Background

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Gender Standby Capacity Project (GenCap) and Protection Standby Capacity Project (ProCap) were established in 2007 and 2005 respectively to strengthen gender and protection capacity and leadership in humanitarian operations. 

By investing in tailored inter-agency deployments in support of humanitarian operations, GenCap and ProCap aim to reinforce leadership, programmes and localization strategies that ensure the centrality of gender and protection in humanitarian operations. 

Following their 2019 Evaluative Review, the projects have undergone a re-design process. The redesign is aimed at strengthening the Projects’ identity, establishing standard monitoring processes and functions to prove the Projects’ impact, and continuously invest in adaptive learning within the Projects and between the projects and their stakeholders. One of the key features of the re-design is placing greater focus on the capacity development; including of key stakeholders during deployments; through training and capacity building services provided to the humanitarian system; and monitoring and components of the Projects.

The shift towards a stronger in-country a capacity development function means that the projects will focus all investments in enhancing strategic and technical capacities of humanitarian teams in a selected number of humanitarian contexts. Shifting focus to field capacity development will mean that all project functions (including training) will be aimed at supporting Senior Advisors in their work with Humanitarian Country Teams. 

The Technical Reference Group

The Technical Reference Group as an entity, was established in 2020 by GenCap and ProCap to support the capacity development and monitoring functions of the projects. The main focus of the Group has since shifted to coaching and mentoring, peer learning and CoP management, policy engagement, analysis and support to the management team around various thematic workstreams. The Group is composed of two members: one ProCap Senior Advisor and one GenCap Senior Advisor. Building on the experience and learning, the TRG function may be expanded commensurate to needs and size if the operational footprint. All members of the Group work under the supervision of NRC’s Head of Operation and in close collaboration with the Projects’ Support Unit hosted by OCHA Geneva.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

In close collaboration / coordination with the Project Management:

A. Coaching, mentoring support operational guidance to Expert Advisers on assignment: 

Monitor the implementation of field workplans and support advisors on assignment as follows:

Provide proactive support, guidance and feedback to ProCap advisers in assigned country contexts. This support includes development of relevant strategic and operational objectives, plans and reports in accordance with delivery modalities of the ProCap framework.  Where issues and/or bottlenecks arise, support the deployed Adviser to identify potential solutions and actions that may be taken. Where appropriate flag issues and suggest solutions to the ProCap management team to develop collective responses and increase learning.  Convene project management to raise issues that require decisions about resources and/or strategic directions.

B. Policy engagement 

In close collaboration with project management, remain abreast and proactively communicate on developments within relevant policy workstreams across multilateral forums relevant to operational and strategic dimensions of its strategic framework.  In close collaboration with project management, identify and represent the project in global events and conferences. Where relevant, recommend advisor participation.  Build partnerships / collaborations and networks within the protection community for the purpose of identifying opportunities for the Project and raising awareness of the Project's work and added value.

C. Analysis and reporting 

Provide consolidated analysis of ProCap deployments’ progress in accordance with project reporting framework at quarterly intervals. Lead on the compilation of end of year analysis for reporting purposes. This includes identifying lessons learned and good practices from deployments and sharing how these contribute to advancing the Projects Strategic Framework’s objectives and those of relevant global frameworks and commitments. Advise on appropriate country and thematic focus areas for information products as needed. 

D. Lead community of practice in collaboration with ProCap TRG, lead the communities of practice by identifying and convening advisors and relevant expertise for peer exchange and peer learning on the projects' workstreams (e.g. webinars, podcasts).

E. Support to management team on deployments 

Engagement in deployment calls and drafting TORs for advisor deployment,  Weigh in on matching of candidate profiles with operational asks.  Engage as requested by management on recruitment processes and analysis of roster member’s skillsets  At the request of management, undertake and/or contribute to planning for scoping missions Further programmatic collaboration with the GenCap TRG to leverage programmatic synergies within operational contexts, pursue opportunities for learning and knowledge sharing. Engage with global capacity building initiatives. 

F. Other duties as requested by the Head of Operations and Team Leader

Beyond the senior level of strategic technical experience required for all ProCap and ProCap Roster
Members, the selected candidates will demonstrate the following interests, experiences and skills:

A thorough understanding of the Projects’ strategic framework, operational approaches and thematic workstreams; and the ability to present them and represent the project in strategic forums and with partners. Previous experience in the international humanitarian system, knowledge of the humanitarian architecture. Previous experience in mentoring and coaching, knowledge sharing, guidance, adult learning approaches and demonstrated interest in cultivating peer learning and community dialogue within peer groups. Previous experience developing materials, active learning methodologies, capacity building/training initiatives and facilitation. Previous experience and interest in reviewing and providing substantive inputs on global policies, ability to articulate project engagement in implementing the policies pertinent to the projects.

Salary and other Contractual arrangements
The Technical Reference Group members are nominated in a full-time position for one year. They will be home-based and may be expected to travel approximately 30% of their working time. The member will be compensated according to ProCap/GenCap salary level and conditions of appointment for homebased/roving positions.

Reports to: Head of Operations

Office: Home-based

Hours: 40 hour per week At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

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