Protection Specialist

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian aid organization that works to bring assistance to people in danger, victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Established in 1992 with support from the Italian Federation of Trade Unions, its actions are based on the values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all people and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable and the unprotected.

INTERSOS identifies with the core values of CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs; it adheres to international codes of conduct for humanitarian organizations and the values and principles expressed within those codes. INTERSOS is recognized by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the principal UN agencies; it is privileged to hold an advisory status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

INTERSOS is an independent association which, through its own humanitarian operators, intervenes to effectively answer the needs of people in serious crises situations, mainly in the world's poorest regions, who are suffering, deprived of rights, dignity and essentials goods. It maintains a flexible operating structure. The head office in Italy coordinates, supports and monitors the planned activities in the countries of intervention carried out by decentralized offices.

Job Title: Protection Specialist

Reports to: Protection Coordinator

Manage: None (Technical support to Social Workers, Protection Officers and Protection Managers)

Duty Station: Beirut with regular field visits.

Position Type: Full Time

Job Purpose:

The Protection specialist is responsible for reviewing, updating and harmonizing the materials, tools and practices related to INTERSOS community-facing activities including awareness raising, outreach and group PSS and providing technical support to maintain, strengthen and expand community-based protection programming in Lebanon.

Generic Duties:

1. To collect field feedback that could contribute to the definition of the protection strategy for INTERSOS mission
2. Support in building the capacity, coordinating and monitoring the protection team
3. Providing technical guidelines, capacity building and support to protection staff, including in reporting

Specific Duties:

(Any additional task strictly related to the role and necessary for the implementation of the activities.)

1. Contribute to the design of community-based protection activities as part of the broader protection strategy of the mission and provide technical support and assistance to its implementation.
2. In coordination with the Protection Coordinator, support in the contextualization and adaptation of internal and global guidelines on community-based activities and group PSS, and ensure these are rolled out and known by staff.
3. Monitor implementation and ensure accurate documentation of all group and community protection components in existing projects across the mission.
4. In coordination with the Protection Coordinator, support in the development of a harmonised structure for group PSS, emotional support groups, awareness-raising and community outreach/engagement components across the mission.
5. In coordination with the Protection Coordinator, design and support relevant protection staff in the roll out of standardised orientation, training and capacity-building for outreach volunteers.
6. In coordination with relevant protection staff, review and harmonise a standard package of community awareness materials and coaching and mentoring support on protection topics, including protection principles, gender equity and child protection and PSEA.
7. Gather and circulate the latest risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) materials and messaging on Covid 19 disease and vaccine so that social workers, community and outreach volunteers and the broader community are provided with updated and actionable information.
8. Develop guidelines including best practice and standard operating procedures for the establishment of community groups
9. Provide technical and practical support to community focal points and relevant staff in the design and implementation of community mobilisation efforts, initiatives and events.
10. In coordination with the Protection Coordinator and MEAL manager, develop tools including pre-post tests and satisfaction surveys to measure the outcome and impact of group and community-facing protection activities.
11. In coordination with the Protection Coordinator, organize ad hoc protection meetings with protection staff to identify and report any potential risks or challenges and develop action plans to address them.
12. Assist with the collection and analysis of information and data from community-facing protection activities and support in the production of high-quality internal, donor and advocacy reporting.
13. Represent INTERSOS as requested in coordination meetings including national and area-based working groups and task forces and ensure information from such fora are disseminated to relevant staff within the mission.

Education:

• University degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Gender Studies, Law or other fields related to social development and humanitarian work.

Competencies: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

Professional Competencies:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience in protection-related community engagement sectors, preferable within a national or international NGO
• Strong theoretical, technical and practical background in protection and community outreach/engagement, with a focus on GBV/CP
• MS proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, outlook, etc.)
• Experience in complex emergency setting involving internal displacements
• Reporting skills, experience with monitoring tools and systems, data collection and analysis.
• Capacities in developing training program in specific thematic areas.

Behavioural competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work and integrate in a multicultural team.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to tailor style to suit a variety of audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage efficiently multiple priorities, deadlines and tasks.
• Solid time-management skills, resourcefulness and attention to details.
• Diplomatic skills in networking with partners, authorities and donors
• Flexibility and adaptability; Ability to work under pressure.
• Initiative
• Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills
• Decision making
• Leadership; Developing and motivating others
• Strategic thinking
• Driving and achieving results
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment to INTERSOS values
• Respect of Intersos policies and procedures