Protection Officer - PSS at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Protection Officer - PSS

Location: Mubi, Adamawa
Employment Type: Contract
Supervised by: Protection Team Leader
Reporting to: Protection Team Leader - PSS
Employment Period: 11 Months
Type of Contract (Expat/National/Trainee): National
Availability: April 2024

Background

• Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. DRC Nigeria is the largest DRC country mission in the West Africa region and one of the largest DRC country missions globally.
• Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities in the areas of armed violence reduction, humanitarian mine action, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 30+ Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Borno and Adamawa in northeast Nigeria.

Overall purpose of the role

• The position within the scope of DRC’s Protection projects, we plan, implement and follow-up on PSS activities (Level 1, 2and 3), facilitate access to services through the referral system, sexual and gender-based violence prevention, and awareness-raising. S/he will ensure the quality of the planning, implementation and follow up on all aspects of sector activities being implemented by DRC.
• Develop and maintain good relations with the persons of concern, relevant stakeholders, and other humanitarian actors, to support adequate implementation and coordination of DRC’s protection activities.
• The Protection Officer will be responsible for the supervision of the protection activities and team on his/her areas of responsibility.

Job Responsibilities
Programme Quality and Implementation:

• Plan and conduct group sessions on psychosocial first aid (PFA).
• Plan, facilitate and provide culturally and age-appropriate PSS activities and positive coping mechanisms activities
• Awareness-raising sessions regarding the availability of mental health, psychosocial support, and protection services.
• Identify and refer cases for more specialized case management services.
• Plan and participate in capacity building, trainings as needed and required.
• Support the supervisor in compiling regular reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly)  to provide information on activities conducted and topics discussed
• Maintain effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders including other NGOs, civil society groups, authorities, etc.
• Develop/contribute to developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC areas of operation and ensuring follow-up of referrals in a timely manner
• Support protection teams efficiently and confidentially in referring cases
• Close cases when the objectives in PSS intervention plan have been met and no further needs have been identified
• Conduct capacity building training in psychosocial support services and other safeguarding action for community based volunteers and other relevant stakeholders
• Ensure adherence to DRC policies and code of conduct
• Ensure activities are recorded and documented accurately and in a timely manner
• Participate in internal and external meetings as required by the Team Leader and Protection Manager
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives

Supply Chain/Finance:

• Support the monitoring of financial commitments and expenditures against budgets and provide timely feedback on budget follow-up.
• Plan and coordinate proactively logistics and movements of staff from and to different operational areas
• Initiate procurements and ensure their execution as requested by the Protection Manager
• Support with the distributions, plans and coordination with logistics in a timely manner
• Support Protection Team leader and Manager on the administrative tasks related to requests to logistics/procurement
• Ensure compliance with guidelines on HR, admin, finance and logistics
• The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Law, Psychology, Social work, Social Sciences, Counselling, Education, Human Rights, Development Studies or relevant equivalent disciplines.

Experience and technical competencies:
Essential: 

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in providing PFA services, PSS, social work, counselling, psychoeducation etc. and at least 1 year experience with an INGO, NGOs and or with local authorities in Nigeria.
• Strong understanding of protection issues including child protection and gender-based violence.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Knowledge of global MHPSS guidelines
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong sense of personal integrity and understanding of confidentiality and ethics
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and prioritize the safety and dignity of beneficiaries at all times.
• Capacity to work under pressure and willingness to work and live in a complex context.
• Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages

Key Stakeholders:
Internal:

• Protection Manager
• Protection Team Leader
• Protection/PIM specialist
• Protection assistants
• Other programme/Support staffs.

External:

• Project participants, local authorities, partner organizations etc.

Core Competencies of DRC:

• Striving for excellence
• Collaboration
• Taking the lead
• Communication
• Demonstrating Integrity.

Conditions

• Salary & Benefits: NM - H.
• Salary and conditions: In accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment.
• The income will be subject to statutory deductions as per applicable Nigeria laws. The employee is responsible for the tax returns.

Application Closing Date
9th April, 2024.