Protection Manager

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 members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is dedicated to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering a work culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility.

Job Overview:
The Protection Manager plays a crucial role in developing, leading, and supporting protection programming within the organization. This position involves providing strategic direction, contributing to fundraising efforts, and building the capacity of the protection team. The Protection Manager is responsible for overseeing project implementation, ensuring adherence to NRC policies and guidelines, and coordinating with various stakeholders to promote the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing protection needs, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects effectively in a complex and volatile context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Manager will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Line management of project staff, ensuring effective team performance and adherence to NRC policies.
• Contributing to the development of country, Nile Area, and protection strategies.
• Initiating and participating in the development of relevant protection projects.
• Coordinating and managing protection project implementation, including activities, budgets, and documentation, in line with proposals and donor requirements.
• Implementing technical direction and ensuring high technical quality of projects.
• Providing regular updates to the Area Programme Manager and Protection Specialist.
• Ensuring that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection and exploring new ways to assist them.
• Developing and managing project budgets and ensuring alignment with integrated programming.
• Building the capacity of project staff and transferring key skills. 1
• Liaising with local authorities and other key stakeholders to promote the rights of IDPs and returnees. 1
• Documenting protection risks and developing advocacy messaging to reduce violence and deprivation. 1
• Overseeing protection monitoring, case management, and referral mechanisms. 1
• Participating in needs assessments and planning responses to emergencies and protracted displacement. 1
• Establishing strong working relationships with donors, international and national organizations, and communities. 1
• Preparing operational documents in a timely manner and maintaining close coordination with the Country office and Area Office M&E Team.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Manager position should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in overseeing project implementation in a humanitarian or violent context.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile environments, particularly those involving protracted displacement.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage teams across multiple office locations.
• Proficiency in analyzing and integrating quantitative and qualitative data from various sources.
• A solid understanding of international standards and protection principles.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with fluency in English being mandatory. Knowledge of Arabic is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background that supports their ability to perform the duties of the Protection Manager. This may include degrees in social sciences, international relations, humanitarian studies, or related fields. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection or humanitarian response may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in project management within humanitarian contexts. Experience in protection programming, particularly in complex and volatile settings, is essential. The ability to demonstrate expertise in protection issues and a strong understanding of the context in Sudan will be critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both written and verbal. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Gadarif, Sudan, and is offered as a 1-year national contract, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The role may require travel of approximately 30-40%. The salary and benefits will be based on grade 8 of NRC’s national pay scale. NRC is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization emphasizes a culture of respect and dignity, and all employees are expected to contribute to a safe environment and report any incidents of exploitation or harassment.