Senior Protection Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, NRC operates in 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring they receive the support they need in times of crisis. NRC has been active in Bangladesh since 2018, responding to the Rohingya influx and addressing the impacts of climate change in various regions of the country. The organization aims to enhance collaboration among international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and improve strategic engagement with donors and UN agencies to strengthen humanitarian responses.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Adviser will serve as the principal protection focal point for the Protection Consortium in Bangladesh, providing strategic leadership and advocacy support. The role involves high-level representation and evidence-based policy engagement, working closely with consortium partners, the Protection Sector, UN agencies, donors, and other stakeholders to influence humanitarian strategies and policies. The position requires an influential, diplomatic, and collaborative leader with strong interpersonal and networking skills, capable of building constructive relationships with external parties. The adviser will engage in strategic representation, protection analysis, advocacy, and technical leadership, ensuring that protection issues are effectively addressed and integrated into humanitarian responses.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Adviser will be responsible for a range of duties including:

• Strategic Engagement & Representation: Representing the consortium in inter-agency forums, developing the consortium strategy, collaborating with protection actors, serving as a strategic advisor to the steering committee, and contributing to program development and resource mobilization efforts.
• Protection Analysis & Evidence Generation: Conducting analysis of protection trends to inform advocacy and policy decisions.
• Advocacy & Policy Influence: Translating protection issues into advocacy messages, creating policy briefs and donor-facing products, influencing humanitarian policies and donor priorities, and elevating the voices of refugees and host communities.
• Technical Leadership & Guidance: Providing strategic technical inputs in coordination with consortium technical counterparts.
• Protection Mainstreaming & Capacity Strengthening: Promoting protection mainstreaming, developing tools and guidance, and fostering innovation and adaptive learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess protection programming and/or coordination experience in a humanitarian or protracted crisis context, particularly in refugee settings. Familiarity with the consortium model or inter-agency coordination is essential. Expertise in protection, safe programming, community safety, engagement with armed actors, and protection advocacy is required. A proven track record in strategic protection advocacy and engagement with UN and donors is necessary, along with a solid understanding of international protection frameworks, humanitarian principles, and accountability standards. Experience with protracted displacement, preferably in South Asia or the Rohingya response, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in social sciences, international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred for this senior position, reflecting the complexity and strategic nature of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in protection programming, coordination, and advocacy within humanitarian contexts. A minimum of several years of relevant experience is expected, with a strong emphasis on leadership roles in similar settings. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, and donor organizations, is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to extension based on funding, requirements, and performance. The role involves approximately 40% travel. The position is classified as Grade 10 in NRC’s Salary Scale, which includes a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting NRC's commitment to empowering women in the workplace.