Protection Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee due to conflict and crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, NRC operates in 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. NRC Afghanistan is particularly focused on protecting and assisting vulnerable populations affected by displacement, with a significant presence across the country, including 12 offices and over 1,000 staff members. The organization is committed to addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of affected communities while also working towards durable solutions to prevent further displacement.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist role within NRC's Afghanistan mission is pivotal in leading the protection competency across various programs. The individual in this position will be responsible for developing and implementing the protection strategy, ensuring that it aligns with integrated programming efforts. This includes merging protection with site management, developing funding proposals, and providing technical direction for project implementation. The role also emphasizes the importance of learning and adaptation, ensuring that key insights are captured and utilized to enhance protection monitoring and evaluation tools. The Protection Specialist will represent NRC in external coordination forums, engage with authorities and stakeholders, and contribute to advocacy efforts aimed at improving the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. This position is designed for action-oriented individuals who can navigate complex and volatile contexts, particularly in light of the recent changes in Afghanistan's political landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the implementation of the Protection strategy within NRC’s programs.
• Integrate protection considerations into all aspects of programming, including site management.
• Prepare and revise funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports to secure necessary resources.
• Create and maintain technical standard operating procedures, guidelines, and tools to ensure high-quality protection services.
• Provide technical direction and support for project implementation, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Extract and incorporate key learnings from project cycles to improve future programming.
• Strengthen protection monitoring and evaluation systems to enhance program learning.
• Represent NRC in external coordination forums and collaborate with key stakeholders, including government authorities.
• Engage in advocacy efforts to promote the protection of civilians and address humanitarian needs. 1
• Provide training and capacity-building initiatives for technical staff to enhance their skills and knowledge in protection services.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Demonstrated experience in protection service delivery, including case management.
• Strong knowledge of International law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and the protection of children in armed conflicts.
• Expertise in civilian self-protection strategies and site management.
• Familiarity with complex and volatile contexts, particularly in Afghanistan.
• Understanding of the humanitarian needs and displacement issues specific to Afghanistan.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

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 are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should possess significant experience in senior management roles within humanitarian contexts, particularly those involving protection services. Experience working in Afghanistan or similar environments is preferred, as is familiarity with the challenges faced by displaced populations and the operational landscape of humanitarian assistance.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Afghanistan is an advantage but not required.

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 encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women and minorities. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility for their work.