Protection Officer

INTERSOS is an International NGO 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 Officer (Case Management & MHPSS)

Reports to         : Protection Manager

Duty Station      :  North and Akkar governorates while roving between different spaces where Intersos is operating

Position Type    : Full Time

Job Purpose:

The Protection Officer is responsible for the technical supervision and coordination of all project-linked protection-related activities in North and Akkar Governorates including case management for child protection (CP) and Mental health psycho-social support (MHPSS) activities at base level. S/he will ensure that training and capacity building needs of field protection staff are addressed in a timely manner and that the protection services and activities meet quality standards in the sector. The Protection Officer will carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to: do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality, accountability and need-to-know principles. The Protection Officer supervises the Case Management and MHPSS teams.

Generic Duties:

• Provide technical guidance and support to protection staff composed of Senior case workers, case workers, social workers and psychologists, ensuring quality in the implementation of activities and services as well as the adherence to protection standards;
• Regularly verify the status of the case management database, conduct case reviews and provide feedback to Senior Case Workers and Case Workers team;
• Organize regular and ad hoc case management meetings with case management team to discuss complex cases and general challenges in their tasks;
• Conduct regular case audits, to ensure that cases meet and maintain compliance with established SoPs and minimum standards in case management;
• Supervise the accuracy documentation within the case management intervention in line with minimum standards and internal SoPs.
• Ensure smooth coordination of activities between other projects, in coordination with Protection manager and Deputy Project Manager, supporting the development of work plans consistent with the goals and objectives;
• Organize regular and meetings with the team to discuss general challenges in their tasks and identification of protection cases;
• In coordination with the Senior Case Workers, oversee the work of case workers supporting the development of work plans consistent with the goals and objectives and supervising the accuracy and proper filing of case documentation in line with data protection standards.
• Provide guidance to Social Workers under different projects in the planning and implementation of participatory community activities including group PSS sessions and awareness sessions, with guidance and support from the MHPSS Specialist and Protection Coordination team;
• Coordinate and supervise group PSS sessions that are conducted in the safe space and other locations for all protection projects in the North base
• Coordinate the activities’ implementation of the psychologists
• According to established cash procedures, double-check and support the protection manager in cash requests, and supervise the following delivery, invoicing and reporting steps.
• Compile and quality review PCAP, BIDs/BIAs, IA referral forms, KNACK inputs and other related forms.
• Identify capacity building needs of protection staff assessing their knowledge and skills and accordingly provide learning opportunities through trainings, workshops and/or simulation exercises;
• Support the Protection Manager and Protection Coordination team in developing and/or updating protection tools and training material in order to meet projects requirement;
• Support the Protection Manager in developing required donor reports, providing relevant insights on protection related issues;
• Establish and maintain collaborative relations with relevant partners and other project stakeholders working in the project areas;
• Proactively participate in relevant coordination meetings, as requested by the supervisor.
• Ensure -monthly and quarterly case management and MHPSS reporting is adequately done and submitted on time.

Education:

• University Degree in University Degree in Law, Social Sciences, Social Work, Gender Studies, or related field.

Competencies: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

Professional Competencies:

• Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience in the humanitarian protection sector (of which at least 1 year in a supervisory role).
• Demonstrated strong technical knowledge in general protection (i.e. protection monitoring, case management, psychosocial support activities).
• Excellent knowledge of local communities, prior experience working with local authorities and stakeholders in a plus.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills including communicating with vulnerable population groups.
• Excellent analysis and reporting skills.
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point )
• Valid Driving License issued since more than 2 years.

Behavioural competencies:

• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent planning and organizing skills
• Driving and achieving results
• Cultural awareness; Respect and non-discriminatory attitude
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Independence, i.e. conducting tasks with minimal supervision, and ability to work under pressure
• Team work
• Initiative
• Leadership; Developing and motivating others
•  Problem solving and decision making
•  Strategic vision
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment to INTERSOS values
• Respect of INTERSOS policies and procedures