Protection Officer (General)

Protection Officer (General)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

September 14, 2026September 13, 2026Iraq
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been providing assistance in Iraq since 200
  • Established to support vulnerable populations affected by displacement, DRC operates in various regions across Iraq, including Basra, Baqubah, Jalawla, Gatoon, Baghdad, Muqdadiya, Balad, Aziz Balad, Samarra, Mosul, Duhok, Tel Afar, Baa’j, Sinjar, and Erbil. The organization focuses on delivering humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities, ensuring their protection and support in rebuilding their lives. DRC is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and safeguarding the rights of those it serves, with a mission to create a safe and dignified environment for all individuals affected by conflict and displacement.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer (General) will play a crucial role in supporting the daily operations of DRC's protection activities under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader. This position involves planning, implementing, and following up on various protection services aimed at assisting vulnerable populations in Diyala. The officer will be responsible for providing general protection services, including community-based protection activities, addressing violence against women and men, and managing protection cases. The role requires maintaining accurate case data, tracking referrals, and contributing to reporting efforts. The Protection Officer will also engage with government institutions, civil society organizations, and other partners to enhance the effectiveness of protection interventions and ensure that the needs of at-risk populations are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including:
  • Supporting the day-to-day management and monitoring of protection projects to ensure compliance with DRC policies and procedures.
  • Engaging in core protection activities such as conducting protection assessments, monitoring, case management, community engagement, and facilitating cash for protection initiatives.
  • Collaborating with the Protection Team Leader to design and develop technical interventions targeting vulnerable populations.
  • Providing coaching and technical guidance to Protection Assistants on case management practices.
  • Maintaining an updated mapping of service providers and coordinating with the Legal Aid team as necessary.
  • Identifying capacity-building needs among Protection Assistants and assisting in planning training sessions.
  • Preparing and submitting regular work plans and reports to the Protection Team Leader.
  • Ensuring confidentiality and safety in record-keeping and case referrals.
  • Conducting household visits and protection monitoring exercises. 1
  • Managing community volunteers and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures. 1
  • Collaborating with the DRC legal team and conducting awareness sessions with community stakeholders. 1
  • Reporting any significant issues to protection management and collaborating with colleagues to resolve challenges. 1
  • Supporting logistics and financial procedures related to protection activities and assisting in monitoring and evaluation exercises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a solid understanding of protection principles and minimum standards, with a preference for those who have at least three years of experience in community-based protection activities, case management, and addressing violence against women and men. Familiarity with DRC's operations and experience working with vulnerable groups, including IDPs and refugees, is highly desirable. Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office applications, are essential, along with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality and prioritize the safety and dignity of beneficiaries at all times.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in fields such as law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, political science, psychology, social work, or humanities and social sciences is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical foundation for understanding the complexities of protection work and the needs of vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in protection work, particularly in facilitating community-based protection activities and case management. Experience in delivering community programs to vulnerable groups is preferred, along with prior exposure to DRC's operations or similar humanitarian contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of effectively managing protection projects and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory, and advanced proficiency in English is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication with beneficiaries, stakeholders, and team members, ensuring that protection services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to start on 15 September 2026, contingent upon donor agreement signature, and will conclude on 28 February 202
  • The salary band is classified as H, and the organization offers comprehensive health insurance for staff and their families, personal accident insurance, psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support, and opportunities for professional development. The terms of employment will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s policies for national staff. Applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a maximum length of four pages. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 12 September 2026, and due to the urgency of the recruitment process, DRC reserves the right to review applications and conduct interviews on a rolling basis, potentially filling the vacancy before the closing date.