Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, dedicated to assisting refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1956, DRC operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for those affected by displacement. With a mission to promote the rights of refugees and displaced persons, DRC employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure effective humanitarian responses. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in its operations, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met with respect and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant will play a crucial role in implementing protection activities within the Saharawi refugee camps, working under the guidance of the Base Manager and receiving technical support from the DRC coordination unit. This position is designed to strengthen the protective environment for refugees by engaging in various activities that promote community participation and safeguard the rights of vulnerable individuals. The Protection Assistant will be involved in planning and executing programs that address the needs of the refugee population, ensuring that all activities align with DRC’s policies and standards. The role requires a proactive approach to community engagement, collaboration with local authorities, and adherence to child safeguarding principles. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of protection reports and engage in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the impact of the programs implemented.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the planning and implementation of protection activities in the Saharawi refugee camps.
• Collaborating with the Base Manager to establish and rehabilitate sports infrastructure and playrooms in youth centers and schools.
• Conducting community consultations with stakeholders, including Ministry of Education staff and local authorities, to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.
• Facilitating child advisory sessions to ensure child participation in program design, adhering to child safeguarding standards.
• Supporting capacity-building programs for stakeholders, including logistical arrangements and follow-up activities.
• Liaising with local authorities and youth-led committees to coordinate sports events and community awareness campaigns.
• Ensuring compliance with DRC’s Child Safeguarding Policy and professional standards related to protection and humanitarian interventions.
• Representing DRC to various stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships with key project partners.
• Collaborating with MEAL teams for monitoring and evaluation activities. 1
• Supporting program activities related to logistics, administration, finances, or security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security as needed. 1
• Performing any other duties assigned by the line manager that contribute to achieving protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Protection Assistant position, candidates must possess a solid understanding of the humanitarian context, particularly within the Saharawi refugee camps. Essential qualifications include strong communication skills, both written and oral, as well as interpersonal and facilitation skills. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to document and analyze information systematically and have experience in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Proven capacity to represent a humanitarian organization effectively and build trust within communities is crucial. Additionally, residing in the camps or Tindouf is preferred, indicating a commitment to the local context and community.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a University Degree in social sciences, psychology, law, political affairs, humanitarian affairs, international law, development, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the legal frameworks surrounding refugee protection.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have at least 1-2 years of professional experience in humanitarian interventions, social work, case management, human rights, or community development. Experience with an international humanitarian organization is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the operational standards and practices within the sector.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English, Arabic, and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Additionally, speaking the local dialect, Hassaniya, is considered an advantage, as it facilitates communication with the refugee community and enhances engagement efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration ending on June 30, 202

• The designated duty station is Tindouf, Algeria, and the expected start date is in January. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is December 25, 2025.