Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent 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 rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for affected individuals. The organization has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and engaging around 8,000 volunteers. DRC operates in multiple countries, including Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, with a regional office in Amman. DRC has been active in the Middle East for over a decade, focusing on emergency response, livelihood support, protection, and advocacy programs. The organization is committed to ensuring a dignified life for all displaced individuals, guided by its core values of humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer role is crucial for the effective delivery of protection services in conflict-affected areas. Reporting to the Protection Team Leader, the officer is responsible for providing timely and high-quality protection services, including victim assistance, case referrals, and cash for protection. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources. The officer will engage with various stakeholders, including local communities and partner organizations, to facilitate access to services and promote the well-being of affected individuals. The role demands a strong commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and the protection of beneficiaries' rights and dignity. The Protection Officer will also be involved in monitoring and reporting on program implementation, contributing to the overall effectiveness of DRC's protection initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities aimed at providing comprehensive support to conflict-affected individuals. Key responsibilities include:

• Victim Assistance: Assisting individuals in accessing life-saving medical interventions, conducting case verification, and managing client files.
• Referral Service Provision: Referring cases to appropriate internal and external services, providing psychological first aid, and coordinating with other NGOs to avoid service duplication.
• Cash for Protection: Identifying cases in need of cash assistance, preparing requests, and maintaining accurate records of assistance provided.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Producing weekly reports, maintaining tracking sheets, and ensuring adherence to data protection protocols.
• Coordination and Representation: Building effective relationships with stakeholders, advocating for vulnerable individuals, and participating in relevant meetings.
• Other Duties: Performing additional tasks as directed by the line manager and adhering to DRC's Code of Conduct and operational policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection Officer position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years in protection-related work, with direct experience supporting vulnerable individuals.
• Technical Competencies: Strong understanding of counseling and protection support approaches, with previous training preferred.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ethical Standards: A commitment to maintaining confidentiality, respect, and non-discrimination in all interactions with clients and stakeholders.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Protection Officer position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field. Candidates with proven field experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of protection work and effectively supporting vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 2-3 years of relevant experience in protection-related roles. This experience should include direct engagement with vulnerable individuals and a demonstrated ability to provide support in challenging environments. Familiarity with humanitarian principles and practices is highly advantageous, as is experience working with international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory, with strong reading and writing skills. Proficiency in English is also required, with a very good command of the language to facilitate effective communication and reporting.

Additional Notes:
The successful applicant will be offered a contract until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. The position is based in Sa’ada, Yemen, and candidates must be available to start as soon as possible. The salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment, and the position is classified at Band H2 Non-Manager level, reporting to the Protection Team Leader. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a cover letter and an updated CV, with applications closing on August 2, 202

• The selection process will include written tests and interviews, expected to occur within two weeks following the application deadline.