness and information- educational work.

Duty 2. Data collection and reporting

Goal: Support evidence-based decision making and improve project outcomes through accurate and timely data management.

 Activity: 

- Contribute to the development, revision and updating of tools and methodologies for project implementation 

- Gathering and documenting information obtained during site visits and workshops, focusing on access to services and training needs of service providers.

- Keeping detailed records of beneficiaries and stakeholders involved in project activities.

- Contribute to project reporting by providing updates on field activities, data analysis and beneficiary feedback to improve accountability and transparency.

- Assist in maintaining and updating the project database, ensuring regular review and correction of any discrepancies. 

- Provide information for reporting to donors, ensuring an accurate representation of activities and results on the ground. 

- Participate in the preparation of case studies to document the achievements and problems of the project.

- Participate in the analysis of learned lessons.  

Responsibility 3: Capacity building and awareness raising< /p>

Aim: To identify capacity building needs of local service providers and to raise awareness of the needs of victims and the need for intersectoral response.

 Activity: 

- Assist in the development and delivery of information/training sessions for survivor service providers, including data collection, referral mechanisms and promotion of VA standards. 

- Development of training materials and tools adapted to the identified needs of local service providers. 

- Collect data on the performance of service providers and monitor the quality of their activities.

- Identifying gaps in the capacity of partners and providing information for the development of capacity building plans.

- Contribute to the dissemination of recommendations to establish local referral systems and improve access to services for victims of explosive ordnance (OBV).

 Duty 4. Participate in the life of the Program  

- Participate in relevant Program meetings upon request. 

- Contribute to the development of projects related to helping victims.

- Under the leadership of the Victim Assistance Project Manager (VA PM) - Facilitates HI's external impact by communicating the project to partners, authorities and stakeholders when appropriate.

QUESTIONNAIRE DATA DESIRED 

Qualification(s):

• First-level degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) and/or Master's in social work (e.g. health, public health, social work, legal aid).
• Master's degree in the same field preferred; 

Experience:

• 2+ years of professional experience 
• Prior experience in at least one of the following areas: Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) or Armed Violence Reduction (AVR), Community Engagement/Liaison, Protection or Human Rights.

Preferred:

• Previous experience with HI.
• Experience in protection and needs assessment is an added advantage. 
• Experience in helping victims. 

Skills:

Mandatory knowledge of:

• Humanitarian principles; 
• International human rights protection system;  
• Free communication and writing in Ukrainian and Russian languages; 
• Professional use of programs from the MS Office package, Internet, Skype)

Desirable:

• Knowledge of strategies against exclusion and discrimination;  

• Knowledge of the English language

Personal qualities:

• Excellent management and communication skills, diplomacy; 
• Ability to follow instructions and be a team member; 
• Excellent organizational skills; 
• Autonomy and initiative;  
• Flexibility; 
• Problem solving skills;  
• Practicality, dynamism and solution orientation; 
• Strong attention to detail; 
• Ability to multitask and prioritize; 
• Openness to cultural differences; 
• Ensuring efficient use of resources;  
• Good understanding of the local context;  
• Commitment to the most vulnerable sections of the population. 
• Excellent ability to withstand pressure and cope with stress;  
• Emotional maturity.  

TERMS OF WORK

Contract:Employment contract (according to the legislation of Ukraine) Term

Employment type:Full time

Advantages:

• 30 calendar days of annual leave
• 12 days of additional paid sick leave (pro-rated of time worked)
• Health insurance for HI employees and one family member (supplement paid by HI)
• Individual psychological counseling for HI employees
• Relocation package can be provided for management and key positions if necessary
• Appropriate support measures for a person with disability(if necessary)

By submitting a resume, the applicant consents to the processing of his personal data (in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine).

OPTIONS

HI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate based on age, sex, disability, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.

All interested candidates regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or ethnicity are encouraged to apply for the position.

If you have a disability and require any special arrangements to assist you during the interview, please let us know the necessary details.

Handicap International has transparent institutional policies on Child Protection, Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption, Disability, Gender and Age and Protecting Beneficiaries from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment. They are mandatory for all employees who are required to respect, support and promote these policies and sign the "Code of Conduct" HI.

How to Apply

Attention: This vacancy is open exclusively to citizens of Ukraine.

Please note that the application deadline is December 31, 2024. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We will contact we only deal with shortlisted candidates.

If you do not hear back within two weeks of the application deadline, your application has not been selected.