Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Founded in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, focusing on areas such as education, shelter, water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH), and protection services. NRC has been active in Bangladesh since 2018, particularly in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis, and aims to uphold the dignity and rights of affected populations through principled humanitarian action.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer is tasked with the direct implementation of Civilian Self Protection (CSP) activities. This includes leading conflict and risk assessments, conducting workshops, building the capacity of community groups, and raising awareness about protection issues. The role requires close collaboration with at-risk individuals and communities to identify protection risks, provide tailored support, and strengthen community-based protection mechanisms. The Protection Officer is crucial in ensuring the safety and dignity of affected populations while upholding protection standards. The position is integral to NRC's mission of delivering effective humanitarian assistance and fostering community resilience in challenging environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will facilitate community self-protection activities by collaborating with local leaders, community groups, and volunteers to enhance community resilience and mitigate protection risks. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining case management processes, conducting Individual Protection Assistance assessments, and performing safety mapping and participatory risk assessments. The officer will conduct regular field visits to monitor protection situations, maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, and utilize standardized data collection tools to gather information on protection risks. Additionally, the officer will contribute to needs assessments, promote the collection of baseline data, and ensure the application of an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach to protection. Monthly reporting and collaboration with the Protection from Violence Coordinator are also key aspects of this role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Peace and Conflict studies, or a relevant field. A minimum of 3 years of experience in implementing community-based protection programs and Protection Case Management in humanitarian settings, particularly in Cox's Bazar and Bashan char, is required. Experience with Civilian Self-Protection (CSP) activities and programming is essential, along with a strong understanding of protection risk reduction and data management standards. Candidates should demonstrate technical expertise in the assessment, design, and delivery of CSP programming and have experience in training and capacity-building on protection technical areas.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Peace and Conflict studies, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of protection issues and the humanitarian context in which NRC operates, particularly in relation to the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of relevant experience in community-based protection programs and Protection Case Management within humanitarian settings. Experience in the specific context of Cox's Bazar and Bashan char is highly valued, as is familiarity with Civilian Self-Protection (CSP) activities. Previous work in humanitarian or recovery contexts will be considered an asset, along with demonstrable expertise in protection risk assessment and management.

Languages:
Fluency in Bangla and English is required, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages. Knowledge of the Chittagonian language is considered an advantage. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with affected communities and stakeholders, as well as for reporting and documentation purposes.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, with a contract duration of 6 months, which has a high possibility for extension. The role is classified as Grade 05 in NRC’s Salary Scale, with a monthly gross salary of 78,520 BDT, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes group insurance for staff and dependents, 24/7 psychosocial assistance, festival bonuses, end service benefits, a contributory provident fund, and various types of leave. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates, particularly local and female candidates. The organization emphasizes a culture of inclusivity and encourages innovative ideas from all employees.