Since the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine, GBV risks have significantly increased across affected populations. While women and girls remain disproportionately affected, emerging evidence indicates that men and boys are also exposed to various forms of violence, including conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), detention-related abuse, harassment, and intimate partner violence.
At the same time, stigma, social norms, and limited availability of tailored services create significant barriers for male survivors in accessing support. Veterans and demobilized men may face compounded psychosocial stress, trauma exposure, and reintegration challenges, which can increase vulnerabilities to both experiencing and perpetrating violence if not adequately addressed.
UNFPA and the GBV Workstream in Ukraine aims to ensure inclusive, survivor-centred, and coordinated GBV prevention and response. Strengthening programming for men and boys, while maintaining a strong focus on women and girls, is critical to ensuring a comprehensive and effective GBV response.
Targeted interventions for veterans are essential for GBV prevention in Ukraine context, because the transition from military to civilian life often involves complex psychological adjustments that, if unaddressed, can strain domestic relationships. By providing psychosocial support and structured reintegration, these programs help individuals navigate the shift in social dynamics and manage stress effectively, addressing potential triggers of conflict at their source. This, in turn, can strengthen family wellbeing, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce stressors that negatively affect women and girls, particularly within veterans’ households.
Role Description:
This position is a double-hatting position of inter-agency coordination for male GBV survivors, and the UNFPA GBV programme for male GBV survivors, and GBV Prevention and Mitigation through Veteran Support. The incumbent is expected to serve as a recognised technical resource on the subject area and contribute to shaping inter-agency approaches, technical guidance, and programming priorities at national level.
The GBV Specialist – Men and Boys will play a critical role in strengthening inclusive gender-based violence programming in Ukraine, with a focus on addressing the unique risks, needs, and barriers faced by male survivors. Reporting to the GBV Programme and Coordination Advisor,with day-to-day supervision by the Deputy GBV Workstream Coordinator based in Dnipro, the Specialist will independently lead coordination with partners, develop and implement targeted programs, and contribute to strategic planning, advocacy, and capacity building, in the area of GBV response for male survivors, as well as GBV Prevention and Mitigation through Veteran Support.
The role is designed to ensure that men and boys affected by conflict-related and other forms of GBV have access to survivor-centered services, prevention initiatives, and protection mechanisms. By identifying gaps, promoting best practices, and supporting innovative approaches, the Specialist will enhance the overall effectiveness, reach, and inclusivity of GBV interventions in the country.
The role recognizes that unresolved trauma, social isolation, and reintegration challenges among veterans may contribute to family- and community-level stressors, including GBV. Through psychosocial support, positive coping strategies, and structured reintegration, the position contributes to violence prevention and safer environments for women, girls, men, and boys, while maintaining a survivor-centred and women- and girl-focused GBV approach.
The role will also contribute to the development of targeted approaches addressing the psychosocial needs and reintegration challenges of veterans as part of broader efforts to mitigate and prevent gender-based violence, including violence against women and girls and conflict-related sexual violence affecting men and boys.