Protection Officer

WHO ARE WE?

We Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

Under the technical supervision of the Protection Team Leader (TL) with inputs from Protection Manager, the Protection Officer-Case Management (CM) will be responsible for the implementation of DRC case management activities, according to DRC Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs), as well as coordinating with other relevant DRC staff and other stakeholders involved in protection. The Protection Officer-CM will provide appropriate and timely case management services; assess the needs of individuals with protection concerns develop case management plans implementing these as per evolving protection needs and concerns; and ensure appropriate follow-up while creating a climate of trust and care. The Protection Officer-CM will be responsible for assisting identified at risk individuals with referrals (both internal and external) in consultation with the referral focal point and will be proactive in informing the TL and Protection Manager of any concerning new and emerging trends of violations observed in communities. The Protection Officer-CM will also provide psychological first aid (PFA) to people in distress and assist in referrals of very vulnerable cases to the relevant actors. The Protection Officer-CM will promote sectoral integration by working in close coordination with the Economic Recovery, HDP & Emergency teams, and works in collaboration with local authorities and communities.

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring protection concerns in target locations (this may include within communities in eastern region and at border points if/ when relevant). 
• Conducting individual interviews for protection monitoring following DRC’s questionnaire guides and in adherence to DRC SOPs and DRC’s overall methodology and snapshot protection monitoring.
• Ensuring the sample of respondents interviewed each month is representative of those communities and comprises all population profiles within that community (including different age, gender, diversity profiles). 
• Ensuring systematic data collection on a monthly basis as per targets and geographic locations agreed with the Protection TL and project requirements.  
• Ensuring that the interviews are submitted on KOBO in English and that the quality of the information submitted is complete and as accurate as possible.
• Be responsible for data cleaning, verification and initial tagging/analysis of this data as per DRC approach and methodology.
• Ensuring that all data is cleaned, verified and submitted to the Protection TL by the end of each month for further analysis and report writing.
• Taking the lead in conducting safe, timely and appropriate referrals in consultation with the referral focal point for any individuals who are at risk or have specific protection concerns that can be best supported with an onward referral.
• Supporting the referral focal points to ensure updated service mapping (referral pathways and available services) by providing inputs and quality checking and stay up to date with the service mapping.
• Leading on conducting verification, assessment and intake of any at-risk individuals identified through Protection monitoring and who might be eligible for IPA (cash) assistance.
• Be proactive in reporting to the protection TL & Manager any new observed rights violations and concerning trends at targeted communities.  
• Taking the lead on providing timely briefing of key protection concerns observed during routine protection monitoring activities to the Protection TL and Protection Manager.
• Ensuring timely deliveries of IPA as per DRC SOPs, respecting the timeline as per the assessed risk-level of the case.
• Providing support to other protection interventions, including case management, where needed and in accordance with DRC SOP and guidelines.  
• At all times, ensuring the proper and ethical handling of interventions. Ensure that confidentiality is respected at all stages of the protection monitoring, IPA and other protection activities.
• Actively participating in weekly protection team meetings and highlighting outstanding protection concerns and operational challenges in the targeted locations.
• Responsible for coordination at the district and community level with relevant stakeholders.
• Any other tasks.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• 1 to 2 years of experience in the same or similar roles (protection monitoring, IPA and case management) with INGOs/NGOs is highly preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative interviews is a strong advantage. Experience in managing/handling data.
• Experience in managing/ handling data with familiarity with KOBO and other online data collection tools. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to protecting human rights, principled humanitarian standards.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities and effective time management.  
• Meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative interviews is a strong advantage.
• Ability to work independently, make rapid assessments and sound judgements.
• Good communication skills in English and fluency in Dari and Pashto
• Commitment to the mission and the core values of Danish Refugee Council-DRC.
• Willing to stay in field locations and travel in all DRC coverage areas.

Education/qualifications:

• Degree from well-recognized university, in law, political sciences, research methods, social work, psychology, and/or other relevant disciplines.

Languages:

• English (working level)
• Pashto (Fluent)
• Dari (Fluent)

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the Apply link below.  All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages), Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.