National Protection Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the largest protection actors in Sudan, delivering lifesaving protection services to conflict-affected communities amid the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. Established in 2004, DRC has been operational in Sudan for nearly two decades, providing direct protection services in six states and collaborating with frontline partners in an additional three states. The organization is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of displaced individuals and communities, advocating for their rights and providing essential support to help them rebuild their lives.

Job Overview:
The National Protection Manager is tasked with overseeing and enhancing DRC's protection activities within Sudan. This role encompasses the development and harmonization of protection Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), tools, and training for field staff, ensuring a consistent and effective approach to protection across all operational sites. The manager will spearhead the creation and implementation of the DRC Sudan protection strategy, which includes formulating advocacy messages based on evidence gathered from the field. The position emphasizes program development, strategic identification of areas for intervention, and engagement with donors to secure necessary funding and support. The role is crucial in ensuring compliance with DRC's procedures and guidelines while contributing to the overall strategic direction of the organization in Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Protection Manager will lead protection analysis efforts and oversee the development and implementation of the country-level protection strategy. Responsibilities include managing the overall protection portfolio, ensuring adherence to Age, Gender, and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM) principles in protection activities, and developing internal tools and guidelines for DRC’s protection interventions. The manager will provide technical supervision to protection managers and team leaders, participate in recruitment processes, set performance objectives, and conduct performance appraisals. Additionally, the role involves identifying technical gaps within the protection sector and establishing capacity-building plans for staff. The manager will maintain oversight of program implementation, including budget management and indicator tracking, and will participate in program review meetings. They will also coordinate with other sectors to integrate protection programs and ensure that all programming approaches are reviewed for protection mainstreaming. Regular meetings with protection teams across various subsectors will be organized to facilitate knowledge sharing and quality improvement. The manager will represent DRC in coordination meetings and collaborate with internal and external experts on protection issues, contributing to the development of advocacy strategies and reports for stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Humanitarian Studies, Law, Social Sciences, or a related field, with a Master’s degree being desirable. A minimum of seven years of experience in implementing and developing protection programs in displacement contexts is required. Applicants should have experience in preparing protection programming and advocacy strategies for complex programs across multiple sites, as well as experience in integrating protection within a multisector portfolio. The ability to provide remote technical guidance and develop training tailored to diverse audiences is essential, along with demonstrable experience in conducting training on protection and human rights topics.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Humanitarian Studies, Law, or Social Sciences. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of academic achievement and understanding of complex humanitarian issues.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least seven years of relevant experience in the humanitarian sector, specifically in developing and implementing protection programs in contexts of displacement. Experience in coordinating and standardizing approaches across multiple sites is crucial, as is the ability to provide remote technical guidance and training.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, while proficiency in Arabic is considered desirable. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for twelve months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for International staff. This position is graded at MF, and the duty station is Port Sudan. The role reports directly to the Head of Programme. All applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English through the DRC online application form under Vacancies. The application deadline is set for 5 December 2025.