Protection Officer

Background/ IRC Summary

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.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 works in over 40 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 been working in Uganda since 1998 supporting IDPs, refugees and various institutions in the country notably the government, community-based organizations, the civil society, and the private sector. The current program portfolio in Uganda includes health and nutrition, support to persons with specific needs (PSNs) including case management, legal assistance to refugees, prevention, and response to gender-based violence, and economic recovery and development. IRC Uganda has its head office in Kampala, with field offices in Kyegegwa, Lamwo, Kiryadongo, Karamoja, West Nile regions, Kampala for urban Refugee Program.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Protection Officer will be responsible for providing direct support for the implementation of protection monitoring, protection case management and follow ups, operating Information and Support Centers (ISCs); Persons of Specific Needs a (PSNs) identification and support. She/he will supervise the activities of Protection Assistants in the field to ensure timely and successfully implementation.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conducts protection information and awareness sessions (community dialogues).

• Collaborates with the legal team, SGBV, health, and ERD sectors of IRC and other agencies in providing protection related services to refugees and Persons of Concern (PoC
• Ensures service mapping is complete and continuously updated; referral pathway established and follow up of cases conducted by protection team.
• Liaise with and refer all legal related cases to the legal team for redress.
• Supervises Protection Assistants to effectively carry out their roles.
• Ensure protection case management is done according to established standards while respecting the principle of confidentiality.
• Supports Volunteers in their integration and support to the desk and team.
• Oversees PSN needs assessments and provide appropriate responses ‐ targeted assistance as necessary.
• Conduct regular monitoring and report on the welfare and living conditions of PSNs in the settlement.
• Ensure protection team manages information according to established procedures and respects principles of confidentiality.
• Ensure good coordination with refugee leadership structures (RWCs and Neighborhood watch) and appropriate support provided.
• Appropriately refer protection incidents/events to UNHCR, OPM and relevant partners.
• Participate in Zonal Coordination meetings involving UNHCR, OPM and all partners operating in the Zone.
• Prepare daily/weekly/monthly reports and timely submit to Deputy Protection Manager for review and further actions.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Protection Manager

Position directly supervises:Protection Assistants and Community Based Volunteers

Indirect Reporting:NA

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Community Services Officers and Assistants Officers, Legal Officers,

External: UNHCR, OPM, and other Protection Actors

STANDARDS FOR 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.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request reasonable accommodation.

Deadline for receiving applications is July 30th,2024

Minimum Qualifications:

•Educated at degree level in the humanities or other relevant field.

•At least two years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an international organization.

•Demonstrable knowledge of protection issues and knowledge of refugee context.

•Strong supervisory and organizational skills.

•Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

•Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.

•Flexible and able to work in a dynamic and diverse environment.

•Comfortable using information technology (Computers, Smartphones and Tablets) and MS Office Word and Excel.

•Proficiency in English ( written and verbal)