Protection Officer (Case Management)

WHO ARE WE?

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

ABOUT THE JOB

Under the technical supervision of the Protection Team Leader (TL) with inputs from Protection Manager, the Protection Officer-Case Management (CM) will be responsible for the implementation of DRC case management activities, according to DRC Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs), as well as coordinating with other relevant DRC staff and other stakeholders involved in protection. The Protection Officer-CM will provide appropriate and timely case management services; assess the needs of individuals with protection concerns develop case management plans implementing these as per evolving protection needs and concerns; and ensure appropriate follow-up while creating a climate of trust and care. The Protection Officer-CM will be responsible for assisting identified at risk individuals with referrals (both internal and external) in consultation with the referral focal point and will be proactive in informing the TL and Protection Manager of any concerning new and emerging trends of violations observed in communities. The Protection Officer-CM will also provide psychological first aid (PFA) to people in distress and assist in referrals of very vulnerable cases to the relevant actors. The Protection Officer-CM will promote sectoral integration by working in close coordination with the Economic Recovery, HDP & Emergency teams, and works in collaboration with local authorities and communities.

Responsibilities:

• Providing direct client services within the case management program.
• Directly managing assigned number of routine and some complex cases as per DRC standards and DRC forms/SOPs.
• Conduct intake interviews with individuals identified by the team during outreach work or referred by other agencies and open a case if vulnerability criteria are met.
• Carry out comprehensive protection risk assessments for each client after receiving their consent for the same. Consider emotional, behavioral and social factors that affect their psychosocial well-being as well as protection and risk factors.
• Develop a tailored case plan with the client, based on the needs identified during the assessment.
• Provide continuous emotional support and establish a relationship with the client and their families (that is based on trust and respecting confidentiality protocols), through regular meetings and follow-up sessions.
• Close cases when the objectives in the case plan have been met and no further needs have been identified.
• Manage cases in an acceptable timeframe according to DRC case management SOPs.
• Take the lead in conducting safe, timely and appropriate referrals in consultation with the referral focal point for any individuals who are at risk or have specific protection concerns that can be best supported with an onward referral.
• Support the referral focal points and protection teams to ensure updated service mapping (referral pathways and available services) and quality check the service mappings developed by the officers.
• Support the preparation of all procurement and administrative documents required for case management implementation. Maintain highest standards of professional conduct and ensure actions do not put individuals at risks
• Be responsible for any logistical preparations related to the provision of assistance and related procurement processes.
• Proactively lead on consulting with the case management supervisor for technical support of complex cases and participate in debriefing sessions.
• Coordinate with supervisor on urgent protection or medical cases requiring expedited processing.
• Responsible for accurately entering data of directly managed cases in DRC case management IM system (Activity Info) in a timely manner.
• Ensure data protection and confidentiality of information is always maintained, including when reporting on the DRC case management IM system as well as in paper filing.
• Assist in onboarding and delivering inductions/training on the case management program for newly hired staff.
• Participate in internal case conferences/technical review of cases, team meetings, trainings and workshops as scheduled by the supervisory and management team.
• Document all general protection activities as per DRC and donor reporting regulations and transmit these on a weekly basis to the Team Lead for compilation.
• Monitor protection concerns by conducting interviews in target locations (this may include within communities and at border points if/ when relevant).
• Ensure that the interviews are submitted on KOBO in English and that the information submitted is complete, as accurate as possible and of high quality.
• Be proactive in reporting to the Protection TL and Protection Manager any new observed protection risks and trends in targeted communities.
• Responsible for supporting coordination at the district and community level with relevant stakeholders.
• Actively participating in weekly protection team meetings and highlighting protection concerns and operational challenges in the targeted locations.
• Any other tasks.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

• 1-2 years of experience in protection case management with INGOs/NGOs or the UN.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to protecting human rights.
• Prior experience in case management is an advantage.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.
• Problem-solver who takes initiative to provide solutions.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative interviews is a strong advantage.
• Meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.
• Experience in managing/ handling data with familiarity with KOBO and other online data collection tools is preferred. 
• Ability to work independently, make rapid assessments and sound judgements.
• Good communication skills in English and fluency in Dari and Pashto.
• Commitment to the mission and the core values of Danish Refugee Council-DRC.
• Willing to stay in field locations and travel in all DRC coverage areas.

Education/qualifications:

• Degree from well-recognized university, in law, political sciences, research methods, social work, psychology, and/or other relevant disciplines.

Languages:

• English (working level)
• Pashto (Fluent)
• Dari (Fluent)

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the Apply link below.  All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages), Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.