Protection Assistant- Prevention and Capacity Strengthening (02 Positions)

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is focused on providing humanitarian assistance and protection to vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict-affected areas. It aims to strengthen local capacities and promote community-led initiatives. The organization has been operational for several years and employs a diverse team dedicated to addressing the needs of those affected by crises. It operates in multiple countries, providing support in various sectors including protection, health, and education.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant will play a crucial role in implementing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection (CP) prevention activities within the Rhino and Imvepi settlements. This position is designed to enhance the capacities of local partners and community structures, ensuring that prevention activities are effectively delivered and aligned with the organization's localization strategy. The Assistant will be responsible for facilitating awareness-raising sessions, conducting positive parenting workshops, and providing group psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (PSS). The role emphasizes quality implementation and a progressive handover of responsibilities to local entities, ensuring sustainability and community ownership of protection initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support the Prevention and Capacity Building Officer in coordinating with local partners, community leaders, para-social workers, and other community-based structures.
- Actively participate in field-level coordination meetings to ensure that prevention activities are harmonized with other protection interventions.
- Strengthen existing referral systems and ensure that prevention work aligns with established protection mechanisms.
- Deliver prevention activities, including awareness-raising on GBV/CP risks and services, adolescent life skills, and positive parenting sessions.
- Facilitate group PSS sessions in collaboration with community mentors and partners.
- Provide training and coaching to local partners and community structures on prevention methodologies and group facilitation.
- Conduct regular observations of community-led sessions and provide structured mentoring and feedback.
- Support partners and community structures to progressively take over prevention activities in line with the localization strategy.
- Ensure all activities adhere to the organization's protection standards, guidelines, and accountability frameworks.
- Contribute to the monitoring of prevention and capacity-building activities, including activity tracking, quality checks, and documentation of lessons learned.
- Provide timely inputs for weekly and monthly reports, highlighting progress, challenges, and capacity needs of partners and structures.
- Document good practices and challenges in the handover process for learning and adaptation.
- Uphold the organization's Code of Conduct and principles of accountability.
- Receive technical orientation and ongoing supervision from the Prevention and Capacity Building Officer.
- Participate in internal training to strengthen facilitation and mentoring skills.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with vulnerable communities, particularly in basic needs and protection programming (prevention and response).
- Professional training in Gender-Based Violence is essential.
- Basic counseling and case management skills to handle disclosures and ensure safe referrals are required.
- Experience working with UN or Non-Governmental organizations is preferred.
- Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is essential for effective communication and training delivery.
- Good communication skills and the ability to conduct training and awareness sessions are necessary for this role.
- Computer skills are required for documentation and reporting purposes.
- Good self-organization and basic management skills are important for managing activities and responsibilities effectively.
- Familiarity with Monitoring & Evaluation for UN-funded projects is desired, as it will aid in assessing the effectiveness of implemented activities.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background in social sciences, community development, psychology, or a related field is preferred. Specific training or certifications in Gender-Based Violence and Child Protection will be advantageous and may be required for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience working with vulnerable communities, particularly in the areas of basic needs and protection programming. Experience in prevention and response to GBV and Child Protection issues is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively in challenging environments, ideally with UN or Non-Governmental organizations, demonstrating the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and implement community-based initiatives.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken, as it is essential for communication, training, and reporting. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Rhino camp and Imvepi areas would be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with community members effectively.

Additional Notes:
The positions are based in Rhino camp and Imvepi, Uganda, and may involve travel between these locations. The roles are full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate community activities and meetings. The organization is committed to recruiting internationally and nationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process, and the organization offers opportunities for professional development and training.