The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, working in over 40 countries to provide appropriate assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, people on the move, and vulnerable local populations/host communities. DRC is currently seeking a highly qualified Community-Based Protection Officer based in Santa Bárbara del Zulia, Venezuela.
About the work
DRC is managing its operations in Venezuela, under the direction of the country office in Caracas and three field offices located in the states of Sucre, Apure, and Zulia. DRC Venezuela is implementing activities such as protection monitoring, legal assistance, individual protection assistance for people with disabilities, information sessions for proof of identity (PoC), prevention of human trafficking, rehabilitation of health infrastructure, and food security.
Job description
Under the supervision of the Protection Monitoring Team Leader, the Community-Based Protection Officer will support the on-the-ground implementation of all Community-Based Protection activities under DRC projects. They will be responsible for providing technical support and guidance to communities in developing participatory assessments, mapping services and stakeholders, collaboratively developing action plans, and coordinating with local actors to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. The Community-Based Protection Officer will develop and maintain strong relationships with people of concern, relevant stakeholders, and other humanitarian actors. They will also support the implementation of differentiated approaches, particularly those related to age, gender, and diversity, in protection activities.
Main Responsibilities:
Implementation of Community-Based Protection Activities
- Supporting communities in establishing community representation structures for the DRC project with a gender and differential approach.
- Approaching the community in a culturally sensitive manner and arranging to use community spaces in advance, acting as a liaison between DRC community structures and community leaders, where feasible.
- To contribute to improving protection and achieving solutions for persons of concern through people-centered and community-centered approaches.
- Identify key community members and stakeholders with whom to coordinate and plan joint community protection activities.
- Support the target population in developing structures that improve their participation and self-protection. Responsible for conducting and regularly updating service mapping in the intervention communities. Contribute to the design of the community-based protection strategy on the ground, including identifying protection focal points and community-based protection groups.
- Based on the community-based protection strategy, support action plans for community activities including awareness campaigns.
- Conduct frequent visits to the intervention communities to ensure the implementation of the community-based protection strategy.
- Responsible for planning and implementing community activities in collaboration with key community stakeholders.
- Work in a coordinated manner with the DRC Protection team and communities of interest to identify protection risks and community capabilities.
- To contribute to the development of community structures and procedures that allow the safe referral of persons of concern to the corresponding Protection area.
- Coordinate community action plans with all areas of the DRC Protection Unit.
- Supporting PBC committees in developing work schedules for the implementation of community action plans.
- Continuously monitor the PBC intervention communities. Hold regular meetings with the PBC committees to identify challenges, conduct evaluations, and identify lessons learned.
- Prepare periodic reports on community protection activities, community action plans, and challenges encountered in the intervention areas.
- Strengthen the capacities of key community actors through capacity-building mechanisms, monthly meetings and workshops in coordination with their direct supervisor.
- Keep up-to-date the means of verification in physical and digital files, as well as reports and other documents related to AML/CFT.
- Represent DRC on matters relating to community protection.
- Other responsibilities that may be assigned for the programmatic implementation of protection.
Logistics / Finance and Security:
- Proactively plan and coordinate logistics and movements to different operational areas. Initiate acquisitions and ensure their execution.
- Ensure that distribution plans are prepared and shared with logistics in a timely manner
- Comply with local safety regulations and promote their compliance during your team’s field operations. Ensure adherence to DRC’s code of conduct, values, principles, and core competencies.
Experience and technical skills:
- Professional with a university degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Rights, Social Sciences and related fields.
- Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in humanitarian work, social work, human rights or other similar field work, related to an NGO or other non-profit organization.
- Field experience and experience working with urban, rural, and/or indigenous communities. Experience in strengthening community networks.
- Experience and ability to interview people of all ages, genders, and diversity.
- Ability to establish interpersonal relationships and coordinate actions with relevant stakeholders. Ability to work in hard-to-reach contexts.
- Good skills working with tablets and computers. Good skills in Microsoft Office.
- Willingness and ability to learn.
Education : (including certificates, licenses, etc.)
Relevant University Degree in social sciences (political science, law, social work, international development, psychology, human rights)
We offer:
- The opportunity to belong to one of the best NGOs worldwide.
- Access to over 1,000 free online training courses and certificates.
- Contract duration: subject to budget availability.
- Salary: Band H.
- HCM insurance fully covered by the organization.
DRC Core Competencies
- Striving for excellence: Focusing on achieving results while ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaboration: Involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the initiative: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicate: Listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrate integrity: act in accordance with DRC’s vision and values.
Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 1 page) and an updated CV ( max. 2 pages, no supporting documents ) in Spanish to the DRC job platform. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Application deadline : Sunday, April 26th at 11:59 pm Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously and interviews will be scheduled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the position before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
Start date: May 2026.
How to apply
Link to Application Form
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