Protection Expert

Job Posting Organization:
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest and most respected private organizations for development cooperation and humanitarian aid in Germany. Established in Turkey in 2013, the organization aims to assist those affected by the Syria Crisis. With its head office located in Bonn, Germany, Welthungerhilfe operates in multiple countries, including Turkey and Syria, and has field offices in various locations such as Azaz, Afrin, Idleb, Ankara, Istanbul, Hatay, and Mardin. The organization is politically independent and non-denominational, adhering to humanitarian principles and striving for a world where everyone can lead a self-determined life free from hunger and poverty. The Syria Response program encompasses various sectors, including security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, WASH services, shelter, protection, and livelihood initiatives, reflecting the organization's commitment to addressing humanitarian needs in the region.

Job Overview:
The Protection Expert position is crucial for leading the protection component across the Syria program. The role involves providing strategic direction to ensure that protection is integrated into all programs, including humanitarian, resilience, food systems, and governance. The expert will shape project design, proposal development, implementation, and long-term planning in alignment with Welthungerhilfe's country strategy. The position requires collaboration with the head office on protection-related discussions and strategy development, ensuring that protection activities are implemented effectively and meet minimum standards. The expert will also play a significant role in strengthening coordination and representation at both national and field levels, working with other NGOs, UN agencies, and local actors to align the organization's work with broader protection priorities. Additionally, the role includes building capacity and promoting learning through training and technical support to field and program teams, monitoring activities, and contributing to knowledge-sharing across the Syria program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Expert will lead and support the implementation of protection activities across the Syria program, ensuring they meet quality standards and adhere to agreed plans. Responsibilities include coordinating with field teams, senior management, and partners to maintain project integrity and ensure effective multisector collaboration. The expert will monitor protection risks and activities through regular meetings and field visits, providing technical guidance and problem-solving support on the ground. They will ensure the use and monitoring of protection standards, SOPs, referral pathways, and complaint/feedback mechanisms, promoting safe and confidential practices. The role also involves supporting proposal development, emergency preparedness, resilience, food system initiatives, and reporting by providing technical inputs and assisting with donor coordination. Training and mentoring national staff and field teams on protection principles and Welthungerhilfe procedures will be essential, along with managing related technical support to the project and program team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social sciences or related fields, or additional qualifications in protection, humanitarian work, or a related field such as social work, human rights, law, or development studies. A minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development work is required, with a strong focus on protection programming, particularly in the context of Syria. Proven experience in designing and implementing protection activities, working with protection standards and SOPs, managing referral systems, and integrating protection across multi-sector programs is essential. Strong communication skills in English (both written and spoken) are mandatory, while knowledge of Arabic is considered a strong asset. Candidates should also demonstrate field and intercultural competence, with the ability to work in complex and culturally diverse environments, and possess strong teamwork and coordination skills to work effectively with diverse teams and partners.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in social sciences or related fields. Additional qualifications in protection, humanitarian work, or related disciplines such as social work, human rights, law, or development studies are also acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of protection programming and humanitarian response in the context of the Syria crisis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development work, specifically with a strong focus on protection programming in the Syria context. This experience should include proven capabilities in designing and implementing protection activities, managing referral systems, and integrating protection across various sectors and programs. Candidates should have a track record of working effectively in challenging environments and demonstrating the ability to adapt to the dynamic needs of humanitarian response.

Languages:
Strong communication skills in English are mandatory for this position, both in written and spoken forms. Knowledge of Arabic is considered a strong asset, as it enhances the ability to communicate effectively with local stakeholders and communities, facilitating better engagement and understanding in the field.

Additional Notes:
The position is to be filled by October 2025, with an initial contract duration of one year and good prospects for extension. If the employee demonstrates an appropriate period of employment, the position may also be filled with an unlimited contract duration. The employment/service location will be in Damascus, Syria, and the position is compensated according to SG7, with a salary of 1850 USD. Welthungerhilfe emphasizes the personal and professional development of its employees and the importance of work-life balance. If project funding is not secured, the activities will cease, and the employment or consultancy contract will be terminated. Applications must be submitted in English, as Arabic CVs will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.