Protection Officer

BACKGROUND 
Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.rescue.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 25 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC has long-term Iraq-based programmes supporting IDPs. Working in coordination with the humanitarian community, the IRC currently addresses the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in South-Central Iraq from several operational bases in the region. The IRC oversees a protection programme in 4 governorates, and is currently implementing a response in Ninewa, Kirkuk, Anbar and Salah al-Din funded by OFDA. This project provides a range of services including protection monitoring, legal assistance (for civil documentation and Housing Land and Property), information dissemination, capacity building and advocacy with regard to vulnerable people’s access to services and rights. 

Position Overview
Under the direct supervision of the Consortium Program Manager, the Protection Officer is responsible providing protection services to vulnerable people, including conducting household and community assessments, make referrals, advocating to humanitarian partners, government and local authorities on the rights of vulnerable people,  working with and training Community Representation Groups, meeting with local authorities, conducting training on core protection principles and protection mainstreaming.

Job Responsibilities

• Monitor, asses, observe and report on key protection concerns and rights violations in the field to the Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager

• Participate in rapid needs assessments through field visits in villages, camps and other informal settlements with persons of concern within the community and identify individuals at risk and humanitarian needs 

• Refer cases of vulnerable people to other IRC departments (Legal, Cash, Child Protection, GBV) and other humanitarian partners, government services or UN agencies

• Meet with local authorities, government officials, community leaders, humanitarian partners  and other relevant actors to advocate for the rights of vulnerable people 

• Conduct training with key stakeholders on protection principles, vulnerability criteria and protection mainstreaming 

• Conduct training with Community Representation Groups, and work with them regularly to build capacity and support their activities

• Work with the Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager to network with UN agencies, INGOs, local NGOs, local authorities and any other service providers in order to map service networks for referral 

• Conduct any other duties assigned by supervisors in support of the protection programme.

Requirements

• Excellent understanding of protection principles, human rights and case management 

• Excellent communication skills including ability to gain trust and build relationships with new communities

• University Degree in social work, psychology, law, or other relevant area, with 2 years of relevant experience. 

• Previous humanitarian experience preferred

• Good understanding of humanitarian principles

• High standard of spoken and written Arabic and English

• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point.

• Experience in regular report writing.

Standards of Professional Conduct:  
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality
IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including maternity leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Attention Returning National Candidates:
IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs. We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a national of the country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, IRC has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply.