Protection Officer (Referral Focal Point)

WHO ARE WE?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Protection officer, under the direct supervision of Protection Team Leader, is expected to support the Protection Programme in the Jalalabad and other locations in the implementation of the protection strategy, which includes case referrals, protection monitoring and protection mainstreaming. The Project Officer will use an empowerment strategy and participatory methods in protection monitoring and mainstreaming activities, ensuring the strengths, resources and capabilities of the displaced community are identified, utilized and expanded.

Responsibilities:

• Provide high quality case management. This includes proper paper documentation of the protection concerns, identification and case referral services, and follow up of individual identified protection cases.
• Maintain a robust case referral database and ensure regularly shared with the Protection Specialist and the Protection Coordinator
• Focal point for both Protection field assistant and community for referrals ensures follow up in a timely manner and updates the supervisor accordingly
• Conduct Focus Group discussions with the communities, youth and elders respecting the principles of confidentiality, do no harm, and protection principles
• Conduct capacity development seminars on Protection and Human Rights to different target groups in the POCs main focus on committees
• Build a good working relationship with all humanitarian actors, community leaders and IDPs in the POCs. 
• Conduct continuous advocacy on protection issues among the different communities
• Contribute to the overall protection analysis in Malakal site. This includes raising the issue where trends or red flags are observed
• Support the management with conducting assessments in the PoC and supports the manager in outside assessments for advocacy purposes
• Supports the Protection Team Leader in outreach components
• Any other tasks delegated by the Supervisor

Key Deliverables:

• Daily managing referrals and maintain regular communication with the beneficiaries and NGO, including governmental authorities, community leaders, youth leaders and women leaders.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

• At least 2-3 years of work experiences in legal counseling or other activities related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Demonstrated experience in providing legal counseling to clients.
• Work experience with Afghanistan’s laws and/or Afghanistan judicial system. Experience with informal justice systems is an asset.
• Knowledge of and experience working with IDPs/refugees in Afghanistan.
• Strong knowledge of and experience in counseling on issues related to civil documentation, family law, housing/land/property rights, GBV.

Education/qualifications:

• University degree in Law, human rights, social science or relevant field.
• An understanding of the basic principles of humanitarian work, human rights, protection, and the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees in Afghanistan.
• Interest in humanitarian work and human rights, ability and willingness to learn.
• Ability to clearly express one’s thoughts, to analyze and present information clearly and concisely.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills

Languages:

• Good knowledge of English, fluency in Pashto and good knowledge of Dari 

We Offer:

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC salary scale

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position, all applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

Applications close 11 April 2020. However, please note due to the urgency of this position, the shortlisting process will be ongoing. Should we find qualified candidates prior to the expiry of this advert, interviews will be held immediately.