Protection and GBV Learning Study Consultant (Eastern Europe)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Refugees seeking durable solutions in countries of first asylum face complex challenges due to their intersecting social identities.1 Already vulnerable as a result of displacement, certain refugees face additional challenges due to their age, gender identity, ethnicity, or sexual orientation—which complicate the efforts of aid organizations and host communities to provide for refugees’ needs. To better serve the needs of particularly vulnerable refugees, and the needs of states and local communities hosting refugees, it is important to understand how refugees navigate challenges derived from their intersecting social identities as they seek protection and durable solutions to their displacement. It is equally important to understand how organizations interface with refugees and host communities, and how they incorporate refugees’ intersecting social identities into their protection programming and referral mechanisms.

HIAS seeks a consultant to conduct a learning study2 aimed at refining its existing protection referral pathways by better understanding the ecosystem of organizations helping refugees access durable solutions in Poland, Romania, Moldova, and Greece; and how these organizations incorporate refugees’ intersecting social identities into their programming. The consultant will be expected to hold discussions with key stakeholders, ranging from UNHCR officials, to refugee and host community leaders, to representatives and key informants from relevant sub-communities—such as women, youth, the differently abled, and LGBTQI+ groups. The consultant will also be expected to identify protection actors with the potential to assist HIAS in developing its own protection referral pathways, and to produce a report that (1) documents the protection and durable solutions landscape and challenges, (2) synthesizes the current and potential capacity of each mapped organization to help HIAS and its partners refine their protection referral systems, and (3) issues recommendations to HIAS and for further engagement and potential collaboration with said organizations.

HIAS country office staff will provide logistical support to the consultant, including setting meetings with stakeholders and making interpreters available. In order to access this support, the consultant will need to conduct their field research on the following dates:

– June 26-30: Poland (based in Warsaw, with possible travel to other sites)

– July 1-5: Romania (based in Bucharest, with possible travel to other sites)

– July 6-7: Moldova (based in Chi?inau)

Following these deployments, the consultant will have until July 12 to complete their report.

OBJECTIVES:

The main objectives of this project are:

• To better understand opportunities and challenges in offering protection programming and implementing robust referral pathways that incorporate refugees’ intersecting social identities;
• To identify ways in which HIAS and its partners can improve protection referral mechanisms for members of marginalized groups within refugee communities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather information on existing programs designed to support particularly vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in Poland, Romania and Moldova; with a focus on equity of access to each organization’s services, outreach capacity, and strict adherence to confidentiality and data protection best practices. This will be done through consultations with NGO officials and with adjacent service providers and community leaders.
• Map stakeholder services for particularly vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers. Mapping should evaluate:
• Each organization’s community outreach methods, including an assessment of equitability and ease of access, taking into account inequities amid different sub-communities within broader refugee populations, in ease of access to services and support;
• Whether and to what degree the communities served by each mapped organization already have access to existing protection mechanisms.
• Develop actionable analysis and recommendations, which HIAS and its partners can incorporate into their respective programming.

DELIVERABLE

• Report listing services available to particularly vulnerable refugees and host communities, evaluating equity of access and quality of community outreach, and assessing their capacity to engage in protection referral mechanisms. This report ought to include: (1) types and scope of services currently provided, and (2) mapping of referral networks.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluency in written/spoken English and one or more of the following languages (in order of priority): Ukrainian, Russian, Polish or Romanian.
• Relevant experience carrying out needs assessments, program evaluation, or similar activities.
• Previous experience working on migration/refugee issues required; existing knowledge of or relationships with key stakeholders preferred.
• Previous experience working with particularly vulnerable populations with intersecting social identities; existing knowledge of or relationships with key stakeholders preferred.
• Must have strong writing, communication and research skills.

APPLICATION & HIRING PROCESS:

To apply for this consultancy, please submit the following items:

• An up-to-date CV;
• A cover letter articulating your qualifications to conduct the Learning Study; briefly describing the methodology and tools you would employ; and listing an expected daily rate (please note that, between June 26 and July 7, per diem and travel expenses will be covered by HIAS, in line with existing travel policy)

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process for consultancies:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 3: Offer, consultancy agreement.

Step 4: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.