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 assisting displacement-affected communities in meeting their basic needs, improving livelihoods, and accessing essential services. The organization operates in multiple countries and has a significant presence in Nigeria, particularly in the northeast regions affected by conflict. NRC employs a diverse workforce and emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support in its operations, aiming to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection from Violence Technical Assistant position is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting refugees and displaced persons. The role involves providing essential support for the day-to-day operations of protection activities in Damaturu, Yobe State. The assistant will be responsible for building trust relationships with target communities, conducting protection needs assessments, and monitoring safety and well-being issues affecting vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and other at-risk populations. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to raise awareness about protection issues and ensure that beneficiaries are informed about available services. The role is critical in identifying individuals with specific needs and facilitating appropriate assistance, thereby contributing to the overall mission of NRC in safeguarding the rights and dignity of displaced individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection from Violence Technical Assistant include:

• Building and maintaining trust relationships with target communities to foster cooperation and communication.
• Conducting community-level protection needs assessments and monitoring to identify critical threats to the safety and dignity of individuals.
• Documenting emerging protection issues and community resources that can be leveraged for support.
• Identifying and referring individuals or households with specific needs, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children and women.
• Developing gender- and age-sensitive awareness materials on protection-related issues to educate communities.
• Raising awareness among beneficiaries and stakeholders about key protection issues and available services.
• Collaborating with the Case Management Officer and Protection Team to conduct detailed assessments and prepare intervention plans for beneficiaries.
• Ensuring confidentiality and adherence to data protection protocols when handling sensitive information.
• Compiling reports on achievements and providing regular updates to the Case Management Officer regarding progress and urgent cases.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection from Violence Technical Assistant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Social Sciences or a related field.
• Proficiency in IT tools, including the MS Office suite, internet, and email applications.
• Basic knowledge of English is required, with additional language skills considered an asset.
• Experience working directly with affected communities in a humanitarian context is preferred.
• Familiarity with international protection standards and principles is desirable but not mandatory.
• Strong data management skills, including the ability to gather and record information from various sources.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Social Sciences or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of social issues and the dynamics of humanitarian work, particularly in the context of protection and support for vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts, particularly in humanitarian settings. Previous experience in conducting community-level protection needs assessments and protection monitoring is desirable, although not strictly required. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to engage with local communities and understand their needs, as well as experience in collaborating with various stakeholders in a humanitarian framework.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is essential for communication and reporting purposes. Additional language skills, particularly in local dialects or languages spoken by the communities served, would be considered advantageous and beneficial for effective engagement with beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria, and is a full-time role with a contract duration of 6 months. The position is classified at Grade 4 in NRC's grading structure, indicating a mid-level role with significant responsibilities. The reporting line is to the Protection from Violence Coordinator, and the role involves approximately 90% field support, requiring travel to various locations within the operational area. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries.