Protection Officers (2 positions)

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people affected by displacement. With a mission to protect the rights of displaced populations and provide assistance in various sectors, NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing aid in emergencies and supporting long-term recovery. The organization is known for its commitment to accountability, inclusivity, and innovation in its operations, ensuring that the needs of the affected populations are met effectively. NRC employs thousands of staff globally, working in diverse environments to deliver essential services and support to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer positions are crucial for monitoring and mitigating risks faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected areas. The primary responsibilities include implementing and managing protection activities, Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFM), and ensuring accountability to the affected populations. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying protection concerns and engaging with communities to enhance their safety and well-being. The Protection Officer will contribute to the development of NRC’s Complaints and Feedback Mechanism, ensuring that the voices of the affected populations are heard and addressed. This position also involves significant travel (70%) to various project sites, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in challenging environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: monitoring and reporting on protection incidents and concerns within target communities, managing the community Feedback Mechanisms to ensure community engagement, planning and implementing awareness-raising activities, conducting service mapping within the geographical area of responsibility, and identifying protection risks for referral to appropriate services. The officer will also be tasked with training staff on protection mainstreaming, preparing status reports for management, and promoting the rights of refugees and displaced individuals in line with NRC's advocacy strategy. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with other sectors such as WASH and Shelter, ensuring adherence to NRC policies and guidelines, and leading the development and implementation of Safe and Inclusive Programming action plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree or diploma in Social Sciences or a related field, along with 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in protection programming, particularly in displacement settings. Experience working with host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, with a self-motivated approach to their work. Proficiency in data collection, reporting, and computer applications such as Word and Excel is required. Knowledge of protection principles and the rights of displaced populations is crucial, as well as the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural environments.

Educational Background:
A degree or diploma in Social Sciences or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of the social dynamics and challenges faced by displaced populations, equipping candidates with the skills needed to address protection issues effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in protection programming, particularly in contexts involving displacement. Experience in humanitarian or recovery settings, especially in complex and volatile environments, is highly valued. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with vulnerable populations and demonstrating results related to their responsibilities in previous roles.

Languages:
While knowledge of English is necessary, proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be advantageous. This linguistic capability can enhance communication with affected populations and facilitate better engagement in community activities.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 5 months, and it is essential for candidates to be prepared for significant travel (70%) within the operational areas. The positions are classified at Grade 5, reporting to the Protection Coordinator, and there is no supervisory responsibility associated with these roles. NRC is committed to recruiting staff who align with its core values of dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability, and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute positively to the organization's mission.