The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

With funding from ECHO, the IRC is leading a VITAL consortium that will address increasing health and protection risks for refugees and host communities driven by the ongoing influx of refugees, regular disease outbreaks, and declining funding. The role will support the design and implementation of a localized, integrated, multi-sectoral response to address heightened health and protection risks among refugees and host communities.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Senior Protection Officer will be responsible for contributing to the delivery of lifesaving interventions for new arrivals and vulnerable populations through coordinated Protection, Multi-Purpose Cash Transfers (MPCT), and Epidemic Preparedness and Response (EPR), ensuring safe and accountable referrals. It supports gap-filling across points of entry, transit, reception centres, and high-caseload settlements, while promoting an area-based, “one team” approach that enhances efficiency, strengthens local partnerships, and enables adaptive responses to emerging crises such as influxes and disease outbreaks. S/he will work alongside the Consortium Manager and the Protection Coordinator to guide and oversee the day-to-day program implementation in the field. The Senior Protection Officer supports all aspects of general protection and works with the partner on GBV and Child Protection interventions to ensure that appropriate responses are provided, including referrals primarily through weekly drop in platform for clients in the settlement and other safe spaces in the communities of operation. The Senior Protection Officer is responsible for effective internal coordination within the organization between Protection and the partners implementing various protection components such as access GBV, child protection, Health, Cash, and Epidemic response teams. As guided by the Protection Coordinator, he/she will engage in external representation and coordination with other relevant actors (among which UNHCR, government counterparts, and other national and international NGOs), as well as participating in coordination forums. The Senior Protection Officer will be responsible for planning and implementing a community based Protection (CBP) program which includes community engagement, outreach initiatives, information dissemination and capacity building with the support of the Protection Coordinator. This will include capacity building and day-to-day supervision, mentorship and support to Protection Officers and partners implementing GBV and Child Protection services under the VITAL project.

Duties and responsibilities

Programme Management

  • Develop and ensure timely implementation of work plans and procurement plans for all protection activities
  • Effectively manage all budget items under his/her responsibility to ensure spending is timely and in accordance with donor requirements.
  • Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly project progress reports for submission to the Consortium manager and Protection Coordinator.
  • Work closely with the Protection Coordinator to develop appropriate training materials, guidance, and procedures for the Protection team.
  • Maintain clear records and data on all aspects of implementation relating to Protection Case Management support to beneficiaries.

Staff Management & Technical Guidance

  • Provide direct supervision to the Protection team.
  • Provide technical guidance to ensure staff adherence to best practices in the approach and response to protection issues/concerns.
  • Clearly define training needs of direct reports and ensure they can access training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.
  • Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit, oversight, and guidance to staff, enabling successful performance of duties.
  • Provide leadership support for the successful implementation of and adherence to IRC Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures
  • Lead with commitment, integrity, and accountability to the ‘IRC Way’- Global Standards for Professional Conduct

Representation, coordination and advocacy

  • Build and maintain relationships with others including INGOs, National NGOs, and OPM, UNHCR and community stakeholders.
  • Work closely with IRC’s and partner’s Legal Assistance, MPSS, Economic Recovery and Development, Women Protection and Empowerment, Operations and Health Teams
  • Attend Coordination meetings and occasionally represent IRC in advocacy sessions as guided by the Consortium Manager and the Protection Coordinator.
  • All other duties as, assigned compatible with key competencies required for this role.

Qualification, Skills and Experience;

  • A Degree in a relevant fields such as; Law, Sociology, Social Work, Education and the Humanities is essential
  • At least three (5-7) years of prior professional experience in protection programming and working with vulnerable individuals or communities
  • Experience in managing Protection concerns with vulnerable individuals
  • Experience implementing protection interventions, including protection Analysis, information and counselling, protection and Legal incident case management and support to Persons with Specific Needs
  • Experience working with other partners and functions e.g. Partner Coordinators, UNHCR and INGOs
  • Good background in integrated Protection, as well as demonstrable ability in the identification, referral and support of most at risk vulnerable cases
  • Experience managing and working with a diverse team
  • Experience writing reports, developing work plans.
  • Strong management and organizational skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
  • Excellent ability to interpret, analyze and synthesize information in a fast‐paced environment.
  • Good knowledge of general protection principles, strategies and interventions
  • Excellent organizational skills, timeliness, ability to determine priorities and great attention to detail.
  • Proactive, flexible, team spirited and willing to learn.
  • Good computer skills including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills in English

NB: This advert will close on 10th May 2026.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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