Protection Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, employing approximately 15,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year, focusing on the protection and rights of displaced individuals. NRC Afghanistan is one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in the country, with a significant presence across 14 provinces and over 1,000 staff members. The organization is committed to addressing the complex humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, particularly in the wake of the Taliban takeover in August 2021, which has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis and increased challenges in maintaining principled humanitarian access. NRC's mission emphasizes the importance of protection, particularly for vulnerable populations, including women and children, in conflict-affected areas.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist will play a crucial role in leading the protection competency within NRC’s programs in Afghanistan. This position requires an action-oriented and execution-driven individual with strong analytical skills and a proven track record in developing and implementing strategies that adapt to changing circumstances. The role involves strategic leadership in developing the protection strategy, contributing to integrated programming, and merging protection with site management. The Protection Specialist will also be responsible for fundraising efforts, including developing and revising funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports. Additionally, the role includes ensuring technical quality by developing standard operating procedures, guidelines, and tools, as well as providing technical direction and support for project implementation. The Protection Specialist will also focus on learning and capacity building, ensuring that key learnings are extracted and incorporated into the program cycle, and providing training to technical staff. The position requires representation of NRC in external coordination forums and collaboration with authorities and stakeholders to advocate for the protection of civilians and address humanitarian needs in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Protection strategy in alignment with NRC’s overall mission and objectives.
• Lead the integration of protection into site management and other relevant programming areas.
• Develop and revise funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports to secure financial support for protection initiatives.
• Create and maintain technical standard operating procedures, guidelines, and tools to ensure high-quality protection services.
• Provide technical direction and support for project implementation, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.
• Extract and incorporate key learnings from program activities to enhance the effectiveness of protection interventions.
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation tools and systems to assess the impact of protection programs.
• Represent NRC in external coordination forums, engaging with authorities and key stakeholders to advocate for the protection of civilians.
• Contribute to the development of advocacy products and participate in briefings to raise awareness of protection issues. 1
• Provide training and capacity-building support to technical staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in protection service delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• Senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, with a focus on protection service delivery.
• Proven experience in case management and implementation of protection programs.
• Strong knowledge of International law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and the Protection of Children in Armed Conflicts.
• Expertise in civilian self-protection strategies and site management.
• Experience working in complex and volatile contexts, particularly in Afghanistan or similar environments.
• Familiarity with the humanitarian needs and displacement issues in Afghanistan.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social sciences, international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection, human rights, or humanitarian law are highly desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in protection programming within humanitarian or recovery contexts is required. Experience in senior management roles and leading protection initiatives is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Afghanistan is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role may require approximately 30% travel within the country. The position is classified as Grade 9 in NRC’s Salary Scale, which includes a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is an equal opportunities employer and encourages diversity in its workforce, particularly in terms of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility.