Area Protection Manager (Community Center)

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a qualified and motivated Area Protection Manager (Community Centers)  who will be responsible for the management and implementation of the UNHCR-funded community center project in southern Poland (Krakow, Wroclaw, Rzeszow, Przemysl).

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement-affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC is implementing a multi-sector response to support Ukraine refugees, IDPs, and host populations both within Ukraine and in the neighboring countries of Poland, Romania and Moldova, and wider Europe.  Since late February 2022, nearly 4 million Ukrainians and third-country nationals have crossed the border to Poland. As part of its neighboring country response, DRC is establishing an operational presence in Poland to support displaced populations through direct implementation, partnership with civil society organizations and national NGOs, duty bearers, and other actors.   

The community centers evolved from UNHCR-UNICEF Blue Dots and are supposed to serve as protection hubs supporting linking conflict-affected people, especially those at heightened risk, with services they require. In addition, the community centers aim to strengthen resilience and social inclusion and operate in support of social cohesion. In each location, the Community Centers will be run in collaboration and/or under the leadership of local/national NGOs. In each location, a designated area project coordinator or team leader is responsible for the coordination of the Community Center. With the support of the Protection Manager and Child Protection Specialist, and overseeing field protection staff in the four locations the Protection Project Manager will be responsible for the overall coordination of the rollout and implementation of the projects in all four locations. 

About the Job

The Area Protection Manager will have an area focus and ensure compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the area. He/She will contribute to the development of country strategies, which will be translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks, and provide support and/or technical guidance to base operations while overseeing area activities specific to the Community Center project.

Project coordination and implementation

• Through area protection specialists coordinate the work of Community Center area coordinators and team leaders in Krakow, Wroclaw, Rzeszow, and field team in Przemysl in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities.
• With the support of the protection manager develop and roll out relevant project management tools such as work plans, procurement plans, monitoring plans, IM tools
• With the support of the protection manager, take leadership of the Community Center project within the allocated geographical area in terms of high quality and timely deliveries, narrative reporting and financial overviews, close cooperation with donors, and government counterparts, and coordination mechanism on site and in synergy with other DRC interventions in the area.
• With the support of technical specialists formalize and roll out operational tools and training modules such as intake and screening forms, referral pathways, standard operating procedures (SOP) for referrals, Child-Friendly Space SOPs, etc.
• Contribute to the development of methodologies used for community engagement, community-driven initiatives, and dialogues jointly with the protection team and partners staff and provide required guidance to implementation teams
• Closely collaborate with area support services officers to support timely procurement and delivery of necessary project equipment and supplies to partners, HR, and admin procedures.
• Consolidate inputs from area coordinators for monthly, quarterly, and annual donor reports and provide needs-based support in reporting at the area – level
• Coordinate area-specific budget monitoring, financial management, and expense control at the area level for the project activities, including compliance with minimum DRC and donor requirements.
• Contribute to the risk registry and escalate high-risk areas to senior management.
   

Accountability and reporting

• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and develop relevant accountability initiatives within relevant project programs as well as strengthen the effort to document the impact of activities
• Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements including procurement
• Coordination and representation
   

Program Development and Strategy

• Representation of DRC and active participation in sectoral and relevant working groups.
• Identify recommendations on technical assistance and capacity exchange and lead their implementation with the support of relevant staff.
• Oversee knowledge sharing across area teams, document programmatic learning, and ensure that monitoring and evaluation results are understood and used to improve programs.
• Contribute to the development and growth of the DRC Protection program and feed into country-wide strategy development.

Representation

• Maintain and manage relations with the UNHCR Field Offices in Krakow and Rzeszow and contribute to any relevant discussions with donors at the country level as requested.
• Build and maintain relations with municipalities and other local authorities in the indicated geographical areas.

About You

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of 4 years of relevant, proven work experience in NGO projects. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• A Master's degree in political science, international development, economics, or other relevant fields.
• Experience in the area of protection and/or human rights, MHPSS, legal aid, and child protection.
• At least 2 years experience with people management.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Full professional proficiency in English, proficiency in Polish and/or Ukrainian, and/or Russian is highly desirable.
• Strong 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.).
• Experience working with Monitoring and Evaluation.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values. 

We Offer

Contract length: 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding.

Band: Management, F

Duty base: Krakow

Start date: January 2023

Number of positions: 1

We offer a competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff.  

Application Process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

Closing date for applications: December 4th, 2022. 

Candidates need to have the right to live and work in Poland or be EU/EFTA  or Ukrainian citizens. DRC will not sponsor visas.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we, therefore, encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.