Protection Assistant

TEAM PURPOSE: Oxfam in Lebanon works at local, national, and international levels to improve the protection of civilian population in situation of insecurity and displacement. The protection assistant will contribute to Oxfam’s overall efforts to bring about improvements to the safety of civilian populations in Lebanon, as well as local and national change in the protection framework.

JOB PURPOSE: To gather and document data around protection concerns and threats and contribute to analyses on trends and needs of returnees and individuals affected by the war in South Lebanon. To support returnees to safely access useful, reliable, and accurate information as well as adequate services. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (Technical, Leadership, People and Resource management)

• Support monitoring and follow-up on MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) activities and interventions implemented in South Lebanon, ensuring quality, relevance, and alignment with protection standards.
• Conduct outreach and identification of MHPSS cases, ensuring timely referral and follow-up in line with established pathways and standards.
•  Actively participate in the preparation of MHPSS sessions and provide direct support to the therapist during sessions to facilitate effective delivery and meaningful participation.
• Support and follow up on the monitoring of community-based protection groups in South Lebanon, including their engagement, capacity-building, and implementation of identified protection actions.
• Map MHPSS safe spaces, update the SS list regularly, and share it with the program and technical team.
• Conduct and follow up on relevant protection interventions in South Lebanon, including needs assessments, awareness sessions, referrals, and coordination with key stakeholders.
• Conduct protection monitoring by collecting high-quality information through direct observation, focus group discussions, community engagement sessions, and key informant interviews, in line with Oxfam’s guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support the development and regular updating of service mapping by gathering accurate data on available services and documenting any changes to ensure timely and effective referrals.
• Prepare for and support the implementation of field activities, including community consultations and awareness sessions, contributing to the design and planning process where possible.
• Conduct and follow up on protection referrals while ensuring adherence to Oxfam’s data protection policies.
• Coordinate and maintain regular follow-up with partners, local stakeholders, and relevant actors to align activities and workplans, and strengthen collaboration.
• Contribute to MEAL processes by submitting timely monthly reports in coordination with the MEAL team, ensuring the protection database, tools, and beneficiary feedback mechanisms are regularly updated.
•  Monitor and report protection incidents in a timely, confidential, and ethical manner.
• Maintain consistent communication with communities and focal points, including community representatives, ensuring sustained support and engagement in target areas.
•  Ensure systematic data collection and clear information dissemination to affected populations and stakeholders.
• Promote inclusive community participation, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized groups are actively involved in the planning and implementation of protection activities.
•  Maintain a weekly workplan in coordination with the protection and field teams to ensure timely implementation and reporting.
• Provide cross-sectoral support to other teams to ensure safe programming and a protection-sensitive approach across all activities.
• Foster a positive and collaborative relationship with Oxfam project teams and external stakeholders to support coordinated and impactful delivery.
• Perform other duties as required, with up to 80% of the time expected to be spent in the field.

CORE DIMENSIONS

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.

• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.

• Commitment to undertake Oxfam’s safeguarding training and adherence of relevant policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible

ESSENTIAL

• BA degree in a relevant field (Social Work, social sciences, development studies, etc),

• At least 2 years of experience in protection programs mainly in MHPSS ,

• Demonstrated Community engagement skills, with the ability to implement Community based protection techniques and tools while adhering to CBP principles,

•Good understanding of protection and South Lebanon contexts, including basic human rights knowledge

•Good organizational skills (ability to develop workplans, organize their work, prioritize tasks, basic understanding of project quality and spending).

• Excellent Arabic and good English languages skills

• Adherence to and respect of Oxfam’s mission, vision and values including protection of rights, ending inequality and gender justice.

• Proven analytical skills.

• Understanding of project-level monitoring, learning, and adaptation.

• Ability to work with team members collaboratively.

• Willingness to work in insecure environments and a high level of adaptability and initiative.