WFP Secondment Protection and Gender Advisor

With the current humanitarian assistance to IDPs in Kachin, northern Shan and Rakhine States, due to armed conflict and communal violence, there has been an increase in instances pertaining to protection issues, raised across different sectors, food security included. Like other humanitarian agencies, WFP has been facing an increased number of different protection issues in the implementation of its programmes.

Worrying reports about sexual exploitation and abuse, especially in IDP-camps and camp-like settings, have led the WFP to start a Training of Trainer program on protection of sexual exploitation (2010-2011). At the same time, new field offices have recently been opened (e.g. in Mawlamyine, Mon State) and the programming is likely to be extended to the Southeast of Myanmar. Furthermore Myanmar is the first of three countries selected by WFP headquarters in Rome to pilot a “Gender Certification” which started in April 2015.

Switzerland is supporting WFP with financial contribution of 2.5 Mio CHF for 2015 being the second largest contributor to WFP in Myanmar.

Strengthen the protection and the gender specific environment for individuals at risk benefitting from the WFP’s program in Myanmar.

WFP Country Office and Sub-Offices staff benefitting from trainings and capacity building measures.

Partner organizations, Working Groups and inter-agency committees that are sensitized and learn about adequate tools, system and response.

Through developed mitigating mechanisms on protection and gender issues WFP staff allover Myanmar are knowledgeable about and know how to address protection and gender issues potentially arising related to the WFP program implementation.

Expected results:  

• Context and risk analysis of protection and gender concerns within the WFP programme is conducted and recommendations are formulated.
• A concept and guidelines, tools and a system to incorporate the recommendations.
• Awareness within WFP is strengthened and technical input to networks and working-groups delivered
• National staff and sub-offices are trained in the implementation of tools and systems.

Results from previous phases:  

SDC has already provided a Protection Advisor to WFP in 2008 and considers it important to continue to support and strengthen the endeavours of WFP in this domain.

Where applicable other INGOs/NGOs can benefit from the findings, recommendations and tools.

Phase 2 01.06.2015 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)