Protection Officer – Civilian Self-Protection (CSP)/ Protection from Violence (PfV)

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, providing aid and support to millions of people in need. The organization is recognized for its commitment to high-quality aid and advocacy for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC fosters a culture of professional growth and innovation, encouraging employees at all levels to take on responsibilities and contribute to the organization's mission. The organization is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for all staff members.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer position is crucial for implementing delegated protection activities as outlined by the NRC's strategic and programmatic frameworks in Afghanistan. The role focuses on the Civilian Self-Protection (CSP) program, which aims to empower communities to strengthen their self-protection strategies against various threats. The position holder will engage directly with communities, facilitating capacity-building sessions and promoting awareness on protection issues. The work is community-centric, emphasizing relationship-building and collaboration with local stakeholders to enhance the community's resilience against protection risks. The Protection Officer will report to the Protection Coordinator and is expected to contribute to the overall goals of the NRC's protection programming in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will be responsible for a range of duties including: implementing protection programs according to the established work plan; preparing and developing program reports focusing on context and programmatic points; maintaining confidential filing of documents; managing relevant databases for protection programming; liaising with local authorities and community representatives; conducting community outreach and engagement; mapping actors and services; consolidating information for context analysis; and supporting advocacy initiatives. Specific responsibilities include managing implementation activities at the site, conducting capacity development sessions, ensuring accurate record-keeping, undertaking data collection for assessments, and coordinating with other NRC core competencies to ensure an integrated approach to protection programming. The officer will also be expected to report weekly on activities and maintain confidentiality in data management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in social sciences or a related field, with a preference for those with experience in humanitarian contexts, particularly in community services, protection, or capacity building. Previous experience in complex and volatile environments is essential, along with documented results related to the position's responsibilities. A good command of the English language, both spoken and written, is required, along with fluency in Pashto and/or Dari. Candidates should demonstrate political and cultural awareness, particularly regarding the displacement context in Afghanistan, and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
A university degree is required, preferably in social sciences such as education, political science, international relations, law, journalism, gender studies, or human rights. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of protection issues and community engagement in humanitarian settings.

Experience:
The position requires 2-3 years of work experience at an officer level, particularly in community capacity building and training. Previous experience in similar roles is preferred, especially in humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively in community engagement and mobilization, as well as experience in protection-related fields.

Languages:
Fluency in Pashto and Dari, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for communication and reporting purposes. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a monthly salary based on the NRC Afghanistan Salary Scale, along with medical coverage for staff and up to four dependents. Leave and holidays will be in accordance with Afghanistan Labor Law. Employees will receive a monthly top-up credit card. The role is full-time and is specifically targeted at internal candidates, indicating a preference for current NRC employees. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to uphold a safe environment, treating everyone with respect and dignity, and reporting any incidents of exploitation or harassment.