1. Aim

The purpose of the Protection Technical Assistant position is to assist in the implementation of field activities and case management of persons in need of protection in accordance with NRC’s programmatic strategy in Mexico. The main work topics could revolve around psychological first aid, mental health and psychosocial well-being, among others. 

1. Main Responsibilities

• Protection case management: needs assessment, development and implementation of individual plans, including security planning, case closure.
• Ensure that assistance is directed to the participants most in need, explore and evaluate new and better ways to help.
• Recognize people at high risk of violation and determine the risk level of the case, establish security plans for each case that requires it.
• Responds to immediate life-saving needs and supports the participant in recognizing key problems and developing an individual plan of action.
• Implements individual plans, providing emergency assistance and assistance for lasting solutions.
• Supports the participant with psychological first aid, which actively listens, identifies signs of stress and responds appropriately. Assesses the mental health and psychosocial well-being of participants, making external referrals where necessary.
• Identifies potential barriers in accessing services and supports the participant in finding their best solution. Maintains a people-centered approach, while evaluating and ascertaining information to manage referral to specialized services.
• It physically and digitally records information about the activities carried out in the program and information regarding cases.
• Ensures follow-up of cases on a regular basis with home visits, monitoring tours and, eventually, a follow-up telephone call. When required, accompany the population during procedures in public and private institutions to achieve rights and access to basic services.
• Review the individual action plan, if new protection needs arise until the case is closed.
• Collects correctly disaggregated data, applies protection information collection protocols and updates databases accurately and daily. Compile information on gaps and protection needs of persons of interest.
• Develop information sessions in the intervention communities on protection issues to inform participants of the available services and possible assistance options.
• Link a healthy and positive workspace.
• Facilitate the integration strategy between the Protection competency and the other key competencies and support the needs for collaboration with the other key competencies of NRC.
• Another activity assigned for the development of the protection program.

3. Competencies:

• Graduate professional Bachelor’s degree in the area of ​​social sciences or related career
• Knowledge of human rights, international humanitarian law, International Refugee Law and Guiding Principles of Internal Displacement.
• Minimum experience of two (2) years of work in similar positions, in the management of protection cases, preferably in the humanitarian field.
• Previous experience in caring for victims and vulnerable groups. 
• Experience in psychological first aid
• Knowledge and/or experience in issues related to forced displacement, humanitarian assistance and protection.
• Knowledge of the context and the political and social situation of Mexico.
• Ability to plan and develop impact plans.
• Analysis and research capacity.
• Skills to manage information and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of project cycle management
• Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and databases.
• Skills in interview techniques with vulnerable populations and victims of violence.
• Ability to provide immediate response to identified cases.
• Excellent interpersonal relationships, teamwork skills, positive attitude and ability to resolve complex situations. 
• Excellent oral and written expression skills in Spanish. 
• Availability to travel

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the structure of the State and public policy for the care of people in need of international protection and the national protection system of Mexico.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian context and social organization structures in Mexico.
• English language management. 

4. Behavioral competencies

The NRC competency framework establishes 10 behavioral competencies and the following are essential for this position:

• Management of unsafe environments. 
• Plan and achieve results
• Work with others  
• Communicate with impact and respect. 

Do you want to know more? Click on this  Position Description , before continuing.

What we offer: 

• A challenging and meaningful job in a highly recognized humanitarian organization. 
• National contract initially until September 30, 2024, with the possibility of renewal.
• Flexible work environment in a dynamic office. 
• Place of work: Coatzacoalcos.
• Trips: 80% to intervention areas.

We encourage you to join our work culture that allows staff to share ideas and take responsibility . We encourage and give responsibility to our entire team at all levels to help solve the complex problems we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative. NRC is an equal opportunity employer with a policy of diversity, equity and inclusion of personnel in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, physical ability, among others. 

NRC may review applications prior to the closing of the vacancy announcement, so interested candidates are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible.

About us: 

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an international, independent, humanitarian, non-profit non-governmental organization, established in 1946. All NRC activities in Latin America and the Caribbean respond to the needs and rights of displaced people and refugees regardless of their age, gender, social, ethnic, religious or nationality, with a focus on access to rights and durable solutions. The needs and rights of displaced and vulnerable people remain at the center of our response.