POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks to recruit a Protection associate who will support the organization in the implementation of HIAS projects in serving refugees, improve the realization of refugees' rights, including the LGBTQI+ community, through legal and policy changes, and improve social inclusion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Strengthen the capacity of duty bearers to create faith-informed counter-narratives in favour of LGBTQI+ inclusion, address, and act for inclusive legislative and policy reforms for the LGBTQI+
• Support in research on legal and policy challenges facing the LGBTQI+ community by collecting information and data relevant to the LGBTQI+ refugee community.
• Train service providers and stakeholders, e.g, health care providers, journalists, on how to respond to LGBTQI+ persons’ needs and equip them with knowledge on legal provisions and on language for reporting on LGBTQI+ issues.
• Support in the provision of psychosocial, social, and legal support for LGBTQI+ persons.
• Conduct dialogue sessions with stakeholders and faith actors on LGBTQI+ inclusion.
• Carry out social assessments and keep track of socio-environmental risks faced by refugee LGBTQI+ persons, to ensure timely mitigation of risks. Open files for clients and ensure that case management is in line with HIAS SOPs and other sector standards.
• Assess, identify, and analyze community-sensitive interventions geared towards building resilience and self-reliance among refugee LGBTQI+ persons.
• Strengthen community participation and accountability by engaging community outreach workers and community leaders to assist in identifying and selecting beneficiaries most in need within the community.
• Update the client’s information in the case management system and provide a periodic analysis of the data.
• Maintaining robust networks with LGBTQI+ refugee-led organizations to augment their capacities and harness community-based protection initiatives.
• Prepare periodic reports on the client’s progress and prepare a final report of all the activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Social Work, Gender Studies, Community Development Studies, and/or other related fields of study.
• Minimum of 1-2 years’ previous job experience related to refugee protection.
• Previous experience interacting with LGBTIQ persons in a professional context
• Experience working with procedures and principles related to the protection of displaced people (refugees, asylum seekers, or IDPs), especially in GBV, strongly desired
• Experience in counselling asylum seekers or refugees strongly desired
• Sound knowledge of SSOGI issues, especially in Kenya/East Africa.
• Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law, and the ability to apply the relevant legal principles
• Understanding of and links with the LGBT community groups and activists, and human rights protection and/or advocacy experience
• Knowledge of Accountability to Affected Populations is an added advantage
• Knowledge of PSEA and Anti-Fraud.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

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:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person. Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees. Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: 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. 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 applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Important: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

HIAS Kenya is an equal opportunity employer, does not charge candidates for recruitment, and dissociates itself from any entity defrauding candidates.