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 numerous countries, providing assistance to those affected by conflict and natural disasters. With a mission to protect the rights of displaced people and support them in rebuilding their lives, DRC employs thousands of staff and volunteers worldwide, working in various sectors including protection, livelihoods, and emergency response. The organization is committed to delivering impactful humanitarian solutions in challenging environments, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are met effectively and efficiently.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer – GBV will play a crucial role in leading the planning, implementation, supervision, and monitoring of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response activities within the Mobile Response Team (MRT). This position is vital in emergency GBV case management and involves mitigating GBV risks, strengthening community-based prevention and referral mechanisms, conducting rapid protection assessments, and coordinating with humanitarian actors in newly affected and hard-to-reach areas. The officer is expected to ensure full adherence to survivor-centered principles, confidentiality, safeguarding standards, and the DRC Code of Conduct throughout all interventions. The role requires a proactive approach to addressing GBV in conflict-affected areas, ensuring that the needs of survivors are prioritized and met through effective programming and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer – GBV will be responsible for leading the implementation of emergency GBV prevention and response activities within the Mobile Response Team across hard-to-reach and shock-affected locations. Key responsibilities include providing direct GBV Case Management for complex and high-risk cases, ensuring safe identification, assessment, documentation, follow-up, and closure in line with inter-agency GBV Case Management Guidelines and DRC SOPs. 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 and support community-based protection mechanisms, monitor GBV trends, update referral pathways, develop GBV tools and training modules, prepare work plans and reports, and participate in recruitment and training of team members. Additionally, the officer will ensure strict adherence to humanitarian standards and the DRC Code of Conduct, performing any other duties assigned by the Protection Team Leader to support effective mobile emergency operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 essential. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of survivor-centered approaches and GBV ethical standards, along with strong reporting and documentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required, as well as a commitment to women’s rights and humanitarian principles. Desirable qualifications include strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, prior experience with donor-funded emergency protection projects, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team under pressure while managing multiple priorities.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related field. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in GBV prevention and response, protection, or humanitarian assistance will be viewed favorably. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas will also be beneficial for candidates seeking this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in GBV prevention and response activities, particularly in emergency settings and hard-to-reach areas. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in women- and girl-friendly spaces or centers, as well as experience in emergency case management. Familiarity with the specific challenges faced in South Sudan, including the ability to work in remote locations for extended periods, is essential. Strong mentoring and supervisory skills are also important for this role, as the officer will be responsible for training and overseeing team members.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication with affected communities and enhance the effectiveness of the protection interventions.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 6 months, with a band classification of H

• The work location is in Baliet, which is not relocatable. The expected start date is 1 April 2026, subject to funding approval. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. Applicants are required to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English, as applications sent by email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 17 March 2026.