Protection Assistant – Community Based Protection

[Salah Aldin – Aziz Balad and Samarra]

In 2003, , DRC became one of the first organisations to provide humanitarian assistance in the country. Today, DRC continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable displacement-affected families, including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in Basra, Baqubah, Jalawla, Gatoon, Baghdad, Muqdadiya, Balad, Aziz Balad, Samarra, Mosul, Duhok, Tel Afar, Baa’j, Sinjar, and Erbil.

Find more about DRC operations in Iraq here: Iraq | DRC Danish Refugee Council

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified [Protection Assistant – Community Based Protection

Overall purpose of the role: (1-2 sentences)

This role has a focus on Salah Al Din – Samara and Aziz Balad and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within DRC Iraq and the Salah Al Din area office. The role contributes to the implementation of protection strategies for Salah Al Din – Samara and Aziz Balad, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks.

• Implement community-based protection (CBP) and psychosocial support (PSS) activities in a consultative and participatory manner.
• Provide technical support to Outreach Workers (CBP) and oversee outreach implementation.
• Assist the Protection Officer (CBP) in ensuring quality of the planning, implementation and follow up of Protection activities.

Responsibilities: (in bullet points)

• Programming & Operations
• Provide non-focused unstructured PSS, including recreational activities, in line with DRC Iraq guidance and PSS and community-based protection best standards to community members of different ages (youth, adults and older persons), gender (men and women) and abilities (including people with disabilities).
• Deliver non-focused structured group PSS sessions to children and youth following structured curriculum.
• Lead on the implementation of awareness sessions on diverse topics, using validated materials and DRC facilitation guides.
• Facilitate regular community consultations, including focused group discussions (FGDs), with different groups (older persons, men, women and youth) following DRC guidance to ensure continuous up-to-date understanding of the community needs and capacities, as well as protection concerns, and changes in the context.
• Conduct protection monitoring and raise protection concerns to the Protection Officer (CBP) to ensure tailored community-based approach.
• Identify beneficiaries in need of further support and ensure timely external or internal referral and follow-up (legal aid, case management, shelter, cash & livelihoods).
• Follow given work plans and schedules for service delivery including weekly CSS schedules.
• Ensure that all CBP and PSS activities are complying with best-practice and international standards in protection response (including DRC SOPs and AGD policy).
• Participate in internal and external trainings, as requested by the Protection Officer (CBP) and Protection Team Leader.
• Ensure all PSS activities are recorded and documented accurately and in a timely fashion on DRC Iraq’s IM system
• Implement all necessary MEAL tools, including pre- and post-test.
• Produce activity reports as required by Protection Officer (CBP)
• Support Protection Officer (CBP) with administrative tasks including purchase requests to supply chain

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 1 year of relevant work experience in protection in humanitarian setting
• Experience in facilitation of PSS activities and the delivery of community programs to vulnerable groups
• 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 prioritize the safety and dignity of beneficiaries at all times.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Fluency in Arabic
• Ability to communicate and write in English.
• Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates from Samarra, Balad and any closer districts highly preferrable

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)

• Fluency in Arabic
• Ability to communicate and write in English.

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• DRC CM and Legal team.
• DRC other departments.
• Community members and beneficiaries.
• Local authorities and Mukhtars
• Other NGOs

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 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: 4 Months
• Salary Band: I
• Start Date: 01 January 2025
• Comprehensive health insurance for staff, spouse, and up to two children under 18.
• Personal Accident insurance coverage in the event of work-related accidents during working hours.
• Psychosocial support for staff and family members.
• Learning & Development opportunities for professional growth.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff. Please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

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: [30 November 2024]

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