Protection Cluster Coordinator

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, persecution, and disasters. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and protection during crises. NRC's mission is to protect the rights of displaced and vulnerable populations, meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions. The organization emphasizes the importance of access to aid, which remains a significant challenge due to ongoing conflicts, insecurity, and bureaucratic obstacles that hinder the delivery of assistance. NRC's programs include rapid response to emergencies, multipurpose cash assistance, legal protection, education, shelter, and water and hygiene promotion. Additionally, NRC South Sudan plays a crucial role in co-leading various protection clusters and working groups, focusing on issues such as housing, land, and property rights, as well as durable solutions for affected populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Cluster Coordinator will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective coordination of the National Protection Cluster in South Sudan. This position requires collaboration with the UNHCR Protection Cluster Coordinator and the broader Protection Cluster Coordination team. The coordinator will be responsible for representing the cluster in various coordination forums and engaging with key stakeholders. The role involves supporting the design and implementation of country-level strategies and humanitarian funding processes, including the Protection Cluster strategy, Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The coordinator will also oversee the establishment of a Protection Information Management system to facilitate effective information sharing, context analysis, coordination, and advocacy. Furthermore, the coordinator will provide guidance and support to field cluster focal points and partners on effective response coordination and technical issues, ensuring that the protection needs of vulnerable populations are adequately addressed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Cluster Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: facilitating and co-chairing meetings of the national Protection Cluster alongside the UNHCR Cluster Coordinator, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing among partners; ensuring effective coordination of the protection response in South Sudan; facilitating information exchange with Protection Cluster partners and relevant stakeholders regarding protection issues, situation analysis, and funding processes; representing the Protection Cluster and advocating for the interests of its partners to government entities, donors, and other stakeholders; providing practical support and guidance to cluster partners on needs assessments, project development, and implementation; building the capacity of cluster partners through training and workshops; conducting needs assessments and analysis to inform strategic planning; ensuring monitoring and reporting mechanisms are in place to evaluate the progress of Protection Cluster activities; developing internal strategic action plans to operationalize cluster objectives; supporting the establishment of Protection Information Management systems; identifying key advocacy concerns and consolidating policy positions among protection partners; liaising with donors to mobilize resources; and managing the grant that funds the position, including donor reporting and proposal writing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection Cluster Coordinator position must possess a postgraduate degree in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, political sciences, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience working on protection-related issues in humanitarian emergencies is required, including inter-agency collaboration and providing technical advice to field teams. Applicants should have an excellent understanding of protection issues in emergency and displacement situations, as well as detailed knowledge of humanitarian principles, guidelines for humanitarian assistance, and relevant international legal frameworks. Strong leadership, coordination, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in teams and independently. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, planning, and drafting skills, as well as excellent advocacy and representation abilities. Proficiency in written and oral communication in English is mandatory, and self-motivation with a keen observation of protection issues in the country is expected.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree in international law, political sciences, or a related field. This advanced education is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to navigate the complexities of humanitarian protection and coordination in crisis situations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in protection-related roles within humanitarian emergencies. This experience should include inter-agency work and the provision of technical advice to field teams. Candidates with previous experience in South Sudan or similar contexts will have a competitive advantage, as they will be familiar with the local challenges and operational environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for coordination and advocacy efforts. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the South Sudan context may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on funding availability and performance. The role involves approximately 20% travel within South Sudan to support field operations. The salary and benefits are classified under grade 9 on NRC’s international or national contract scale. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture of innovation and responsibility, encouraging employees to share ideas and take initiative. Candidates should be aware that the application process requires submission of an updated CV and cover letter in English, and incomplete applications will not be considered. The position is open to both international and national candidates, with internal candidates potentially assessed before external applicants.