Protection Officer-Legal

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 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 our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Protection Officer-Legal, under the direct supervision of the Protection Team Leader in the Central region, is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the various protection activities in the field locations under his/her responsibility. This includes conducting Protection Monitoring, referrals, and follow-up of referrals, (including establishing referral pathways), identification of IPA beneficiaries and follow-up of cases, legal counseling, establishing and strengthening community-based protection committees, conducting rights awareness sessions, and advocacy. The PO will be involved in community mobilization and will work with vulnerable groups such as Persons with Specific Needs. Additionally, the PO will be involved in capacity building at the community level and will support Protection TL in capacity building of key stakeholders on humanitarian protection, human rights, and IDP rights. The PO will throughout his/her work ensure confidentiality and strictly adhere to the DRC’s Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the organization and the implementation of all protection activities at the field level in accordance with the agreed work plan (under the supervision of Protection Team leader) and the international standards.
• Conduct community meetings, Focus Group Discussions, and other direct community activities as part of protection monitoring.
• Develop group legal counseling sessions based-on community needs, and product information for publications, leaflets, etc.
• Ensure clear communication with beneficiaries to inform them of potential courses of action and empower them to pursue their chosen options.
• Provide direct legal information, support, and assistance to DRC’s beneficiaries and, as appropriate, advocate on their behalf.
• Research individual cases and identify possible courses of action together with the client, interpret and explain procedures, legislation, and official documents and assist in filling relevant documents for their case
• Provide legal counseling and work with volunteer lawyers network, where applicable 
• Establish community-based protection committees in targeted locations and provide them basic humanitarian protection training, and training on family, inheritance, and family laws according to national and international laws and standards.
• Provide basic humanitarian protection training, and training on family, inheritance, and family laws according to national and international laws and standards for the informal justice system.
• Provide information to the targeted population on rights, entitlements, available services, civil documentation, and other necessary protection information Identification of beneficiaries to receive Individual Protection Assistance and follow-up of cases to monitor impact.
• Referrals of individual cases to the service provider for service delivery and follow-up of referred cases Visit IDP households to identify persons with specific needs (PSNs) or to follow up on identified PSNs for assistance.
• Work closely with fellow Protection Officers in the follow-up with the relevant partners on individual cases which have been referred as needed. 
• Contribute to the elaboration of work plans and ensure to implement of program activities accordingly. 
• Work closely with fellow Protection Officers and Protection TL in the organization of training and workshops for the IDP population and relevant stakeholders on IDP rights, responsibilities, and other protection-related material. 
• Conduct daily visits around the POC to observe, identify, and collect information about the internally displaced people (IDPs), taking into special account vulnerable people, and noting and reporting on gaps that may exist in service provision. 
• Support in community mobilization and formation of leadership structures, women’s committees, elderly and disabled committees, youth committees as well as other committees or groups. 
• Conduct regular focus group discussions or other conversational forums with the community to understand their perceptions of service provision. 
• Carry out-out advocacy and sensitization activities at the field level. Liaise with security officers in DRC to keep up to date on the security situation of the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

• At least 2-3 years of work experience in Humanitarian Protection 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’s 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, and GBV.

Education/qualifications:

• University degree in Law and political science 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 and fluency in Pashto and Dari

We Offer:

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the DRC salary scale

Application process:

Interested? When applying for this position, all applicants must send a letter of motivation and DRC Job Application form, you can access our job application form from the below link.

DRC Job Application form link: 

Note: Please attach the completed application form instead of your CV along with your letter of motivation to the official DRC Job portal address mentioned in the job vacancy, Only the DRC Job application form will be considered, please do not attach your CVs.

Females are highly encouraged to apply.