Protection Officer

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 individuals each year. The organization is committed to a community-based approach, focusing on protection analysis to inform responses that target the most vulnerable refugees and host communities. NRC's programs are multisectoral, emphasizing market-based interventions and expertise in areas such as education, protection, livelihood and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, and information, counselling, and legal assistance (ICLA). In Uganda, NRC is present in all major refugee-hosting districts, prioritizing the scaling up of activities to reach hard-to-access populations, including an integrated urban program. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates, refugees, and persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer will play a critical role in ensuring that protection is integrated into the program cycle management within NRC's operations. This position involves collaborating with program and support teams to develop protection mainstreaming tools and guidance. The officer will be responsible for the effective management of Transit and Reception Centers in their area of jurisdiction, ensuring quality implementation of center management and synergy with other sectors such as Protection, Community Services, Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing protection needs, ensuring compliance with NRC's protection policies, and fostering collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders. The Protection Officer will also be involved in training and capacity building of field staff and non-staff members, contributing to the overall mission of NRC to provide safe and dignified assistance to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer's duties include ensuring compliance with NRC protection policies and procedures, proposing new initiatives to bridge gaps, and implementing these initiatives effectively. The officer will work closely with colleagues to mainstream protection across all NRC core competencies and manage community structures. Responsibilities also include managing a delegated portfolio of community-based activities within approved budgets, ensuring that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection, and providing regular progress reports to the Team Leader. The officer will liaise with local authorities and key stakeholders, ensure prudent resource utilization, and oversee the provision of essential services such as firewood for meal preparation, safety and security for persons of concern, and clean drinking water for new arrivals. Specific responsibilities also involve supporting the implementation of NRC’s Protection Policy, developing protection mainstreaming tools, training field staff, identifying gaps in protection support, and producing regular context analysis updates on protection trends.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law, Social Sciences, Psychology, International Relations, Development Economics, Peace and Conflict Studies, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years of experience working as a Protection Officer in a humanitarian or recovery context is required. Experience in working with partnerships and in complex and volatile environments is essential. Candidates should have documented results related to the position's responsibilities, experience in coordination and liaising with external actors, and the ability to develop and deliver protection training. Strong presentation skills in English are also necessary, along with the ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as Law, Social Sciences, Psychology, International Relations, Development Economics, or Peace and Conflict Studies. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of protection issues and the legal frameworks surrounding humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires at least 4 years of relevant experience working as a Protection Officer in humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating the ability to manage protection-related activities effectively and coordinate with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong presentation skills being essential. Knowledge of local languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with beneficiaries and local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. The duty station is in South West Uganda, with frequent travel to project sites. The salary and benefits are based on NRC’s national salary scale, specifically Grade

• NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, particularly women, refugees, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse, requiring all staff to adhere to NRC’s Code of Conduct and organizational policies.