Protection Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Protection Officer
Location: Kharkiv
Country: Ukraine
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is dedicated to helping people affected by displacement. Established in 1946, NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing assistance and protection to refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization has a mission to promote and protect the rights of displaced people, ensuring they have access to essential services and support. NRC employs thousands of staff globally, working in various sectors including education, shelter, and protection, and is known for its commitment to humanitarian principles and advocacy for the rights of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer position is primarily focused on delivering protection interventions in East Ukraine, specifically in Kharkiv and surrounding regions. The role is managed by the Protection Manager and involves providing Individual Protection Assistance (IPA) to vulnerable individuals affected by conflict. The officer will assess cases, conduct needs assessments, and ensure effective referrals to relevant services. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including NGOs and national institutions, to enhance the protection of individuals at risk. The officer will also engage in protection mainstreaming activities, training, and capacity building to strengthen the overall protection framework in the region. This role is crucial in ensuring that the rights and needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees are addressed in line with NRC's advocacy strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including ensuring compliance with NRC policies and protection strategies. They will track financial expenditures and maintain accurate project documentation while adhering to sensitive data handling principles. The officer will prepare status reports for management, provide technical support and capacity building to project staff, and assess new ways to assist beneficiaries. Specific duties include delivering Individual Protection Assistance, conducting safe referrals, performing trauma-informed assessments, providing psychological first aid, and ensuring proper data protection of sensitive information. The officer will also support field data collection for protection assessments and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders. They will represent NRC at external meetings and support the establishment of a protective environment in collective sites through training and mainstreaming activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience, preferably in the humanitarian sector. They should demonstrate documented results related to the responsibilities of the position and possess good reporting skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. A working knowledge of English, both written and verbal, is preferable. Previous experience working with vulnerable populations is essential, along with specific skills in community engagement and participatory assessments. Knowledge of protection principles and best practices is highly desirable, as well as familiarity with national social support systems in Ukraine.

Educational Background:
While the job ad does not specify exact educational requirements, candidates are typically expected to have a relevant degree in social work, humanitarian studies, or a related field that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of professional experience, ideally within the humanitarian sector. Candidates should have experience in protection-related projects, community engagement, and working with vulnerable populations. Previous training in protection risk reduction and experience in information data management are also advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian may be beneficial, given the local context and the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Ukraine, and NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. The role is full-time and involves working closely with vulnerable populations in a challenging environment. NRC values dedication, innovation, teamwork, and accountability, and seeks individuals who share these values.