Protection Officer – GBV

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 in conflict-affected areas and working towards sustainable solutions for those affected by displacement. The organization employs thousands of staff globally and is committed to delivering impactful humanitarian solutions in challenging environments, focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer – GBV will be responsible for leading the planning, implementation, supervision, and monitoring of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response activities within the Mobile Response Team (MRT). This role is crucial in emergency GBV case management, mitigating GBV risks, and strengthening community-based prevention and referral mechanisms. The officer will conduct rapid protection assessments and coordinate with humanitarian actors in newly affected and hard-to-reach areas. The position requires adherence to survivor-centered principles, confidentiality, safeguarding standards, and the DRC Code of Conduct throughout all interventions. The officer will work in hard-to-reach locations across South Sudan, particularly in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters, ensuring that the needs of survivors are met effectively and compassionately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer – GBV will lead the implementation of emergency GBV prevention and response activities within the Mobile Response Team across hard-to-reach and shock-affected locations. Responsibilities include providing direct GBV Case Management for complex and high-risk cases, ensuring safe identification, assessment, documentation, follow-up, and closure. The officer will ensure safe and confidential referrals to health, MHPSS, legal, and other specialized services in coordination with relevant actors and service providers. Conducting rapid protection assessments, safety audits, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and community mapping with a focus on GBV trends and emerging risks is essential. The officer will also strengthen community-based protection mechanisms, monitor GBV trends, update referral pathways, develop GBV tools and training modules, prepare work plans and reports, and participate in mission planning and debriefing sessions. Additionally, the officer will support the recruitment and training of assistants and ensure adherence to humanitarian standards and DRC Code of Conduct.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in implementing GBV prevention and response activities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of South Sudan. Experience in emergency case management and working in challenging environments is strongly preferred. A strong knowledge of IASC Guidelines on GBV case management and Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in emergency settings is required. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of survivor-centered approaches and GBV ethical standards, possess strong reporting and documentation skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. A commitment to women’s rights and humanitarian principles is essential, along with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background in social work, psychology, gender studies, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates should have formal training in GBV prevention and response, as well as knowledge of humanitarian principles and standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in GBV prevention and response activities, particularly in emergency settings. Experience working in hard-to-reach areas and with women- and girl-friendly spaces is strongly preferred. Candidates should have a proven track record of working under donor-funded emergency protection projects and possess strong mentoring and supervisory skills.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan is considered an asset and would be beneficial for effective communication with communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 6 months, with a start date of 1 April 2026, subject to funding approval. The position is classified under Band H2 and is based in Pibor, which is not relocatable. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 17 March 2026.