Protection Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for a brighter future. The organization has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and engaging around 8,000 volunteers. DRC operates in conflict-affected areas and collaborates with local communities to ensure responsible and sustainable solutions. The organization’s vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, guided by core values such as humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency. DRC has been active in Syria since 2008, initially addressing the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to respond to the ongoing Syria crisis since 201
• DRC Syria employs an area-based approach to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across various sectors, including Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization is committed to fostering resilience in fragile communities and has established a rapid response mechanism to address emerging crises effectively. DRC also engages in cross-border operations in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Iraq, providing a regional response to the Syria crisis through protection monitoring and advocacy efforts.

Job Overview:
The Protection Team Leader position is a critical role within DRC Syria, reporting directly to the Area Manager and receiving technical supervision from the Protection Manager. The primary responsibility of the Protection Team Leader is to ensure the high-quality implementation of ongoing protection activities while managing a team of Protection Field Assistants in Rural Damascus. This role requires a strong commitment to the principles of protection and the ability to lead and support a team effectively. The Protection Team Leader will be responsible for overseeing the execution of protection projects, ensuring adherence to DRC guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The position also involves maintaining financial oversight of protection budgets, preparing and reporting on project work plans, and ensuring compliance with confidentiality and data protection standards. The Protection Team Leader will liaise with various stakeholders, including authorities and community groups, to foster positive relationships and enhance the safety and well-being of crisis-affected individuals and communities. This role is essential for contributing to the overall mission of DRC in providing humanitarian assistance and advocating for the rights of displaced persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Team Leader will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: ensuring the timely and high-quality implementation of protection activities as per project requirements; supporting the recruitment and management of protection field staff; providing technical support and oversight to Protection Field Assistants; managing internal staffing issues such as attendance monitoring and appraisals; preparing and reporting on project work plans and maintaining an updated project indicator tracker; overseeing financial aspects of protection budgets and tracking purchase requisitions; maintaining accurate records of protection activities in compliance with DRC SOPs; implementing monitoring and evaluation plans in collaboration with the M&E team; liaising with relevant authorities and community groups to enhance safety and well-being; providing regular internal reports on project activities; contributing data for new proposal development; adhering to DRC's Code of Conduct and SOPs; ensuring transparency and maintaining DRC's positive reputation within communities; and performing any other relevant duties as assigned by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection Team Leader position must possess relevant professional experience of no less than three years, with a strong background in the UN, NGO, or voluntary sector being essential. Familiarity with DRC and its target populations, including internally displaced persons, returnees, and refugees, is considered a distinct advantage. The ideal candidate should have experience in team management, demonstrating proven leadership qualities and decision-making abilities. A solid understanding of international protection and human rights legal standards, as well as experience in child protection and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support programming, is crucial. Candidates should also exhibit excellent writing and reporting skills, strong analytical capabilities, and exceptional organizational and planning skills. Punctuality, respect for rules and procedures, and excellent interpersonal skills are necessary, along with a commitment to working with diverse communities and individuals with special needs. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, along with self-motivation and goal orientation, is essential. Ethical decision-making, respect for confidentiality, flexibility, creativity, and maturity are also important attributes for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Protection Team Leader position includes a university degree in social sciences, psychology, or a related field. An advanced university degree would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, particularly in the UN or NGO sectors. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing teams and leading projects, with a strong understanding of protection issues and the needs of displaced populations.

Languages:
Strong spoken and written proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluent spoken and written Arabic. These language skills are essential for effective communication and reporting in the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is expected to last until the end of December 2026, and it is classified at the Management G level. The location of the position is in Rural Damascus, Syria, and the expected start date is as soon as possible. Interested candidates are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note, with CV-only applications not being considered. The application process closes on 31 May 2026, and DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date, potentially closing the advertisement earlier if a suitable candidate is found.