Protection Team Leader (Protection Case Management)

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year, focusing on the most vulnerable populations. NRC's mission is to protect the rights of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. In Uganda, NRC implements a community-based approach that utilizes protection analysis to inform its response, targeting the most vulnerable refugees and host communities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified female candidates, refugees, and persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Protection Team Leader will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of Protection from Violence projects, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines. This role involves managing project staff, implementing action plans, and monitoring project progress. The Team Leader will provide technical oversight to protection officers across various locations, ensuring streamlined delivery of services in settlement and transit centers. The position requires strong leadership skills to guide the protection team in project activities, ensuring accountability for resources and adherence to best practices in protection case management. The Team Leader will also engage with local authorities and stakeholders to promote the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, aligning with NRC's advocacy strategy. This role is crucial in ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable beneficiaries are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Team Leader will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Managing project staff and ensuring effective implementation of Protection from Violence projects.
• Developing and executing action plans for the delegated portfolio, including budget management and project documentation.
• Monitoring day-to-day project progress and ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines.
• Promoting technical improvements and sharing innovative ideas for project enhancement.
• Preparing periodic progress reports and documentation for stakeholders.
• Building the capacity of project staff through training and skill transfer.
• Liaising with local authorities and stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for project initiatives.
• Providing technical leadership to the protection team, ensuring prudent resource utilization and accountability.
• Supporting case management staff with technical guidance, including case plan approvals and assistance sign-offs. 1
• Conducting regular assessments of project activities and addressing any issues that arise. 1
• Overseeing awareness-raising activities and developing effective messaging for community engagement. 1
• Participating in the selection and management of implementing partners and community committees. 1
• Maintaining effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders, including UNHCR and other partner agencies. 1
• Monitoring and evaluating the quality of protection activities and ensuring adherence to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and protection policies. 1
• Actively participating in Protection cluster working groups and representing NRC's position at national meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of professional competencies, including:

• A background in Development Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of experience in protection implementation and management of protection programs within humanitarian or human rights organizations.
• Proven experience working in complex and volatile contexts, with documented results related to the position's responsibilities.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage and motivate field teams effectively.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian context in Uganda, particularly regarding the refugee response in regions such as Kampala and Southwest Uganda.
• Familiarity with local languages is desirable.
• Experience in protection case management, community outreach, and program/project management is essential.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in Development Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, or another related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection programming or humanitarian response may be advantageous and enhance the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in protection implementation and management of protection programs. This experience should ideally be within international, national, humanitarian, or human rights organizations, demonstrating a strong understanding of protection programming in humanitarian or recovery contexts. Experience in managing field teams and working with partnerships is also crucial for this position.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Knowledge of local languages is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage effectively with the community and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in South West Nakivale and Urban Kampala, Uganda, and is offered as a national contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. The role requires frequent travel to project sites. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC's national salary scale, specifically grade

• NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in the workplace, encouraging applications from qualified female candidates, refugees, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility within their roles.