Community-based Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing essential services to restore health, safety, education, and economic wellbeing to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With operations in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC employs a large workforce committed to delivering impactful solutions that help individuals reclaim control over their lives and strengthen their communities. The organization is recognized for its efforts to restore dignity and hope to millions of people worldwide, making it a significant force for humanity.

Job Overview:
The Community-based Protection Officer plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of IRC’s community-based protection interventions in Jazret Elbuhameed. This position involves facilitating community dialogues, organizing social activities, and establishing community-based committees focused on conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation to foster peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. The officer is responsible for ensuring the active participation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in all aspects of the protection response. This includes effective community mobilization, enhancing community-based protection initiatives, and promoting community development activities in accordance with established guidelines and standards. The officer will supervise community-based protection mobilizers and volunteers, ensuring collaboration with IRC staff involved in program implementation. Additionally, the officer will support the protection outreach program, focusing on capacity building and direct supervision of community engagement volunteers, while coordinating activities with community representatives and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community-based Protection Officer has a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting partners in maintaining the functionality of community-based protection committees, participating in assessments and contextual analyses of community needs, assisting in the implementation of social cohesion and peacebuilding activities, and ensuring adherence to protection principles during dialogue and mediation activities. The officer will coordinate with community representatives and local authorities to facilitate smooth implementation of activities, contribute to training and coaching for community members, follow up on referrals from protection committees, and support integrated service delivery at the community level. The officer will also engage in awareness-raising activities, contribute to data collection and reporting, provide technical support to partner staff, and document success stories and lessons learned to capture program impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in social work, international relations, human rights, community development, or a related field. Proven experience in community engagement, social cohesion, conflict resolution, and humanitarian work is essential, with a minimum of 2-4 years of relevant experience. Familiarity with local contexts and community dynamics, as well as a commitment to human rights and gender equality, are critical. Strong management and organizational skills, excellent time management, and the ability to meet deadlines are required. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is necessary.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social work, international relations, human rights, community development, or any other relevant field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of community dynamics and protection issues.

Experience:
The position requires 2-4 years of proven experience in community engagement, social cohesion, conflict resolution, and protection activities. Experience in mediation processes and familiarity with the local context are highly desirable. Candidates should have a demonstrated belief in human rights, including gender equality, and possess the ability to work effectively in diverse environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with community members, stakeholders, and partners, ensuring that the officer can engage with a wide range of individuals and facilitate community-based protection efforts.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve travel as requested, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment. The role is focused on community-based protection systems strengthening and sustainability, with an emphasis on ensuring the continued functionality of protection committees and community groups beyond the project's completion. The officer will also oversee referral pathways and ensure compliance with donor requirements, preparing impact and closure reports as necessary.