Gender-Based Violence Experts – DRC-UNHCR Roving Deployment Scheme

The DRC Standby Roster is looking for available and skilled Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Experts with UNHCR experience, with French and Spanish language skills, to be part of a GBV roving deployment scheme in partnership with UNHCR.  

In 2024, DRC entered a new, strategic deployment partnership with UNHCR to support the refugee operations by deploying Gender-Based Violence Experts. These experts will be deployed on a roving basis to UNHCR operations, primarily in emergencies, but also in complex protracted situations. The experts are expected to spend approximately 75% of their contact time on deployments, with the remaining period allocated to supporting global UNHCR GBV initiatives. Each deployment will typically last six months in locations, including ones classified as hardship duty stations, and the GBV Experts must be prepared to deploy on short notice. They will be expected to undertake various tasks and duties, based on operational needs, including:

• Implementation of UNHCR’s global policies and standards relating to GBV.
• Develop programming for specialised GBV prevention and response.
• Capacity development, technical support and coordination on gender and GBV mainstreaming.
• Strengthen partnerships including with UN agencies, governments, civil society and with displaced and host communities, to prevent, mitigate and respond to GBV. 

Profile and qualifications

For this roving deployment scheme, we are looking for a pool of high-calibre candidates with extensive experience in the humanitarian field and who meet the following requirements: 

• Relevant educational background (International Law, Human Rights, International Development, International Relations, Anthropology, Social Work, Political Science, Social Science, or other relevant field).
• Previous UNHCR work experience.
• 6 years relevant experience with an undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with a graduate degree.
• A minimum of 3 years specific experience with GBV in humanitarian settings.
• Knowledge of broader protection in forced displacement settings, as well as knowledge and demonstrated use of UNHCR and Interagency GBV tools and guidance.
• Strong experience in interacting and building partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
• Proficiency in English and French and or Spanish (mandatory).

Application process 

All applicants must upload a cover letter (1 page maximum) and an updated P11 form via the DRC online application system. Please also upload performance evaluation reports, if applicable. To apply, please click on the "Apply for position" button at the bottom of this advertisement. We will only accept applications submitted in English and received via our online platform. 

We will be receiving and screening applications on a rolling basis until August 2025.

Screening and selection process 

Applications will be screened on an ongoing basis, and we may therefore contact relevant applicants prior to the application deadline. Long-listed candidates will be screened by UNHCR and if approved, will be asked to complete an online written technical test and to submit contact details for two references. If the test result is satisfactory, the candidate may be invited for an online interview. The final selection will be done jointly by DRC and UNHCR.

If you have questions about the DRC-UNHCR roving deployment scheme or are facing issues with the application system, please contact Rachel Hesketh at [email protected]. Applications sent directly to this email address will not be considered.

We foster an inclusive and diverse pool of experts and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.