Under the management of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Officer is responsible for coordinating and leading the implementation of quality protection monitoring activities, the delivery of information sessions and key messaging, the identification of and support to individuals at risk as well as community-based protection activities. S/he will work closely with communities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government services to identify vulnerable individuals in need of support, conduct service mapping, and share information about services available. S/he will be based in Chernihiv DRC office, with field activities in Chernihiv oblasts.
Main responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Protection Officer will:
Lead the planning and implementation of programme activities related to protection monitoring activities. To this end, support the Protection Team Leader in producing and updating monthly workplans.
Support in developing protection monitoring tools and monthly plans, in collaboration with the Protection Team Leader and the Protection Manager.
Carry out service mapping to identify the available services in the community. Build and maintain relationships with relevant governmental and non-governmental service providers to support safe referrals.
Identify and communicate with TL and Manager on protection risks and monitoring needs in designated areas. Ensure to collect both quantitative and qualitative information and data, through using the different protection monitoring tools.
Coordinate with Information Management colleagues and take active part in the analysis of the collected information and data.
Organize outreach activities, including dissemination of key messages, design and distribution of IEC materials, and conduction of information sessions, tailored to needs identified through protection monitoring
Hold regular meetings with community-based groups/networks and assist in the development of ‘community action plans’ to address protection concerns. Build the capacity of local actors and key community members on key topics, such as protection mainstreaming and safe referrals.
Contribute to the quality of DRC’s community-based approach by effectively identifying and coordinating with community stakeholders, key informants and community members.
Mobilize and build strong rapport with communities through consistent engagement with community-based structures and adhering to dignified, culturally sensitive approaches. Support community-based structures by facilitating meaningful group dialogue and mentoring participants to self-identify protection concerns that affect their communities.
Supervise the Protection Assistant(s) and ensure the quality of the activities.
Coordinate with other departments in DRC to facilitate referrals and information sharing.
Contribute to and provide field-related inputs for proposals for funding for new projects.
Provide regular reports to the Protection Team Leader and/or Protection Manager.
Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection Team Leader and/or Protection Manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives.
Required experience and competencies:
Candidates without a background working with vulnerable groups or social work but an interest in the area, are encouraged to apply as on the job training will be provided.
Comfortable in speaking about sensitive topics and working with people in distress.
Familiarity with social work is preferred but not required.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals, staff members, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Experience supervising staff is desirable.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems.
