Protection Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been operating since 1946, dedicated to helping people affected by displacement. With a mission to protect the rights of displaced individuals and provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives, NRC operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on areas where the need is greatest. The organization is known for its commitment to accountability, inclusivity, and innovation, ensuring that its programs are effective and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. NRC employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with local authorities, other NGOs, and international agencies to deliver comprehensive humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Protection Coordinator will play a pivotal role in leading and overseeing protection programming within the Emergency Response and Recovery Management (ERRM) framework. This position is crucial for ensuring that protection activities are effectively planned, implemented, and monitored at the area level. The Protection Coordinator will be responsible for managing a team of protection staff, ensuring adherence to NRC policies and procedures, and contributing to the development of protection strategies and project proposals. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, and implementing innovative solutions to address these needs. The Protection Coordinator will also be expected to engage with local authorities and stakeholders to promote the rights of affected populations and advocate for their protection needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the implementation of all ERRM protection programming, managing and providing technical guidance to protection staff, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and developing implementation and spending plans. The Coordinator will conduct regular field visits to monitor the quality of protection activities, participate in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff, and contribute to the capacity building of the protection team. Additionally, the Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the protection landscape, supporting the development of NRC's country protection strategy, and ensuring accurate reporting to donors. The role also involves representing NRC in protection coordination forums and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection Coordinator position must possess a strong background in humanitarian work, particularly in protection roles. A university degree in social science, law, political science, or a related field is essential. Applicants should have at least three years of experience in project management, including staff supervision and compliance with internal policies. Strong communication, analytical, and negotiation skills are required, along with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively. Experience in monitoring and evaluation, as well as advocacy on behalf of beneficiaries, is highly desirable. Advanced computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office applications, are also necessary.

Educational Background:
A university degree in social science, law, political science, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of protection issues in humanitarian contexts and equips the candidate with the skills needed to navigate legal and social frameworks relevant to displaced populations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of experience working in a protection role within a humanitarian or recovery context. This experience should include project management responsibilities, staff supervision, and a proven track record of compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. Candidates should also have significant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on project activities, as well as prior experience representing an NGO in public forums.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in Arabic or Kurdish is considered an asset, as it enhances communication with local communities and stakeholders. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is beneficial in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, with a contract length of 12 months. The role requires significant travel, approximately 80% of the time, to various field locations to oversee protection activities. This is a full-time position, and candidates should be prepared to work in a challenging and sometimes insecure environment. NRC is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, and offers competitive compensation and benefits packages to its employees.