Protection Manager

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, providing assistance to those affected by conflict and displacement. The organization focuses on various areas including protection, livelihoods, and emergency response, and employs thousands of staff globally, working in collaboration with local and international partners to deliver effective humanitarian aid.

Job Overview:
The Protection Manager (PM) is tasked with overseeing the entire protection portfolio of DRC Somalia. This role involves working closely with a team of protection technical experts, including specialists in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection (CP). The PM is responsible for ensuring that technical protection staff provide necessary training, guidelines, and standard operating procedures to field staff, thereby ensuring compliance with global and organizational standards. The PM will also play a crucial role in expanding DRC’s protection portfolio and establishing DRC as a strategic protection actor in Somalia. This includes ensuring that protection remains central to all DRC programs and activities, particularly in areas that are hard to reach. The PM will lead the development of country-specific protection strategies and represent DRC in various forums, including working groups and meetings with donors and local authorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PM will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Technical Oversight and Management of Protection Programming: Design and manage DRC's protection interventions according to international best practice standards. Develop and oversee quality measures for protection activities, conduct rapid needs assessments, and identify risks and vulnerabilities.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Proposal/Strategy Development: Lead protection-related proposals, develop monitoring tools, conduct quality control, and ensure that protection needs are addressed in all interventions.
• Protection Integration: Promote integrated programming across DRC sectors, conduct training on protection issues, and ensure coordination among various stakeholders.
• Coordination and Representation: Represent DRC in protection coordination meetings, coordinate with government agencies and NGOs, and promote understanding of protection issues among stakeholders.
• Management and Supervision: Lead and manage protection staff, contribute to recruitment, and develop staff capacities through training and mentoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university or graduate degree in law, social work, gender studies, or a related field. They should have 5-8 years of work experience in law or protection, particularly in contexts involving refugees, returnees, IDPs, and host communities. Experience working with international NGOs or UN agencies is essential, along with demonstrated experience in coordinating with national and local authorities. Strong analytical and English writing skills are required, as well as the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a challenging environment.

Educational Background:
A university or graduate degree in a relevant field such as law, social work, or gender studies is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the legal and social frameworks that govern protection issues, particularly in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires 5-8 years of relevant work experience, particularly in protection roles related to refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with international NGOs or UN agencies, and experience in legal aid programming and gender programming is highly advantageous. Prior experience in data analysis and the development of advocacy products is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, particularly in writing and communication. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance. The position is classified under Employment Band - Management F

• The work location is in Mogadishu, Somalia, with a start date anticipated in March 202
• The salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a closing date for applications set for 21st February 202
• DRC is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and considers all applicants for employment regardless of personal characteristics.