Protection Assistant (PCM)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, dedicated to helping refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1956, DRC operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on providing assistance and support to those affected by conflict and displacement. The organization aims to ensure that the rights of refugees and displaced individuals are respected and upheld, and it works tirelessly to provide them with the necessary resources and support to rebuild their lives. DRC employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working in various sectors including protection, livelihoods, and emergency response. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging women and marginalized groups to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant (Monitoring) plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of protection monitoring activities in the field. This position is essential for ensuring systematic data collection, analysis, and reporting on protection risks, trends, and incidents that affect vulnerable populations. The Protection Assistant will contribute to evidence-based programming and inform timely protection responses, which are vital for the safety and well-being of affected individuals. The role requires regular field visits to gather protection-related information through various methods such as household interviews, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and direct observations. The Protection Assistant will also support the implementation of protection monitoring tools and methodologies, ensuring that data collection adheres to confidentiality standards. This position is integral to identifying urgent protection risks and escalating cases as necessary, thereby playing a key role in the overall protection strategy of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting regular field visits to collect protection-related information; supporting the implementation of protection monitoring tools and methodologies; recording, verifying, and documenting protection concerns in accordance with data protection standards; identifying urgent protection risks and escalating cases through internal referral pathways; ensuring accurate and timely entry of monitoring data into digital platforms; assisting in drafting weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc protection monitoring reports; maintaining organized records of field notes and datasets; providing regular contextual updates on project implementation; preparing and submitting weekly progress reports on protection activities; and ensuring that project activities are properly documented along with their respective means of verification. This role requires a proactive approach to monitoring and reporting, as well as strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of experience in an entry to mid-level position within humanitarian protection or a relevant social service field. Experience in the Somali region is strongly preferred, as is a proven record of community engagement and consultation through assessments, trainings, workshops, or awareness sessions. A technical understanding of core protection concepts, prevention, and response strategies is essential, along with the ability to identify and respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals based on protection risks, age, gender, and diversity analysis. Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills are required, as well as integrity and a strong work ethic. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines under pressure and a commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, is mandatory, and familiarity with data collection and analysis tools such as Kobo is desirable.

Educational Background:
A university degree in social work, social sciences, law, or another relevant field from a recognized institution is required for this position. Candidates should have a solid educational foundation that equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Protection Assistant role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in humanitarian protection or a related social service field. Candidates with experience in the Somali region will be given preference, as this background is crucial for understanding the local context and challenges faced by affected populations. Experience in community-based protection and peace-building activities is also highly valued, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to engage with communities and implement effective protection strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Affan Oromo and Somali is strongly preferred, as these languages are essential for effective communication with the local population and for conducting interviews and focus group discussions. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance the candidate's ability to perform their duties effectively and engage with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 7 months, and it is classified as a national contract at Band I2 – Non-Management level. The organization is looking to fill three positions in East Borena, with an expected start date as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees. The application process requires candidates to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English, and applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is December 16, 202

• The Danish Refugee Council is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing and encourages women candidates to apply to bridge the gender gap. The organization values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees, ensuring that no discrimination occurs based on age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics.