Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

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, Adamawa and Yobe states 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.

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

Education:

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

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

• Availability: April 2024
• 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 Process

• The position is for NIGERIAN NATIONALS STAFF ONLY.
• Are you interested? Then apply for this position online: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.

Applications close on the 9th of April 2024 at midnight (GMT-time). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.