Job Description

Deadline for Applications

March 31, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

H (no hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

CONTR Local Senior Level Support

Target Start Date

2026-06-01

Terms of Reference

***Please note this position is a secondment open only to candidates with a valid contract with a Swiss entity (e.g. NGO or cantonal/municipal institutions. Applications submitted by employees of the Federal Administration will not be considered)***

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT

The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino—countries situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and characterized by diverse asylum systems, distinct legal frameworks, and varying capacities for refugee protection.
This sub region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements to Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land, secondary movements, and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. Although the number of arrivals fluctuates, the centrality of these countries in broader European migration dynamics remains constant.
Italy and Malta, in particular, continue to serve as primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa positions Italy as a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) activities and in receiving persons rescued at sea.
The GBV and Community Engagement Support Contractor supports the operations’ efforts to fulfil UNHCR’s mandate and associated obligations on GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response based on policy and guidance, as well as UNHCR’s efforts in communicating effectively with communities.
The GBV and Community Engagement Support Contractor works under direct supervision of the Senior Community-Based Protection Associate, who defines overall work objectives and provides regular advice and guidance. S/he will focus on supporting UNHCR partners in delivering effective protection services for asylum seekers, refugees and stateless individuals who are at risk or survivors of GBV, as well as safe and ethical data collection and further analysis of GBV trends. The incumbent will also ensure quality prevention and risk mitigation interventions.
S/he collaborates closely with the UNHCR Programme and the Protection team in the country and strengthens working relations with other agencies and partners involved in GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response. S/he promotes alignment with GBV minimum standards and respect of GBV Guiding Principles.
S/he also ensures that forcibly displaced and stateless people, in particular women and girls, are involved with the Office in receiving clear information and guidance to make decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
• Contribute to GBV partners’ monitoring and support in providing technical guidance to partners and government counterparts on GBV minimum standards.
• Contribute to analysis of GBV trends and gaps, including by assisting with drafting briefing notes and analytical reports.
• Contribute to the design of GBV prevention, risk mitigation and response interventions.
• Support the development of coordination tools such as referral pathways.
• Contribute to safety audits and other relevant assessments.
• Contribute to support other sectors/units on GBV risk mitigation under overall guidance of Senior CB Protection Associate.
• Support GBV capacity building initiatives, including on GBV safe disclosure and referrals.
• Support communication with communities (CwC) activities on GBV topics and other topics relevant to refugees and asylum-seekers in Italy, e.g. through maintaining and updating digital platforms (UNHCR HELP website, Telegram channel) or communication material.
• Support the coordination of consultative and engagement activities with refugee communities (e.g. Participatory Assessments).
• Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures for GBV as well as the GBV minimum standards and Guiding Principles.
• Liaise with Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and other stakeholders on a regular basis.
• Perform other related duties as required.

DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

MCO Italy is looking for a strong candidate with a valid work contract with a Swiss entity (e.g. NGO or cantonal/municipal institutions. Applications submitted by employees of the Federal Administration will not be considered) who must have at least three years of previous work experience relevant to the function of GBV and/or community engagement and communicating with communities (CwC). Knowledge of GBV minimum standards, Guiding Principles and GBV case management standards.
Desirable: University studies in Human Rights, Social Anthropology, Social Work, Law, International Development, Social Sciences, or other relevant field. Experience in the field of protection or social work involving child protection, mental health, counselling and working with survivors, displacement and protection issues. Knowledge and experience of participatory approaches to engaging with and mobilizing communities. Experience with UNHCR programming and partnership modalities. Work experience in Switzerland relevant to the function of GBV and/or community engagement and communicating with communities (CwC) or knowledge of the Swiss asylum system.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.
English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Assessment of short-listed candidates might comprise of both an interview and a written test.
Recruitment is subject to signature of a deployment agreement between UNHCR and the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) as well as an agreement between the current employer of the contractor, the contractor and SEM.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

In case of any queries, please contact the Italy HR Team at itarohr@unhcr.org.