Protection Specialist

The overall purpose of the role: Under the supervision of the Protection Manager, the Protection Specialist contributes to the development and implementation of DRC’s sector strategy in Iraq and is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality protection services across DRC Iraq’s areas of operation, in close collaboration with the field management and Protection Manager at a country level. While contributing to DRC’s broader protection strategy to ensure linkages across protection activities, the specific technical focus of this role will be Case Management (CM), Individual Protection Assistance (IPA), Community-Based Protection (CBP), and Psychosocial Support (PSS) at a community level.

To this aim, the Protection Specialist will support the harmonization and rollout of tools, guidelines, and SOPs, strengthen referral pathways and ensure standard donor and data analysis/reporting methods (in collaboration with M&E) are in place for these activities.

Main Responsibilities;

• In collaboration with the Protection Manager, develop program tools, and guidance notes to support and reinforce the quality of activities and lead the coaching, mentorship, and training required for implementation;
• Provide regular technical support and guidance to Protection Project Managers (PMs) to strengthen the capacity of protection teams in delivering high-quality CM services, IPA and PSS, while ensuring that supervision and coaching structures are in place at the field level to ensure adequate oversight by PMs (see capacity building);
• Undertake regular field visits to monitor the quality of implementation, provide technical advice, and conduct customized needs assessments to base the capacity building of protection staff on (with specific regard to CM, IPA, and PSS);
• Support the broader information management needs of the protection program by data tracking and data visualization (POWERBI) ensuring data/information consistency and integrity, and continuous availability of data analysis for informed decision-making and project design (particularly for CM, IPA, CBP, and PSS activities);
• Contribute to the establishment and regular updates of the MEAL plan, including (a) ensuring appropriate indicator and quality tracking (both quantitative and qualitative) and (b) working closely with MEAL to put in place accountability mechanisms;
• Support protection field teams with the adoption of standardized community-level PSS methodologies (including those developed by consultants or internally), including associated monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; 
• Stay abreast of developments that have an impact on the protection environment in Iraq and provide ongoing analysis on key issues regularly.

Capacity building 

• In collaboration with the Protection Manager, develop program tools, and guidance notes to support and reinforce the quality of activities and lead the coaching, mentorship, and training required for implementation (see above); 
• In coordination with the PMs, assess training and development needs within the Protection team, develop a capacity building plan and implement that with the support from the Protection Manager, including the development and/or delivery of training materials to further build the capacity of protection staff;  
• Participate in the recruitment process, the capacity building, and the evaluation of the protection staff, as necessary;  
• Establish processes, systems, and learning events in Iraq that will lead to a general capacity building and professionalization of DRC staff and partners on protection;

Program design

• In close coordination with the Protection Manager, the Protection Specialist contributes to the development and implementation of DRC’s sector strategy in Iraq, as well as the harmonization and rollout of tools, SOPs, and guidelines with a particular focus on CM, IPA, CBP, and PSS;
• Work closely with the Protection Manager, PMs, Legal Specialist, and GBV Specialist on the identification of the communities' needs and gaps in Protection services within DRC’s areas of intervention; 
• Support the development of the guidance on mobile implementation and integration of protection with other core sectors, ensuring the adoption of a participatory community-based approach;
• Provide technical input into the development and implementation of relevant SOPs and technical standards;
• In coordination with the Area Managers and Protection Managers, contribute to the program strategy and the establishment of sector-based log frames and targets;
• Participate in the proposal development process by providing field-specific context analysis technical sector-specific analysis, beneficiary information, and technical feedback on the concept​​​​​

Coordination and Representation

• Active participation in, contribution to, and representation of DRC in the Protection Cluster, and assigned AOR or other relevant bodies, including working groups and other meetings related to protection; 
• Ensure that DRC’s work is coordinated with the efforts of other agencies, ensuring the specific needs of vulnerable communities are being addressed; 
• Feed into national clusters transition through Technical Coordinators, in particular regarding context, needs, and possibilities for coordination.

Experience and technical competencies

• Proven experience of at least 4 years in international protection and management of protection programs, including in Case Management, and Protection of IDPs in conflict-affected countries; 
• Prior experience implementing case management oare r PSS at a community level is required; previous experience in GBV (including GBV case management) is strongly preferred;
• Experience providing technical guidance, developing and delivering participatory training/capacity building; 
• Significant knowledge of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Laws and International standards relating to the protection of IDPs; 
• Experience in report writing, data/information analysis, and M&E; 
• Strong information management skills, including but not limited to the creation of databases, use of server-based information collection tools, etc.; 
• Proven strong analytical and communication, representation, negotiation, advocacy, and diplomacy skills; 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to quickly develop good insight and understanding of the conflict, the human rights situation, and the political environment of the program country; 
• Knowledge of Gender and Protection mainstreaming, AGD, PwSN, and AAP approaches; 
• Experience working and living in a multicultural environment and traveling to conflict-affected areas; 
• Extensive experience in reporting and project development, excellent writing skills in English. Good command of Arabic is an asset.

Education: 

University or Master’s degree relevant to humanitarian work, preferably in law, social work, gender studies, social sciences, or humanitarian aid

Languages:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken),
• Arabic language skills highly desirable;

Key stakeholders:

• Protection Project Managers
• DRC Head of Programmes
• Protection Manager
• MEAL and Grant management

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment

We offer

• Contract Length: 1 year
• Salary Band: G (Non-management)
• Start Date: As soon as possible

Diversity & Inclusion:  DRC Iraq is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment according to our Age, Gender, and Diversity approach (AGD). We aim to have a more diversified leadership structure creating opportunities for qualified women to take on managerial roles. We also continuously work to make our workplace more accessible for persons with specific needs. We offer benefits related to psychosocial support, health insurance, maternity and paternity leave, child sick leave, and lactation breaks. As part of our commitment to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from female candidates, persons living with disabilities, as well as representatives of minorities.