Protection Officer- Case management

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities 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.

DRC has been operating in Iraq since 2003 and in Northern Iraq since 2010. It is currently implementing a broad range of activities relevant to conflict-affected communities and persons. The activities are categorized into ten sectors: Shelter and Non-food Items, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Livelihoods, Protection, Mine Risk Education, Camp Coordination, and Camp Management (CCCM). 

Overall purpose of the role: 

• Ensure the quality of the planning, implementation and follow up of all technical aspects of case management and individual protection assistance implemented by team.
• Ensure communication with communities and maintain good relations with the persons of concern, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors, to support adequate implementation and coordination of DRC’s case management services.
• Coordinate to ensure case management workplan, reports and relevant trackers are timely updated and provide timely feedback and information on protection issues identified.

This role has a focus on Baaj and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within DRC Iraq and the Tel Afar area office. The role contributes to the implementation of protection strategies for Baaj, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks.

Main responsibilities

Programming & Operations

• Ensure the successful delivery of high-quality case management support and individual protection assistance to people of concern of different ages (youth, adults and older persons), gender (men and women) and abilities (including persons living with special needs).
• Ensure that CM and IPA are implemented in compliance with DRC SOPs, guiding principles and international protection standards.
• Monitor that information management principles are respected at all times.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and technical guidance to Protection Assistants (CM) by leading individual and group supervision, including case discussions.
• Oversee identification and referral of vulnerable beneficiaries by Protection Assistants (CM), monitor and conduct follow-up to ensure timely and adequate internal and external referrals, including children in need of Child Protection and survivors of Gender-based violence, in accordance with protection principles.
• Maintain up-to-date mapping of the service providers operating in the area and when necessary coordinate with the Legal Aid team and CBP/PSS team.
• Identify capacity building needs amongst Protection Assistants (CM) and provide support to Protection Team Leader and Project Manager in capacity building planning.
• Lead on induction and initial protection training of newly recruited Protection Assistants (CM).
• Ensure adequate activity records are collected/maintained to prepare monthly reports, support Protection Team Leader (CM) and Project Manager in submitting internal reports as requested.
• Draft CM team workplan based on urgency and prioritization criteria, and in coordination with other protection teams.
• Provide monthly or weekly work plan for CM staff to Protection Team Leader (CM).
• Provide feedback to Protection Team Leader on protection issues, trends, risk and gaps in response to continuously improve service delivery.

Coordination and representation

• Develop and maintain effective working relationship with relevant stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders and service providers, other DRC departments.
• Represent DRC at meetings and other relevant technical coordination meetings and advocate for the needs of people of concern.
• Collaborate with relevant internal and external technical experts in the development of protection reports, guidance notes and capacity building materials.

Logistics/Finance/MEAL

• Plan and coordinate proactively logistics and movements of staff from and to different operational areas.
• Support protection assistants (CM) with financial procedures (cash advances, settlements, documentation) required during implementation CM and IPA.
• Support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation exercises, tracking target achievements of CM and IPA.

Other

• Ensure compliance with DRC guidelines and policies on HR, admin, finance, and supply.
• Ensure adherence to DRC national staff policy guidelines and Code of Conduct.
• Ensure compliance with DRC AGD policy and AGD programmatic minimum standards
• Ensuring compliance with the zero-tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy
• Perform any other relevant tasks as requested by the Protection Officer (CBP) and Protection Team Leader

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum 2 years of practical experience in protection working for an INGO
• Field experience is required.
• Understanding of protection principles, protection minimum standards and basic psychosocial support concepts
• Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and always prioritize the safety and dignity of beneficiaries.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Fluency in Arabic
• Advanced English proficiency

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Relevant university degree (e.g. psychology, social work, pedagogy or education, international development) or equivalent professional qualification.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Arabic
• English is an asset

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• DRC staff
• Persons of concerns
• Other actors working staff

We offer

• Contract length: 3 months with possibility of extension subject to funds 
• Salary Band: H
• Designation of duty station: Baaj with Roving to surrounding area
• Start date: As soon as possible.
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. 

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.  
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.  
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.  
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.  
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision