Protection Manager

Overall purpose of the role:

The Protection Manager has the overall accountability for the implementation, quality, and coordination of DRC Sudan Protection activities in Central Darfur. This position directly line manages Protection field teams reporting to the Area Manager. Protection activities in Sudan are focused on: individual protection assistance and case management, GBV, community-based protection, child protection and increasing community cohesion. Protection is mainstreamed throughout all other programme areas (FSL, Mixed Migration, and Community-Driven Recovery) and is a key component in programme design.

Responsibilities:

Project Management and Implementation:

• Oversee the implementation of all Protection programming, including programme quality and budget management across all field sites;
• Undertake regular on-site visits to monitor the quality of activity implementation at the village-level and provide technical advice to field project staff as necessary;
• Ensure the relevance and implementation of technically-sound beneficiary selection criteria and approaches;
• Support DRC offices in strengthening information management, including standardized databases for protection and planning purposes;
• Support donor reporting by providing accurate and timely input on protection activities.
• Develop protocols and guidelines for protection activities and mainstreaming and train/coach staff to understand and implement, including strong integration and cooperation with the FSL team.
• Participate in the staff recruitment process, new staff on-boarding and induction process, capacity building, and performance appraisal of Protection staff;
• Invest heavily in the skills and competencies of national field teams – the Protection manager will provide hands-on coaching, guidance and technical support to programme staff, ensuring clarity over programme plans and priorities.

Programme Development and Quality

• Develop the strategic protection framework, DRC’s Protection Strategy in Central Darfur and provide technical assistance to roll it out, in coordination with the Global Specialist Lead on Protection at HQ;
• Identify gaps and opportunities for further programming, support needs assessments and gap analyses, and contribute to proposals and other programme development initiatives. 
• Ensure that a protection risk analysis is in place and constantly updated in the area of responsibility.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Monitor protection risks and needs in project sites on a regular basis in alignment with project requirements.
• Collaborate with M&E team to ensure monitoring activities are mainstreamed with protection and ensure protection of vulnerable groups while gathering appropriate and accurate data on protection outcomes;
• Develop internal learning and appropriate program adjustments due to new opportunities/challenges;
• Lead the development of Protection assessments, with support from the Grants and MEAL Manager;
• Work closely with team to support the development of accountability activities, ensuring compliance with CHS.

Finance, Procurement and Administration

• Accountability for the management of Protection programme budgets (budget holder), with support from the Finance Manager and Head of Support Services;
• Ensure Protection Team raises Purchase Requests (PRs) in a timely manner, in-line with DRC standards, and follow-up procurement processed with the Supply Chain Manager;
• Ensure HR policies are followed, including completion of regular Performance Management Meetings, with all Protection staff; 
• Ensure familiarity with DRC’s Operational Handbook;
• Proactively seek training from the Support Services Department on operational policies and processes for Protection team should gaps in understanding be apparent.

Coordination & Representation

• Support Area Managers and Head of Programmes in identifying partnership opportunities and liaising with local partners concerning protection activities and implementation; 
• In consultation with HoP, coordinate with national, local and international actors and participate in working groups and other sector meetings on protection related issues; 
• Stay abreast of developments in the protection environment in Sudan and provide timely analysis on key issues on a regular basis.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• At least 4 years of proven international experience in field-based protection in a range of settings
• Detailed understanding of humanitarian and protection principles and their application, including community safety and rights-based approaches
• Knowledge of protection standards and guidelines 
• Effective verbal and written communication, multi-tasking, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Demonstrated experience and ability to professionally and appropriately represent the organization and negotiate and defend DRC’s interests with a diverse range of government officials, local organizations and other groups. 
• Skills in Project Cycle Management and sound project management skills, including creating work plans, budgeting and delegation of responsibilities: sets clear milestones, organises work and monitors progress in a dynamic and quick paced environment
• Ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid environment: Cultural sensitivity and respectful of local contexts
• Proven experience in providing technical guidance and training including development of training materials 
• Effectively engages and communicates with communities in a responsible manner and is aware of AAP principles

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

University degree or higher education in law, social sciences, or related field or equivalent work experience;

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.