The Save the Children in Ethiopia Country Office (CO), in support of the Government of Ethiopia (GoE), has continued to contribute to the well-being of Ethiopian children in development and humanitarian contexts. We work to provide immediate humanitarian relief and long-term sustainable development.

INTRODUCTION

Save the children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity and integrity, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation.

ROLE PURPOSE:

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by aid workers contradicts the very principles on which humanitarian action is based and is a protection failure. All staff of humanitarian agencies and organizations, including the United Nations agencies and operational partners, are expected to uphold the highest standards of personal and professional conduct at all times to protect beneficiaries of assistance. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of members of the local population is unacceptable and constitutes gross misconduct. Therefore, to prevent this act it is necessary to select PSEA/AAP focal points from humanitarian organizations who will be able to be part of the PSEA/AAP network and who will be in charge within organizations for SEA prevention and response.

The role of being a PSEA/AAP Focal Point can be assigned to existing personnel or new personnel can be hired for this purpose. It is advised that organisations assign adequate time on a focal point’s level of effort (LOE) that should be dedicated to this function, depending on the size of the organization/agency’s staff and operational presence. Each humanitarian organization or agency should ideally designate two Focal Points- one to focus on PSEA and the other AAP for this role.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the organisations related to PSEA/AAP primarily focus on three main aspects namely, prevention, response and coordination.

Prevention

• Ensure that the PSEA and AAP Focal Points are identified and that these are known throughout the organization, and that their contact details are made widely available.
•  Where applicable, support staff to sign the organization/agency’s PSEA Code of Conduct, which should clearly prohibit acts of sexual exploitation and abuse and obligate them to report such acts according to agreed reporting procedures (i.e. six core principles of PSEA).
•  Organize and/or facilitate awareness-raising sessions on PSEA/AAP for all staff and other personnel in the organization on a regular basis, including introductory sessions for newcomers.
• Make appropriate recommendations and updates to regional management on enhancing prevention strategies. This could include collecting and analyzing information on actual/potential risk factors for vulnerability to sexual exploitation and abuse as well as elaborating measures to address them in close collaboration with their national-level counterparts.
• Actively participate in the development of inter-agency community-based complaint mechanism (CBCMs), promoting an inter-agency survivor-centered approach to preparedness and response.
• Share the organizational PSEA/AAP updates and any relevant resources with the Network.

Response

• Ensure to be involved in the operationalization of internal procedures for staff and other personnel to report incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse; consistent with applicable organizational rules.
• Receive and follow-up on complaints, reports, and questions about alleged acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed by all categories of the personnel in close collaboration with their national-level counterparts.
• Take appropriate measures to ensure safety and confidentiality, focusing on a survivor-centered approach to PSEA preparedness and response.
• Upon receiving a complaint, ensure that all materials pertaining to complaints are handled in strict confidence and in line with applicable grievance and complaint handling procedures.
• Refer complaints/reports to the appropriate unit within the agency/organization for investigation in close collaboration with the regional GBV/CP AoR;
• Immediately, and in consideration with confidentiality and consent procedures, facilitate referral complainants to the in-country GBV/CP response mechanism so that they may receive the medical, psychosocial, legal and material support they need or directly assist complainants to access immediate medical assistance and safety measures where needed.

Management and Coordination

•  Advocate, in close partnership with the Shire PSEA-AAP Network, and with support from the national-level network, that the job descriptions, terms of reference and/or performance appraisal of staff who are Focal Points clearly include PSEA/AAP responsibilities.
• Track all PSEA/AAP -related activities for the agency/organization, ensuring that all information on PSEA-AAP related activities is shared with relevant persons.
• Keep data on reported incidents for general reporting and further development of efforts to address SEA. Keep management up to date on PSEA/AAP measures taken and plans for future action.
• Keep their organization management up to date on PSEA/AAP measures taken and plans for future actions.
• Attend interagency PSEA/AAP meetings (i.e. bi-weekly)

External Responsibilities

As an active member of the PSEA/AAP Network, the Focal Point will work in collaboration with other network members to:

• Engage with local populations, so that they are aware of rights and entitlements, ensuring that safe, accessible, gender-specific, and confidential complaint mechanisms are in place.
• Ensure UN agencies and affiliated organizations take steps to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation and demonstrate accountability to affected populations, which should include the development and implementation of
  • PSEA-specific codes of conduct,
  • PSEA/AAP-specific induction training and awareness raising for personnel, and
  • Mechanisms to prevent the SEA (including having in place safer recruitment practices) and uphold the tenets of AAP.
• Support UN agencies and affiliated organizations to respond to SEA, which includes the development and implementation of:
• internal complaints and feedback procedures, including community-based reporting and feedback mechanisms,
  • Investigation procedures,
  • Disciplinary action and sanctions, and
  • Survivor assistance mechanisms.
• In developing mechanisms and procedures, the Focal Point collaborates with the PSEA/AAP Network in order to promote consistency among organizations and to benefit from lessons learned.
• The Focal Point works with other focal points in the Network to achieve the fulfilment of the Network’s Terms of Reference.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

Competencies and Experience

In selecting focal points, the following should be given due attention:

• Demonstrates sensitivity to cultural diversity and gender issues.
• Proven communication skills.
• Professional work experience in the areas of safeguarding, protection, child protection, GBViE, gender, /or human resources and accountability.
• Proven understanding of the institutional culture of the UN and humanitarian organizations and operations with high personal integrity.
• Models organizational values and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of humanitarian programs and regular contact with field-based staff.

Desirable

Experience in senior-level within the management structure of the agency/organization.