Protection Officer (Legal Protection)

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 in Jalalabad, will undertake protection and legal activities in the crisis affected areas as determined by the work plan. His/her role will be to monitor the protection and legal  concerns and needs of the displaced population and host community by providing information through legal sessions, meetings with stake holders and focus group discussions and individual interviews to those affected, conducting rapid assessments and community mobilization. The PO will also contribute to the analysis and dissemination of data collected to other relevant actors in order to address the identified protection and legal concerns. Additionally, the PO will address protection and legal concerns through the provision of referrals to the relevant actors in the camp and as well to local authorities. Finally, the PO, with support of the Protection Team Leader, will be responsible for delivering implement the Legal Training Plan.  The PO will throughout his/her work ensure confidentiality and strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct.is primarily responsible for providing legal counselling/advice to the project beneficiaries and targeted communities, arranging trainings, liaison with government and other key stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counselling/advice to the project beneficiaries and targeted communities in Jalalabad settlements and areas of high return and/or at the urban Hub (community center);
• Conduct regular rule of law and informal justice monitoring to identify protection and legal concerns
• Conduct legal counseling services as part of protection case management
• Ensure that cases lodged at community level are tracked to the Office of the Public Prosecutor as part of case tracking
• Formulate relevant databases on detention and informal court monitoring
• Mobilize the IDP and host communities and facilitate awareness raising activities with other DRC sector teams as well as partner organizations, disseminating information about legal services available in the camps and host community
• Record beneficiaries with legal needs and refer them to the appropriate service providers and legal institutions/instances.
• Ensure clients referred are documented in the referral recording book on a daily basis and follow up with the clients to ensure a meaningful access to services.
• Assist the Protection Team Leader with designing training modules and tools on topics such as rule of law, human rights and basic protection principles for Community Protection Committees and other community structures.
• 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
• Compile reports of activities undertaken, when requested
• Work with the Protection TL and fellow POs to create weekly work plans to schedule the team’s program activities
• Liaise and build partnerships with community leaders, local authorities and other relevant actors to encourage participation in, support for and a better understanding of the program activities
• Assist in the collection and analysis of data relevant to the refugee population and host community and their protection and legal concerns
• Submit weekly progress reports of the activities to line manager;
• Perform other relevant duties, as needed or requested.

Key Deliverables:

• Daily legal counseling and case management for clients at the Hub (urban community center) and/or mobile clinics in IDP/returnee settlements.

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 and a valid license to practice law.
• 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.
• Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

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.