Protection Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ around 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, focusing on the protection and rights of displaced individuals. NRC Afghanistan is particularly active in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country, which has been exacerbated by recent political changes and ongoing conflict.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist will play a crucial role in leading the protection competency within NRC’s programs in Afghanistan. This position requires a strategic leader who can develop and implement protection strategies while ensuring integrated programming across various sectors. The role involves significant responsibilities in fundraising, including developing and revising funding proposals and donor reports. The Protection Specialist will also be responsible for ensuring technical quality by developing standard operating procedures and providing technical direction for project implementation. Additionally, the role includes a strong focus on learning and capacity building, ensuring that key learnings are extracted and incorporated into future programming. The Protection Specialist will represent NRC in external coordination forums and contribute to advocacy efforts aimed at improving the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Protection strategy in alignment with NRC’s mission and objectives.
• Lead the integration of Protection and Site Management within NRC’s programs.
• Create and revise funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports to secure necessary funding for protection initiatives.
• Develop technical standard operating procedures, guidelines, and tools to ensure high-quality implementation of protection activities.
• Provide technical direction and support for project implementation, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation tools and systems for protection programming, facilitating learning throughout the project cycle.
• Represent NRC in external coordination forums, liaising with authorities and key stakeholders to advocate for the rights and needs of displaced populations.
• Contribute to advocacy objectives through meaningful engagement in briefings and development of advocacy products.
• Provide training and capacity building for technical staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in protection service delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, with a strong background in protection service delivery, including case management and implementation experience. Knowledge of International law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and the Protection of Children in Armed Conflicts is essential. Candidates should also have expertise in civilian self-protection and exposure to site management in complex and volatile contexts. Familiarity with the Afghanistan context, particularly regarding displacement and humanitarian needs, is highly desirable. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social sciences, international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection, human rights, or humanitarian law will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in protection programming within humanitarian contexts, with demonstrated experience in senior management roles. Experience working in Afghanistan or similar contexts is highly preferred, as is familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of humanitarian response in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of local languages such as Dari or Pashto would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role may require approximately 30% travel within the country. The position is classified as Grade 9 in NRC’s Salary Scale, which includes a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The application process is open only to internal NRC employees who have legal eligibility to work in Afghanistan, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships.