PROTECTION OFFICER – HUMANITARIAN SECTOR POSITION INFORMATION
- Position Title: Protection Officer
- Department: Protection/Program Operations
POSITION SUMMARY
The Protection Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of crisis-affected populations through comprehensive protection programming, monitoring, case management, and advocacy. This role involves direct service provision to vulnerable individuals and communities while promoting protection mainstreaming across all humanitarian interventions in emergency and post-crisis settings.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Protection Programming and Implementation (40%)
- Design, implement, and monitor comprehensive protection programs incorporating age, gender, and diversity (AGD) considerations
- Conduct systematic protection monitoring and analysis to identify risks, violations, and protection needs
- Develop and implement community-based protection strategies and interventions
- Ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, human rights law, and refugee protection standards
- Prepare detailed protection assessments, reports, and recommendations for management and partners
Case Management and Direct Services (25%)
- Manage individual protection cases including gender-based violence (GBV), child protection, and trafficking cases
- Conduct initial needs assessments with beneficiaries and develop comprehensive case management plans
- Provide individual and group counseling support to persons of concern
- Facilitate access to legal assistance, documentation, and essential services
- Maintain confidential case files and databases in compliance with data protection standards
- Monitor case outcomes and provide regular follow-up support
Coordination and Partnership Management (20%)
- Represent the organization in protection cluster meetings and humanitarian coordination forums
- Coordinate protection activities with government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and community organizations
- Lead or participate in joint protection initiatives and inter-agency working groups
- Facilitate information sharing and best practice exchange among protection actors
- Support capacity building initiatives for local partners and government counterparts
Advocacy and Policy Engagement (10%)
- Conduct strategic advocacy with authorities and stakeholders to address protection violations
- Represent organizational positions in policy discussions and technical meetings
- Document and report protection incidents for advocacy and evidence-based programming
- Promote implementation of protection standards and accountability mechanisms
- Engage in public awareness campaigns on protection issues
Protection Mainstreaming and Technical Support (5%)
- Provide technical guidance to program teams on protection mainstreaming principles
- Ensure all humanitarian activities prioritize safety, dignity, and meaningful access while avoiding harm
- Train staff and partners on protection standards and “do no harm” approaches
- Develop protection-sensitive programming guidelines and tools
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Education
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Law, International Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Work, Psychology, or related field
- Preferred: Master’s degree in International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International
Humanitarian Law, or related field
Experience
- Minimum: 3-5 years of relevant experience in protection activities, case management, or humanitarian programming
- Field experience in humanitarian settings with direct work with displaced populations Demonstrated experience in protection monitoring, case management, and counseling
- Experience with project cycle management and program implementation
- Previous experience working in multicultural, international environments
Technical Skills
- Deep understanding of international protection principles and standards
- Knowledge of human rights frameworks and issues surrounding violence against civilians
- Experience with protection mainstreaming concepts and implementation
- Proficiency in case management systems and protection information management
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
Language Requirements
- Required: Fluency in English (written and spoken), Hausa and Kanuri.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Technical Competencies
- Protection case management and counseling techniques
- Protection monitoring and data collection methodologies
- Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and psychological first aid
- Knowledge of legal frameworks for refugee protection and human rights
- Familiarity with humanitarian standards and accountability mechanisms
Behavioral Competencies
- Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments
- Confidentiality: Strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards in case management
- Resilience: Ability to work under pressure in challenging and potentially traumatic situations
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with beneficiaries and stakeholders
- Adaptability: Flexibility to work in rapidly changing humanitarian contexts
Leadership and Management
- Ability to supervise and mentor junior staff and volunteers
- Strong coordination and relationship management skills
- Capacity to represent the organization professionally in external forums
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands
- Regular travel to field locations and communities
- Ability to work in basic field conditions with limited infrastructure
- Physical ability to conduct field visits and community meetings
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested candidates should submit:
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter addressing relevant experience and motivation
- Contact information for three professional references
- Copies of relevant academic credentials
- Writing sample demonstrating analytical and reporting skills
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
Save The Slum Initiative is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or nationality. Our organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and requires all staff to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Position Duration: 6 months (renewable based on performance and funding).
Interested candidates can apply through the following link:
https://forms.gle/u1vHwYTXnUBSmznZ8
