Protection Specialist

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 fulfilment 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. 

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.  

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, economic recovery and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations.

About the job:

The Evidence Generation Specialist will be responsible for the implementation of DRC’s evidence generation program in Lebanon, which aims to link program generated information and primary data collection with analysis, advocacy, and referral information systems to present evidence based information to drive programmatic change and response services for refugees and host populations. The Evidence Generation Specialist will oversee data collection and lead on the development and adaptation of existing data collection tools, lead on generation of analytical reports and information products, and oversee the conduct of referrals and information sessions about available services. The role will also be expected to feed into reporting and other evidence generation exercises as relevant. 

Responsibilities:

1. Supervise DRC Evidence Generation teams to mobilize data collection and coordinate with other protection teams to expand reach of relevant data collection to generate evidence for DRC programming and advocacy purposes.
2. Follow up closely on contextual developments and identify knowledge and information gaps to propose new thematic areas of focus to research.
3. Lead on developing, updating, and rolling out of data collection tools and methodologies including determining relevant sample sizes.
4. Lead on developing capacity building plans and implementing training for Evidence Generation staff, other protection teams and relevant partners.
5. Produce unique and thematically relevant protection analysis and thematic reports in a timely manner highlighting key protection issues and trends in coordination with Protection Manager, Advocacy Specialist, RIMS Specialist, Area Managers, Head of Programs, and other stakeholders.
6. Support the Protection Manager and Advocacy Specialist in developing evidence-based recommendations for advocacy purposes.
7. Monitor and review data collection methodologies and quality of information collected in to change, update, and improve research tools and systems in close collaboration with DRC Information Management teams and the Protection Manager.
8. Work with protection monitoring organizations to harmonize indicators and research topics, avoid duplication, and provide meaningful data contributions to the Lebanese response.
9. Participate in data collection and information sessions in order to ensure quality of data collection and reporting.
10. Work in close collaboration with other sectors to ensure that information collection and reporting is integrated across all sectors and ensure evidence generation is linked to DRC’s programmatic response, including through safe identification and referrals of persons of concern.
11. Support Protection Manager and Advocacy Specialist in the development of position papers and other information products to inform response and advocacy.
12. Support in donor reporting and development of new concepts for future programing.
13. Review of information dissemination material and sessions to ensure regular updates and improvement of information dissemination methodologies and content.
14. Maintain effective working relationships with UNHCR, INGO, government authorities, and other key stakeholders to ensure active coordination, collaboration, and information dissemination.
15. Undertake other tasks as requested by the Protection Manager

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a Master’s degree in management, international relations, development studies, or other related fields. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Experience:

• Minimum of three years practical experience in research or protection monitoring, working for INGOs in humanitarian settings.  
• Excellent knowledge of research/protection monitoring methodologies, experience in development and roll out of data collection tools.
• Proven experience in protection analysis and protection programming, including familiarity with human rights and other international legal frameworks and ability to interpret, analyze and synthesize information in a face paced environment.
• Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis and excellent understanding of data protection, data sharing principles and standards.
• Demonstrable experience producing protection reports under tight deadlines using both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Familiarity with MS Word, Excel and other data analysis software.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural environment as well as independently.
• Proven experience in capacity building of teams including development of training materials.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and attention to detail.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is essential.

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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Band/Level: G2

Duty Station: Beirut

Expected Start date: November 15, 2021

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact sama.kanaan@drc.ngo

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 18 October 2021

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.