Protection Manager

 Danish Refugee Council/Danish Demining Group (DRC/DDG) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, working in more than 40 countries to provide adequate assistance with a rights-based approach to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees and migrants. DRC/DDG is currently looking for a highly qualified Spanish and English-speaking Protection Manager for a 12-month contract (renewable depending on funding and performance) in Colombia. This is an opportunity for an experienced Protection Manager to support DRC’s emergency response to the mixed migration flows in Colombia due to the Venezuela crisis. This is a National Contract post.

About the job

DRC/DDG has been present in Colombia since 2011, focused on capacity-building, setting up of mine action programming and providing support to conflict-affected populations in the south of the country. The onset of large mixed migration flows into Colombia due to the Venezuela crisis requires a major integrated humanitarian response to meet the urgent needs of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, Colombian returnees, and host communities.

Based on the conclusions of several emergency need assessments, DRC initiated an emergency response in the Caribbean coastal areas of Colombia (Riohacha and Barranquilla) and in the towns of Medellin and Bogotá. DRC´s integrated humanitarian response will be based primarily on protection activities, with components of Shelter, WASH, multi-purpose cash assistance, NFIs, and livelihood interventions. DRC/DDG aims to play an important role in humanitarian coordination in support of UNHCR and IOM as coordination lead agencies of GIFMM (Grupo Interagencial de Flujos Migratios Mixtos). The primary objective of the Protection Manager – Bogotá (PM-BOG) will be, together with the Area Manager and the Country protection Coordinator to ensure the timely and effective delivery of assistance and services to the target population in both Medellin and Bogotá.

The PM-BOG will be based in Bogotá sub-office, Cundinamarca Department, and will be responsible for the overall management and activity implementation of DRC protection program (protection monitoring, Protection mainstreaming in cash programming) in the Department of Cundinamarca and in Medellin town, Colombia.

The position will include the line management of protection teams in both locations, including capacity building in emergency protection operations.

Main responsibilities                                                                                                    

Project Management and implementation (Protection monitoring UNIT, and protection mainstreaming in cash programming);

Coordinate, plan and monitor all protection related project activities in target locations;

Management of protection monitoring activities in an emergency context, including individual protection assistance to PWSN, community protection, protection mapping;

Liaise permanently with UNHCR and other protection humanitarian actors in the target Departments;

Take leadership of the project programs in terms of high quality and timely deliveries, narrative reporting and financial overviews;

Formalize and develop project related operational tools and training modules;

Provide input for monthly, quarterly and annual donor reports;

Provide overall protection budget monitoring, financial management and expenses control for the project activities, including compliance with minimum DRC and donor requirements;

Program development and strategy

Representation of DRC and active participation in sectoral and relevant sub sectors/working groups;

Oversee knowledge sharing across teams, and ensure that monitoring and evaluation results are understood and used to improve programs;

Accountability and reporting

Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives within relevant project program as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of activities;

Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement;

People Management.

Lead and manage project staff members including coaching, ensuring coordination, recruitment, and capacity development;

Provide on the job training as much as required and adapt trainings/coaching to specific staff needs;

As Manager the post-holder is responsible for the following:

Accountable for achieving DRC’s strategic goals and objectives within the area of responsibility;

Accountable for making significant decisions on what the unit does: its purpose, functions and role, and for making commitments and decisions that require the expenditure of significant unit resources;

Required experience and competencies                                                                                                              

Minimum 2-3 years of proven protection experience in NGO projects. Candidates without this minimum requirement will not considered for the position;

Proven experience in in implementing protection activities in complex emergency contexts;

At least 1-2 years' experience with people management;

Proficiency in English is an asset;

Excellent writing and editing skills for external audiences (including governments and donors);

Experience in producing high-quality technical material (training material, program tools, proposals, strategic documents etc.);

Excellent reporting and protection analysis skills;

Calm and diplomatic in nature;

Ability to manage competing priorities and to meet deadlines;

Effective team-player – problem solver;

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:  

Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes;

Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback;

Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation;

Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly;

Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values.

Required education                                                                                                       

Master's degree in Human Rights, Political Science, Refugee Law, or any other relevant field;

Or Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with at least 4 years’ working experience in similar positions.

 We offer

Contract length: National Colombian work contract for 12 months renewable depending on performance and funding.

National staff salary level: Depending on experience.

Start date: As soon as possible not later than 01st October 2019

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Massimiliano Benevelli max@drc.ngo or Stephane Rolland Stephane.derengerve@drc.ngo.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in Spanish or English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 18th September 2019. Denmark Time

DUE TO THE URGENCY OF RECRUITING A STAFF THE POSITION DRC RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EMPLOY A QUALIFIED PERSON BEFORE THE CLOSING OF THIS VACANCY