Protection Officer-Case Management (CM)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• It assists refugees and internally displaced persons globally by providing emergency aid, advocating for their rights, and enhancing their opportunities for a better future. With a workforce of over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, DRC operates in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in host countries. The organization is committed to responsible and sustainable solutions, aiming for successful integration and, when possible, facilitating the return of displaced individuals to their homes. DRC's vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced persons, guided by core values such as humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer-Case Management (CM) will work under the technical supervision of the Protection Team Leader (TL) and with inputs from the Protection Manager. This role is crucial for implementing DRC's case management activities in accordance with established Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs). The officer will be responsible for providing timely and appropriate case management services, assessing the needs of individuals with protection concerns, and developing tailored case management plans. The position requires a proactive approach in identifying and addressing emerging trends of violations within communities, as well as providing psychological first aid (PFA) to individuals in distress. The Protection Officer-CM will also collaborate closely with various teams within DRC, including Economic Recovery, HDP, and Emergency teams, and engage with local authorities and communities to promote sectoral integration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer-CM will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing direct client services within the case management program and managing a designated number of routine and complex cases according to DRC standards.
• Conducting intake interviews with individuals identified during outreach or referred by other agencies, and opening cases based on vulnerability criteria.
• Performing comprehensive protection risk assessments for each client, considering emotional, behavioral, and social factors affecting their psychosocial well-being.
• Developing tailored case plans with clients based on identified needs and providing continuous emotional support through regular meetings and follow-ups.
• Closing cases when objectives are met and no further needs are identified, while managing cases within acceptable timeframes.
• Leading safe and timely referrals for individuals at risk or with specific protection concerns.
• Supporting the preparation of procurement and administrative documents for case management implementation.
• Maintaining high professional conduct standards and ensuring actions do not put individuals at risk.
• Accurately entering data of managed cases into DRC's case management information system (Activity Info) and ensuring data protection and confidentiality. 1
• Assisting in onboarding and training new staff on the case management program. 1
• Participating in internal case conferences, team meetings, and documenting protection activities as per DRC and donor regulations. 1
• Monitoring protection concerns through interviews in target locations and reporting new risks to the TL and Protection Manager. 1
• Supporting coordination with relevant stakeholders at the district and community levels and actively participating in weekly protection team meetings.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• 1-2 years of experience in protection case management with INGOs, NGOs, or the UN.
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks, demonstrate self-initiative, and solve problems effectively.
• A strong commitment to protecting human rights and prior experience in case management is advantageous.
• Solid organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High professionalism, integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience in conducting qualitative interviews is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with data management tools such as KOBO is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgments quickly.
• Good communication skills in English, with fluency in Dari and Pashto being essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a degree from a well-recognized university in relevant fields such as law, political sciences, research methods, social work, psychology, or other related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of protection case management and the legal frameworks surrounding human rights and refugee assistance.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 1-2 years of relevant experience in protection case management, preferably with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or the United Nations (UN). This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage cases effectively, conduct assessments, and provide support to vulnerable individuals in a humanitarian context.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include English at a working level, with fluency in Dari and Pashto being essential. Proficiency in these languages is critical for effective communication with clients and stakeholders in the field, ensuring that the needs of individuals are accurately understood and addressed.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require travel to field locations within DRC's coverage areas. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC's salary scale. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language, as part of the application process. Note that applications consisting solely of a CV will not be considered.