Protection from Violence Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC has been operational in Nigeria since 2015, focusing on providing essential services to displacement-affected communities. The organization operates in various regions of Nigeria, particularly in the northeast, where it addresses acute humanitarian needs caused by ongoing violence and displacement. NRC's mission is to ensure that displaced individuals and communities can meet their basic needs, improve their livelihoods, and access essential services. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and collaborates with local communities to enhance resilience and promote the rights of displaced people. NRC's work is guided by its core competencies, which include Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. The organization is committed to safeguarding and promoting the dignity and rights of those it serves, ensuring that all interventions are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and other at-risk groups.

Job Overview:
The Protection from Violence Technical Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the day-to-day operations of NRC's protection initiatives in Konduga, Borno State. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about helping refugees and those forced to flee due to violence and conflict. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining trust relationships with target communities, conducting community-level protection needs assessments, and monitoring protection issues to identify and document threats to the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Case Management Officer and Protection Team, to develop intervention plans tailored to the specific needs of beneficiaries. The Technical Assistant will also contribute to raising awareness about protection-related issues and ensuring that beneficiaries are informed about available services. This position is vital in bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain trust relationships with target communities to facilitate effective communication and engagement.
• Conduct community-level protection needs assessments and protection monitoring to identify and document critical threats to the safety and dignity of individuals, particularly women, men, girls, and boys.
• Contribute to the identification and internal referral of individuals or households with specific needs, focusing on children, youth, women, and other at-risk groups.
• Support the development of gender- and age-sensitive awareness materials on key protection issues.
• Raise awareness among beneficiaries and target communities about protection-related issues and available services, collaborating closely with concerned CC Teams and specialized actors.
• Work with the Case Management Officer and Protection Team to conduct detailed assessments of beneficiaries and prepare intervention plans, including care plans and case summaries.
• Ensure confidentiality in handling data and information related to protection monitoring and adhere to data protection protocols.
• Identify vulnerable beneficiaries with special needs and recommend appropriate assistance tailored to their specific circumstances.
• Assist in compiling information and reports on achievements, reporting internally to the Case Management Officer on a weekly and monthly basis, and providing urgent updates for critical cases.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or HND in Social Sciences or a related field. A strong understanding of protection principles and international standards is desirable. Proficiency in IT tools, including the MS Office suite, internet, and email, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to gather, record, and manage data from various sources effectively. Previous experience working with affected communities in a humanitarian context is preferred, along with experience in conducting community-level protection assessments and monitoring. Basic knowledge of protection concepts and guiding principles is an advantage, although not mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Social Sciences or a related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of social dynamics and the challenges faced by displaced populations. Educational qualifications should reflect a commitment to humanitarian principles and a desire to support vulnerable communities.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience working directly with affected or local communities, preferably within an international or local organization in a humanitarian context. Previous experience in complex and volatile environments is highly desirable. Familiarity with conducting community-level protection needs assessments and monitoring is beneficial but not essential. The role requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in challenging conditions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the region is an advantage, as it will facilitate communication with beneficiaries and community members. Candidates should demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information and engage with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Konduga, Borno State, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 6 months. The role is classified as Grade 4 in NRC's grading structure, and the reporting line is to the Protection from Violence Coordinator. The position involves significant field support, with approximately 90% of the work conducted in the field. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.