Protection Specialist - Child Protection

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 multiple countries across the globe, focusing on providing assistance and protection to those affected by conflict and displacement. The organization is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of individuals in crisis situations, and it employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with local partners and communities to deliver effective humanitarian aid.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist - Child Protection is a pivotal role within the Danish Refugee Council, responsible for overseeing and enhancing child protection initiatives across the Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia Country Office. This position requires a strategic approach to developing and implementing child protection programs that align with DRC's Protection Strategy. The specialist will provide technical guidance to protection staff, ensuring that child protection activities are initiated and executed with high quality. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to adapt programming based on the evolving needs of children affected by conflict and displacement. The specialist will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of child protection interventions, ensuring compliance with established standards and guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Specialist - Child Protection include:

• Program Development: Collaborate with the Protection Manager to create and enhance child protection programming, including establishing child protection case management systems and child-friendly spaces across the three countries.
• Technical Guidance: Develop technical guidance and tools for the implementation of child protection programs, ensuring they meet quality standards.
• Monitoring and Support: Provide ongoing technical support and monitoring of child protection activities, ensuring adherence to quality standards and effective implementation.
• Staff Supervision: Supervise protection staff, focusing on capacity building, professional development, and technical support.
• Compliance: Promote compliance with relevant tools, forms, and standard operating procedures to ensure program quality and impact.
• Reporting: Collect and report information on program progress and challenges to the ALT Protection Manager and relevant project managers.
• Adaptation: Adjust program implementation strategies in coordination with project managers and specialists based on contextual needs.
• Data Management: Collaborate with information management specialists to develop an information management system for child protection.
• Professional Environment: Foster a collaborative and professional work environment among team members. 1
• Capacity Building: Develop strategies for capacity building within the protection team at the field level. 1
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Support data collection and analysis related to child protection issues, contributing to the development of monitoring and evaluation tools. 1
• Representation: Represent DRC in relevant coordination meetings and strengthen relationships with stakeholders in child protection and gender-based violence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection Specialist - Child Protection position must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience working with international or national humanitarian organizations in child protection.
• Previous experience in contexts of mixed migration flows, with a strong understanding of protection and child protection issues affecting displaced populations.
• Proven ability in conceptual, analytical, and critical thinking, contributing to programmatic or advocacy strategies.
• Experience in capacity building, including training and supervision of staff.
• Familiarity with inter-agency standards and guidelines in child protection, such as the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.
• Excellent technical knowledge of protection standards and principles, with the ability to develop effective responses to psychosocial and protection needs.
• Experience in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) or education programming is highly desirable.
• Commitment to integrating gender, conflict sensitivity, and accountability into programming.
• Creative and practical thinking skills to enhance program quality and impact. 1
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to work flexibly in a diverse team.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Specialist - Child Protection role should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in social work, psychology, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in child protection, humanitarian response, or related disciplines are highly advantageous and may be preferred by the hiring organization.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of relevant experience in child protection within humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have a demonstrated history of working effectively in challenging environments, particularly those involving mixed migration flows and forced displacement. Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation in child protection is essential, along with a strong understanding of the complexities surrounding child protection issues in crisis situations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the role in Libya and Tunisia. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may also be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a contract basis for 6 months, with the possibility of extension for Tunisian candidates. The role is designated for national candidates only, and the duty station will be either Tunis or Tripoli, depending on the selected candidate. The expected start date for this position is June 15, 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is June 4, 2026.