Protection Officer

Background:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kasese and Kampala. The IRC will be moving into additional/new locations in refugee settlements in Moyo and Arua.

Job Overview/ Summary:

The Protection Officer in line with prevention and response approaches will be responsible for the day to day direct delivery of Protection and Rule of Law activities. She\he will provide; supervision and support to Community based volunteers, lead protection monitoring exercises, be responsible for the development and implementation of relevant communication with community activities, coordinate the community engagement through leadership structures, lead case management process for extremely vulnerable individuals, ensure the functioning of Information Support Centers (ISCs) represent the organization at zonal and village level coordination meetings, ensure regular data on all activities and reports are available. They will work closely with Legal Officers, identifying areas for collaboration and sharing of resources in achieving the objectives of the sector. On a rotational basis, they will assume leadership role building their supervision and management skills, deputizing for the Senior Protection Officer as appropriate, undertaking tasks appropriately delegated following consultation with the Protection Manager.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct protection monitoring exercises, organizing FDGs, KIIs and providing data from ISCs for analysis.
• Ensure Information and Support Centers are fully functional – with all the resources and staffing required to provide a safe and effective service to community members.
• Ensure service mapping is up to date, referral pathways established and follow up of cases, concerns and issues are conducted by Assistants and volunteers.
• Provide case management support for extremely vulnerable individuals (EVIs), ensuring tools provided are used and process and procedures complied with by Assistants and Volunteers.
• Oversee PSN needs assessment exercises and ensure SOP and other related procedures are followed in the provision of targeted assistance support and home visits.
• Have in place a clear system for the collection and storing of data on all activities.
• Ensure efficient and regular use of CommCare application.
• Work closely with the Legal Officers to ensure linkages and referrals are done in a safe, effective and timely manner.
• Work closely with colleagues in health and WPE teams, OPM and UNHCR to provide a comprehensive support to Person of Concern.
• Provide weekly reports, data and work plans covering area of operation in a timely manner for review by the Senior Protection Officer.
• Ensure at zonal level that a system is in place for the collection and storing of data in line with principles of confidentiality.
• Participate in Zonal Coordination meetings involving UNHCR, OPM and all other partners.
• Organize training and mentoring sessions for community leadership structures; Refugee welfare committees, Neighborhood watch committees, Women executives and Youth executives established at village and Zone level to effectively carry out their functions.
• Lead the development and implementation of peaceful co-existence activities, working with both the refugee and host population.
• Ensure the proper functioning of youth recreational centers and implementation of activities with youth that result in protection outcomes.
• Map capacity and resources of refugee communities, supporting them in implementing community-based protection activities\projects.
• Develop strategies for communicating with communities, working with BBTT teams and Community based volunteers in developing messages and planning information sessions.
• Liaise with partners to receive and follow up on messaging needs and ensure quality and relevance of messaging.
• Complete Purchase requests as part of procurement process.
• Deputize as appropriate for the Senior Protection Officer when required.

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to:Senior Protection Officer

Position directly supervises:Community based volunteers

Other Internal and/or external contacts

Internal: Senior Protection Manager, Protection Manager, Legal Officers, M&E Officer, Health, WPE and colleagues, Field Managers

External: UNHCR, OPM, and other Protection actors

Professional Standards:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

NOTE: Please note that this is an internal advert and only IRC staff who qualify and meet the criteria are eligible to apply.

Deadline for receiving applications is September 8th,2021