Job Identification (Reference Number): 13030
Position Title: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Specialist (P)
Duty Station City: Cox's Bazar
Duty Station Country: Bangladesh
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to six months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Six months
Closing date: 12 May 2025
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
Internal candidates Candidates from the following non-represented member states:Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization providing services to governments and migrants in the field of migration. With 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM is characterized by its strong field presence, its provision of services, including in very remote areas, advice to governments, and direct contact with crisis-affected communities.
Throughout the past years, IOM has strengthened its institutional policies and commitments on protection in humanitarian settings. IOM’s operations are mandated to safeguard the dignity and well-being of all crisis-affected persons, especially women and girls, and aims to ensure that their equitable access to services is prioritized, integrated and coordinated across all IOM crisis operations. Worldwide, IOM staff witness every day first-hand the devastating – and often prolonged – consequences of crises and displacement, including the individual harm and suffering caused by acts of GBV, and the negative impacts that this violence can have on communities that the Organization seeks to assist and protect. Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread human rights abuses in the world, affecting individuals everywhere. Humanitarian crises and situations of fragility can exacerbate exposure to different forms of GBV. IOM’s protection interventions have been designed to reduce vulnerabilities to GBV at the onset of emergencies, by building the capacity of field practitioners to identify, prevent and mitigate GBV risks; providing innovative tools to improve the management of sectoral responses and coordination of service provision in response to identified risks; enhancing operational collaboration between IOM sectors, GBV and other specialized Protection actors; and improving women’s participation in camp governance structures.
Embedded in its broader approach to protection, and building on knowledge and good practice, IOM launched and rolled out its Institutional Framework to address GBV in Crises (the GBViC Framework) in 2018, grounded on IOM’s overall vision that crisis-affected persons live free from GBV. The GBViC framework has represented a major step in the institutionalization of actions to address GBV across IOM’s emergency programming, reaching a key commitment made under the Global Call to Action to Address GBV in Emergencies.
In August 2017, Bangladesh saw a massive influx of 745,000 Rohingya fleeing violence and human rights abuses from Rakhine State, Myanmar. From the onset of the influx in Bangladesh, hundreds of incidents of GBV were reported to humanitarians on a weekly basis, they occurred in Myanmar, during flight, and in displacement in Cox’s Bazar. Key to note that Cox’s Bazar district had a wide range of preexisting GBV risks to begin with. Within host communities, a Violence Against Women report indicated that 42.5 per cent of women surveyed in the Chittagong division (includes Cox’s Bazar) had experienced physical violence at some point in their lives.
The decreasing humanitarian aid and worsening security situation have further escalated GBV risks for both refugees and host communities, with evolving social norms and a deteriorating protection environment exacerbating exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. This creates severe challenges for vulnerable groups, including female-headed households, adolescent girls, and those with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
Reports from 2023 and 2024 indicate rising incidents of intimate partner violence (73.8% of GBV cases) and sexual violence (10.4%), primarily occurring in homes, on streets, near water points, and in public facilities, underscoring the need for stronger GBV risk mitigation in sectors like WASH and SCCCM. Increasing insecurity and pressures on the community have intensified these risks, disproportionately impacting women and girls. Poor living conditions, limited access to resources, lack of income opportunities, inadequate lighting, and distant water points further exacerbate their vulnerability and contribute to child marriage and trafficking in persons. Further, survivors also encounter significant barriers to reporting, such as community pressure, limited decision-making power, fear of forced marriage with perpetrators, and concerns about reprisals.
IOM’s GBV programming in Cox’s Bazar, one of the agency’s largest dedicated GBV initiatives globally, was established in 2017 and supports both refugee and host community populations. The program centers around three key pillars: survivor-centered support, risk mitigation, and addressing the root causes that perpetuate GBV in line with IOM's GBV in Crises Institutional Framework targeting people of all genders and ages, including people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
IOM directly implements case management, providing a comprehensive support package through nine Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) and other appropriate camp facilities to support all individuals in need of case management, including male and SOGEISC individuals. IOM also operates emergency safe shelters for survivors of GBV in Cox’s Bazar. IOM’s WGSS offers various services, including information dissemination, age-appropriate psychosocial support, awareness and educational activities, life-skills training, and forums for information-sharing and learning. IOM conducts relevant training on GBV for both GBV and non-GBV actors. IOM prepositions dignity items as part of emergency preparedness and response (EPR) and distribute it to at-risk women and girls. IOM also prioritizes evidence-based prevention programming such as Engaging Men through Accountable Practices (EMAP) and the Raising Voices SASA! Together Approach to ensure positive practices and behavior to prevent GBV from happening and enhance accountability to address the root causes of gender inequality and bring positive social changes in harmful behaviors and practices related to GBV.
The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Specialist will be responsible for managing, coordinating, promoting and substantively supporting GBV-related activities for IOM’s crisis programming in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.
The GBV Specialist will be responsible for GBV program quality and implementation at one of IOM’s flagships GBV operations. The specialist will be responsible for management of the GBV team. They will be responsible for developing and executing the activities associated with supporting the provision of GBV response, GBV prevention, and risk reduction for vulnerable women, girls, and GBV survivors. Responsibilities include supervising case management and ensuring that they are at the highest standards and ensuring the smooth running of the WGSS and Safe Emergency Shelters. The GBV Specialist will be expected to represent IOM and actively participate in GBV working groups/sub-clusters and develop strong, collaborative relationships with other GBV stakeholders. They will support meaningful analysis on GBV conditions and support the Protection Program Coordinator with advocacy for GBV programming. The GBV Specialist, under the direction of the Protection Program Coordinator, will substantively support integrated programming with the other four Protection teams (Child Protection, Counter-Trafficking, General Protection, and Protection Research). Further, they will manage and ensure the implementation of GBV mainstreaming initiatives and application of effective program planning, in line with IOM’s GBViC Framework and GBV interagency tools.
The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Protection Programme Coordinator, in close coordination with the global GBV Support Team at IOM Headquarters, and overall supervision of the Head of Operations and Head of Sub-Office. The incumbent will be responsible for the following:
Develop, manage and ensure timely implementation of GBV-related activities. Contribute to the development and implementation of GBV strategies, including working with Civil Society Organizations, women’s groups, and other community groups, develop programmatic processes and advocate for GBV services. Develop and actively engage with GBV sector partners and stakeholders to address and support other needs and priorities as identified. Spearhead, with support of the larger protection team, GBV needs assessments and safety audits, prepare, share and discuss reports and recommendations from findings with IOM colleagues and partners, including non-GBV specialized ones. Ensure that NPM and other assessments include GBV-sensitive indicators, and/or consolidate existing information on GBV risks to inform operational response. Spearhead analysis of the achievements of GBV activities and undertake field monitoring visits to identify technical quality of services, evaluate gaps in performance of team and amend/adjust work plan accordingly. Spearhead monitoring of GBV-related outcomes and design of effective beneficiary feedback and complaints mechanisms in line with AAP framework for IOM. Spearhead the development of GBV project work plans to guide implementation and tools for monitoring and evaluation. Ensure timely and quality reporting on GBV-related activities for donors and other stakeholders. Develop and organize the implementation of capacity-building for IOM staff and partners on GBV prevention, mitigation and response as well as the development of referral procedures and improving procedures/practices around GBV disclosures. Represent IOM in relevant coordination forums, including the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Sub Cluster. Promote and facilitate the inclusion of GBV into IOM and humanitarian appeal processes and documents, and prepare and/or advise on reporting and the development of funding proposals. Provide substantive support for emergency preparedness and response for the GBV, advise on lessons learned and adapt programming response. Establish, develop, and finalize guidelines and SOPs for GBV programming. Perform such other tasks as assigned.Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Master’s degree in law, political science, human rights, international relations, cooperation and development, humanitarian action or a related field from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience; or,Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience.Experience
Proven experience in managing or implementing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programs in emergency or post-conflict settings, with a focus on survivor-centered approaches, trauma-informed care, and multi-sectoral response coordination;Demonstrated field experience in humanitarian settings, specifically in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response for migrant, refugee, or internally displaced populations, with a track record of increasing levels of responsibility;Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions;Understanding of IASC humanitarian architecture and global GBV initiatives;Demonstrated experience with Protection and GBV coordination mechanisms, including active participation in interagency coordination forums, cluster meetings, or similar collaborative platforms within humanitarian contexts. Demonstrated experience in conducting informed advocacy on behalf of GBV programming and survivors;Demonstrated experience in conducting ethical safe assessments, data collection, and information-sharing;Demonstrated experience with developing and finalizing SOPs for GBV;Experience with emergency preparedness and response for the GBV and experience with documenting lessons learned and programming adaptation; and,Demonstrated experience managing GBV teams.Skills
Demonstrated strong planning and coordination skills;Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;Sound ability to communicate practical knowledge on actions to address Protection and GBV issues at the operational level and demonstrated experience with training already skilled GBV national staff. Demonstrated analytical, writing and reporting skills;Solid computer skills (MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint); and,Can locate and apply key GBV resources including IOM’s GBViC Framework and toolkit; GBV Standard Operating Procedures; GBV Information Management System; IASC GBV Guidelines; IASC Gender Handbook; Inter-agency Minimum Standards on GBV in Emergencies; GBV AoR Handbook for Coordinating GBV Interventions in Emergencies; WHO Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Researching, Documenting and Monitoring Sexual Violence in Emergencies).Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) and/or Bengali is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.Notes
Only former IOM employees and internal candidates can apply.
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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