Protection Specialist

Protection Specialist

Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

August 20, 2026September 22, 2026Yemen
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an 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 their rights, and works to enhance their opportunities for a better future. The organization operates in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in host countries, striving for responsible and sustainable solutions. DRC has grown to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers across multiple countries, all working towards the vision of a dignified life for all displaced individuals. DRC's core values include humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency, which guide all its efforts.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist role is crucial for providing technical oversight and support to partner organizations and DRC teams in implementing protection programming. Reporting to the Protection Manager at the Country Office, the Protection Specialist is responsible for ensuring the delivery of quality, accessible, and confidential services through community-based mechanisms. This role emphasizes the strengthening of technical standards, processes, partner capacity, and safe referral pathways, ensuring that protection interventions are context-appropriate and responsive to the needs of affected populations. The Protection Specialist will also contribute to design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, quality assurance, and adaptation, ensuring that interventions are accountable and effective in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Specialist will engage in various responsibilities, including:
  • Program Development: Collaborate with the Protection Manager to develop and implement DRC’s protection strategy in Yemen, focusing on enhancing the safety and wellbeing of conflict-affected individuals. Design and implement community-based services, including specialized support and referral mechanisms. Analyze protection needs and adapt programs based on emerging trends. Develop and harmonize technical tools, SOPs, and minimum standards across programs. Provide technical input for assessments, project design, and donor reporting. Document lessons learned and operational challenges to inform program adaptation.
  • Technical Support and Capacity Building: Offer day-to-day technical support to implementing partners, ensuring quality service delivery. Strengthen technical capacity through training and mentoring. Review partner tools and reports, identifying challenges and supporting solutions. Conduct field visits to assess program quality and provide technical guidance. Develop training materials and support recruitment for protection roles.
  • Coordination and Representation: Represent DRC in inter-agency forums and coordinate with partners and stakeholders to enhance collaboration. Support the development of service mapping for effective referral pathways. Promote inclusive and protection-sensitive approaches across DRC programs. Assist the Protection Manager in generating evidence and advocacy messages to inform programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of protection principles and humanitarian standards. They should have experience in program development and implementation, particularly in protection programming. Strong analytical skills and the ability to adapt programs based on contextual developments are essential. Candidates should demonstrate technical expertise in protection approaches and tools, as well as experience in capacity building and training. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social sciences, international relations, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection, humanitarian response, or related areas are preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding protection and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in protection programming or humanitarian response is required. Experience working in conflict-affected settings and with displaced populations is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing protection strategies and programs, as well as experience in capacity building and technical support.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with full professional proficiency required. Arabic is preferred, as it is the native language of the region. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as non-managerial (G2 band) and is based in Sana'a, with frequent travel to field locations. The contract is set to last until March 31, 2027, with a start date as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s National Terms of Employment. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note, by the application deadline of August 27, 202
  • Applications sent directly via email will not be considered.
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