Senior Protection Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The organization's mission is to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact, the IRC aims to help millions regain control of their futures and strengthen their communities. Since 2017, the IRC has been actively supporting Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi communities in Cox's Bazar and other regions, addressing various challenges including climate change impacts, and promoting resilience, economic recovery, education, and protection.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Coordinator will play a pivotal role in leading protection programming in Cox’s Bazar, providing strategic and technical leadership to ensure the effective implementation of project activities. This position requires collaboration with multi-functional teams, including program, advocacy, communication, MEAL, and operations, to achieve high-quality protection outcomes. The coordinator will oversee the Protection program teams, which include Women Protection and Empowerment (WPE), Child Protection (CP), and Protection and Rule of Law (PRoL), ensuring program results delivery, quality, impact, and sustainability. The role also involves representing IRC Bangladesh in the Protection Cluster and related forums, supporting business development, donor engagement, and proposal development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Coordinator will be responsible for several key areas:

• Strategic Leadership and Program Management: Provide strategic direction and technical oversight for protection programming, ensuring effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities in line with project goals and quality standards. Lead the development and execution of work plans, spending plans, and procurement plans to ensure timely project delivery. Identify implementation challenges and propose practical solutions while ensuring the mainstreaming of protection principles across program implementation.
• Business Development and Resource Mobilization: Identify funding opportunities aligned with protection priorities, contribute to business development efforts, and support the development of high-quality program documents and evidence to strengthen fundraising efforts.
• Coordination with Multi-Functional Teams: Ensure collaboration with other units to maximize program impact and operational efficiency, facilitating integrated planning and implementation across functions.
• Representation and External Engagement: Represent IRC in various forums, maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and contributing to sector discussions to influence protection priorities.
• Team Leadership and Capacity Building: Provide technical guidance and support to protection team leaders, coach and mentor team members, and foster a collaborative team environment.
• Others: Promote team engagement and adherence to IRC values and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in international development, law, human rights, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in managing protection programs in humanitarian responses is required, with specific experience in emergency or post-conflict settings. At least 3-5 years in a senior coordination, managerial, or technical leadership role is essential. Demonstrated experience in the Cox’s Bazar/Rohingya response or similar complex humanitarian settings is highly preferred, along with proven experience in Protection Cluster representation and stakeholder engagement. Strong experience in business development, including proposal writing and donor engagement, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in international development, law, human rights, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in protection programming and humanitarian response.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in managing protection programs within humanitarian contexts, particularly in emergency or post-conflict settings. Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of experience in a senior coordination, managerial, or technical leadership role, demonstrating a strong understanding of protection principles and humanitarian architecture. Experience in the Cox’s Bazar/Rohingya response or similar complex humanitarian settings is highly preferred, along with a proven track record in managing project implementation and ensuring timely delivery against targets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent writing and communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position will be based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, and may require regular travel to field locations within the district and other areas as needed. The role adheres to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – the organization's Code of Conduct, which emphasizes Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. The IRC operates and enforces policies on safeguarding, anti-workplace harassment, fiscal integrity, and anti-retaliation, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.