Protection Specialist at Danish Refugee Council

We are looking for a highly qualified, self-motivated Protection Specialist who is able to coordinate protection activities and work with diverse teams of both national and international staff, and equipped with technical skills to develop and strengthen emergency response capacity in a highly complex crisis.

DRC is operational in South Sudan since 2005, working with the overall aim of achieving durable solutions for displaced populations. The Danish Demining Group (DDG) started Humanitarian Mine Action in 2006.

Danish Refugee Council main program objectives (2018-2020) in South Sudan are:

1. To save lives and alleviate suffering among displaced people and their hosts
2. To reduce displacement related risks and support and facilitate solutions
3. To promote peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies and address root causes to displacement

DRC primarily operates across Upper Nile and Unity states, both of which are heavily affected by conflict and experience high numbers of internally displaced populations as well as refugees in need of humanitarian assistance. DRC has operational bases in Maban, Malakal, Jonglei, Greater Pibor, Kodok and Aburoc in Upper Nile and in Bentiu, Mayom, and Ajuong Thok in Unity state, supported by a country-office in Juba.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Protection Specialist will ensure implementation of protection programming including coordination activities in Bor South and Akobo of Jonglei state and Pibor of Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA). The Protection Manager will, among other tasks, oversee implementation of DRC protection and SGBV activities, strengthen the capacity of several national protection partners, ensure quality protection outcomes, develop high quality protection information system and assist in programme development and strategy; act as focal point for the Protection Cluster and other stakeholders at state-level. This is a new role in Jonglei and GPAA and the role and responsibilities will be reviewed as DRC programming scope evolves.

Responsibilities

Technical and program management

• Take the lead in DRC protection programming and coordination in Jonglei and GPAA, particularly in Bor South, Akobo and Pibor Bentiu ensuring quality protection activities are planned and implemented according to minimum standards and internal DRC guidance.
• Manage implementation of protection activities, in accordance with agreed strategy, operational plan, budgets, and DRC and donor regulations; including in the field of General Protection (community based protection, awareness raising and information dissemination, protection capacity building) and Gender Based Violence prevention and response (implementation of SASA! and Girl Shine, capacity building on multiple aspects of GBV prevention and response)
• Develop and implement capacity building plan for partners. Provide specialist technical support to the partner/s to implement the project as per the proposal and technical guidance.
• Mentor, coach and train partners in protection, GBV, child protection and peace building activities. Monitor and follow up on partner plans.
• Contribute to development of proposals and feed into the protection strategy.
• Produce high quality protection information products (monitoring reports, snapshots, briefings) on the dynamic protection context and protection concerns and engage in advocacy on findings as required at state and national level
• Contribute to and support effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes and initiatives, and ensure effective data and information management and contribute to regular reporting on protection activities for various donors (weekly, monthly, quarterly, mid-year, annual, as required).
• Prepare all necessary documentation for each activity (including weekly vehicle movement plans, order requests, payment requests, etc.) and for the reconciliation of the money spent during each activity
• Manage budgets, monitor and update work plans, and prepare reports required for different projects, working closely with finance and grants departments.
• Prepare project procurement plans and raise materials/services requisitions and follow up with the respective support departments.
• Ensure synergy between protection and other sectoral activities at Area level, as well as mainstream protection, AGD and GBV risk mitigation throughout DRC’s response
• Any other tasks as required by the management relevant to ensuring quality protection programming.
• Provide regular capacity building support to internal and external protection staff with a focus on building capacity and supporting quality protection work amongst CBOs and local NGOs.
• Ensure staff are well versed with Code of Conduct, accountability measures, humanitarian principles, protection principles, respectful engagement with the affected population, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Ensure timely and quality reports to DRC, partners and donors.
• Conduct necessary assessments, participate in baseline and endline surveys.

Coordination and engagement;

• Proactively engage with state-level protection cluster as well as other coordination mechanisms as appropriate; this includes sharing information on protection concerns, principled advocacy, preparing updates for the cluster, and actively participating in the humanitarian response planning with the cluster.
• Liaise and build partnerships with community leaders, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors to enhance community-driven approaches.
• Coordinate with and engage with relevant partners, government authorities on behalf of DRC.

About you

• ·A degree in political/social sciences, law, development studies, social work, international development or equivalent degree qualifications;
• At least four years’ protection project management experience of which at least 3 years should be at an international level in a conflict affected context
• Proven technical knowledge of protection and GBV prevention and response
• Demonstrated experience in community based protection and implementing SASA! and Girl Shine programs
• Demonstrated understandings of CAAFAG prevention work and peace building (desirable)
• Proven knowledge of project cycle management and experience in proposal and budget development and project implementation (including budget management);
• Understanding of and experience in engaging the cluster system in IDP contexts
• Ability for rapid analysis of very complex issues, strong decision-making, and translation of programmatic learning and priorities into operational strategies;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cross-cultural communication;
• Good team leadership and conflict resolution skills, consensus team building, and adaptability;
• Experience delivering programs to tight deadlines;
• Good computer and IT skills and strong communication and writing skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English language;
• Ability and willingness to work in remote and isolated location with limited access to services and changing security scenarios;

Key Stakeholders

• Affected population, and community based protection structures
• Protection actors including local protection partners
• DRC staff particularly Protection Coordinator and Protection Managers
• Clusters Moreover, in this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Duration: 12 months renewable contract subject to Performance and Funding.

Contract: Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates available at www.drc.dk under Vacancies graded as Band NM.G level 1.

Start Date : January, 2021

Duty Stations: Jonglei State – South Sudan

Reporting: This position reports to Head of Programme

Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html). All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.