Protection from Violence Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been operational in Ukraine since 201

• The organization has significantly scaled up its efforts following the escalation of conflict in February 2022, providing life-saving assistance to millions of people affected by the ongoing war. NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, employing approximately 15,000 staff members dedicated to helping those forced to flee their homes. NRC is committed to advocating for the rights of displaced individuals and supporting local capacities to respond effectively to humanitarian needs. The organization focuses on communities that are hard to reach and pays particular attention to the needs of people displaced by conflict, contributing to early recovery and integration efforts for internally displaced persons and returnees. In 2024, NRC supported close to 300,000 people across Ukraine through various interventions, including protection from violence, legal aid, education, and livelihoods. The organization collaborates with local actors, NGOs, and authorities to ensure the sustainability of its response and has a strong reputation with donors and peer agencies, making it a respected humanitarian actor in the region.

Job Overview:
The Protection from Violence Specialist will play a crucial role in the technical development of NRC's protection from violence core competency, providing strategic direction and ensuring quality assurance in the organization's efforts to promote the protection of civilians. The role requires an influential and collaborative leader with a proven track record in fostering teamwork and building effective relationships with stakeholders. The Specialist will be responsible for developing the protection strategy, including technical guidance and frameworks, as well as overseeing fundraising efforts by developing and revising funding proposals and donor reports. The position also involves identifying trends in technical standards and donor priorities, providing technical direction and support for project implementation, and ensuring that key learnings are extracted and incorporated into the organization's practices. The Specialist will represent NRC in external coordination forums and collaborate with authorities and key stakeholders, while also providing training and capacity building for technical staff and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Protection strategy, ensuring alignment with NRC's overall mission and objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and support for the implementation of protection programs, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.
• Lead fundraising efforts by developing and revising funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports to secure necessary resources for protection initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze trends in technical standards and donor priorities to inform program development and implementation.
• Ensure that key learnings from protection programs are documented and integrated into future planning and programming.
• Strengthen protection monitoring and evaluation tools and systems to enhance program effectiveness and accountability.
• Represent NRC in external coordination forums, liaising with authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and information sharing.
• Provide training and capacity building for technical staff and external stakeholders to enhance their understanding and implementation of protection principles and practices.
• Foster a collaborative environment within the team and across the organization, encouraging innovative ideas and approaches to protection programming.

Required Qualifications:

• Senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, demonstrating leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
• Educational background in law, social sciences, or a related field, providing a solid foundation for understanding protection issues.
• Expertise in civilian self-protection programming, with a focus on practical implementation and advocacy.
• Experience in protection monitoring, analysis, and advocacy, with a strong understanding of the challenges faced by displaced populations.
• Exposure to individual protection assistance programs, particularly cash for protection initiatives.
• Familiarity with complex and volatile contexts, particularly in relation to humanitarian crises and displacement.
• Knowledge of the Ukraine context, including the specific needs and challenges faced by displaced individuals and communities.

Educational Background:
A degree in law, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. The educational background should provide a comprehensive understanding of protection issues, humanitarian principles, and the legal frameworks governing the rights of displaced individuals. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection programming or humanitarian response may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should possess senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, demonstrating a proven ability to lead teams and manage complex projects. Experience working in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Ukraine or similar contexts, is highly desirable. The role requires a deep understanding of protection issues, as well as experience in developing and implementing protection strategies and programs.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian may be considered an asset, as it would enhance communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and is offered on a 12-month contract with the possibility of extension based on funding, requirements, and performance. The role may require approximately 40% travel within the region. NRC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as NRC aims to create a work culture that empowers all employees to share ideas and take responsibility.