Protection Assistant

UTOPIA’s purpose is to inspire a culture of civic awareness and equal citizenship in the Lebanese society through specialized projects and programs that rely on voluntary work to make the change we aim at achieving.   Division: Protection Department   I-Function: -          The Protection Assistant is responsible for conducting a range of protection activities (including awareness sessions regarding protection issues, case management, counseling/psycho-social support, household interviews, monitoring interview, FGDs and community level interviews) all according to UTOPIA standards in Protection work.   II-Reporting: -          To the Program Coordinator. -          To the Senior Protection Officer.   III-Coordinates: -          With all Protection Assistants. -          With all concerned parties as assigned by the Program Coordinator. -          With partners   IV- Duties and Responsibilities: -          Monitor and report on protection and security incidents and conduct protection monitoring interviews and FGDs. -          Support the collection of information/data about vulnerability, protection needs and concerns of the targeted population.  -          Conduct vulnerability assessment and identify cases for assistance according to pre-defined criteria. -          Support and report to program coordinator and senior management in coordination and management of protection activities of the project. -          Develop monthly visit plans on assessing, re-assessing and following up cases in coordination with other (field) staff. -          Weekly and monthly reporting responsibilities. -          Where necessary identify areas for growth and coordinate capacity building activities. -          Conduct information sessions, record feedback (comments, suggestions) and report results back to Protection Officer on issues of concern with recommended areas of intervention. -          Maintain constructive relationships with municipalities, other local government institutions, local NGO partners and other international organizations in coordination with the other team members. -          Coordinate field activities, manage complex issues, multitask and adapt to constantly evolving social and political context. -          Contribute to the development of activities in relation with all departments and other protection-related activities. -          Provide verbal and written feedback to supervisor on progress, lesson learned, achievements and gaps, issues and problems. -          Maintain and promote a positive image of Utopia and its activities by explaining what Utopia is doing and why it operates in that way. -          Other duties as assigned.   V- Cooperation and Contact: -          Develop and maintain effective working relationship with stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders and service providers in the target areas for prompt referral, follow up and information sharing. -          Contribute to the maintenance of an up-to-date service mapping of the service providers operating in the area and take proactive steps to remain informed about the available services. -          Provide written feedback about protection incidents, issues and aid-related community-conflicts to Utopia’s partners. -          Proactively participate in protection and relevant coordination meeting at the national, regional and district level.   VI- Qualification: Skills: -          Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility. -          Ability to assist and support other team members. -          Ability to work under pressure in a fast-moving environment. -          Ability to respond flexibly to changing demands routines and procedures; receptive to change. -          Ability to manage conflicts, prioritize work, and manage reports. -          Good report writing skills.   ComputerSkills: Internet software, E-mail, MS Office(Excel and PowerPoint), database software.