Country Protection Manager (Country Technical Lead)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for their future. The organization has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and engaging around 8,000 volunteers across various countries. DRC has been operational in Yemen since 2008, with eight field offices and a dedicated workforce of 273 staff members. The organization focuses on providing immediate assistance, strengthening protective environments, and promoting self-reliance among affected communities. DRC's core values include humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency, guiding their efforts to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Country Protection Manager (Country Technical Lead) plays a crucial role in the strategic development and technical oversight of DRC’s protection programming in Yemen. This position involves providing technical guidance, support, and supervision to ensure the quality and impact of protection initiatives. The manager will lead a team of three protection specialists and one coordinator, overseeing the implementation of protection strategies aligned with DRC’s global objectives. The role requires a deep understanding of the evolving context in Yemen, particularly regarding protection risks and vulnerabilities faced by displaced populations. The Country Protection Manager will be responsible for developing and strengthening methods for protection analysis, ensuring that protection activities are integrated with other sectors, and maintaining close collaboration with regional and HQ counterparts to align programmatic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Country Protection Manager include leading the contextual revision and rollout of the DRC Yemen protection strategy, ensuring alignment with the DRC Yemen Strategic Plan and Global Strategy. The manager will oversee the technical design and review of protection-related concept notes, logical frameworks, budgets, and proposals, while also mapping donor priorities and identifying new fundraising opportunities. Quality assurance is a key responsibility, ensuring that the protection program adheres to global standards and DRC guidelines. The manager will facilitate learning processes, monitor sector budgets, and provide oversight of program implementation. Additionally, the role involves human resources management, including recruitment, supervision, and capacity building for protection teams. The manager will represent DRC in coordination forums, liaise with stakeholders, and support grants management by developing proposals and ensuring timely reporting. Compliance with DRC policies and documentation of success stories are also essential aspects of the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Protection Manager position must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in humanitarian protection programming at the international level, particularly in conflict-related internal displacement contexts. Strong knowledge of global protection sector standards, including protection monitoring, GBV prevention, child protection, and legal aid, is essential. Familiarity with International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law is required, along with experience in managing diverse teams and providing technical guidance. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to navigate complex political environments. A commitment to humanitarian principles and DRC’s values is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or higher education relevant to humanitarian work is required for this position, preferably in law, social sciences, or humanitarian aid. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of protection programming and the legal frameworks that govern humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian protection programming, particularly in contexts of conflict-related internal displacement. Experience in mixed migration programming is considered an advantage. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing teams and providing technical guidance in protection-related initiatives.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for this role, as all communication and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of protection programming in Yemen.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is one year, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability. The duty station is either Sana’a or Aden, Yemen, with frequent travel to field locations. This position is designated as a non-family duty station. The start date is as soon as possible, and the salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Applications will close on 8th February 2026, and candidates should note that CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis.