GBV Associate

Nature of Position

UNHCR’s Office in Italy is a multi-Country office responsible for Italy, San Marino and the Holy See. Italy plays an important role in refugee protection in Europe, remaining one of the major points of arrival for persons seeking protection in Europe, mostly arriving by sea via the Mediterranean.

In 2024, 66,617 migrants and refugees originating from 57 countries arrived in Italy by sea and Italy received almost 50% of all sea arrivals to Southern Europe through the Mediterranean Sea. Whereas numbers have gone down in 2024 compared to 2023 when 157,651 people arrived by sea, it is anticipated that Italy will continue to receive the largest number of sea arrivals to Europe as well as a significant number arrival by land and air.

While there are fluctuations in levels of arrivals, the drivers of the movements from Africa and the Middle East moving along the Central Mediterranean and Balkan routes continue to remain or worsen because of the various crises and political tensions.

In Italy, UNHCR works with the Italian government, other organizations, the host community and refugees themselves to uphold the rights of people forced to flee and stateless persons, and to improve laws and national systems so that refugees and stateless persons stay safe, enjoy fundamental rights such effective access to documentation, education, work and other socio-economic rights. Through its staff and partners, UNHCR engages in activities aimed at ensuring protection of Persons with Specific Needs (PwSN), addressing protection risks through the Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach, with a particular focus on persons with specific needs, including unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). UNHCR’s delivery of protection activities is based on a community-based protection (CBP) and rights-based (RBA) approach, which aims to put affected populations at the center of decisions affecting their lives. Based on this approach, UNHCR promotes active refugee participation in all aspects of its programme cycle, develops protection strategies and solutions in partnership with them and supports the community’s own goals, also through the effective engagement and communication with communities.
UNHCR staff perform a variety of tasks country-wide, including provision of information on international protection to newly arrived persons, monitoring land border procedures and their potential impact on access to asylum and other relevant procedures. Staff also work with authorities, partners and refugee communities to identify persons with specific needs, so they may promptly be referred to appropriate services, and engage in monitoring reception conditions, and providing support to the National (and local) Commission for the Right to Asylum, including on the reform of the RSD procedure.
UNHCR also seeks to help refugees thrive in Italy and fully contribute to the economic, cultural and social life of the country, by providing support to the implementation of the Government’s national integration plan, as well as relevant guidelines on vulnerabilities, provision of information and counselling on rights, entitlements and obligations, promotion of communication tools and engagement with the private sector to promote refugees’ employment, and by working with relevant authorities and Italian universities to promote access to education at all levels. Furthermore, the agency engages on GBV and child protection and other specific needs responses through dedicated and specialized programs.

MCO Italy is looking for a candidate who hold a degree in social sciences, law, psychology, or a related field, with experience in GBV prevention, mitigation and response, and protection work, particularly with refugees and vulnerable populations. She/he must demonstrate expertise in community-based and rights-based approaches, knowledge of the Italy’s asylum system, and strong analytical, communication, drafting, and program implementation skills. Proficiency in English and Italian is essential, with additional language skills being an asset. The candidate should exhibit cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a commitment to humanitarian principles, ensuring effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders to address protection risks and promote refugee integration.