Protection Coordinator, Syria

DanChurchAid (DCA) invites applications for a Protection Coordinator for its Syria programme. This is a non-family position based in North-East Syria (NES).

The DCA Syria programme is a growing programme with a 7-year footprint. The activities are wide-ranging and include Humanitarian Mine Action activities (explosive ordnance risk education, survey, clearance of explosive hazards) as well as cash and voucher assistance (C4F, MPCA), shelter rehabilitation of community infrastructure and private housing facilities, early recovery and psychosocial support. Since 2017, DCA has implemented community-based, non-specialized psychosocial support programming for children, adolescents, and caregivers in static and mobile facilities across several locations of Northeast Syria (Raqqa, Kobane, Menbij). DCA is currently seeking an experienced professional to orient this approach within a more holistic protection mainstreaming strategy that seeks to improve protection outcomes for all participants, not only throughout DCA’s protection sector but also through the wider NES programme.

As the Protection Coordinator for NES you will refer directly to the Head of Programme (HoP). You will be responsible for the implementation of the overall Protection Sector activities conducted by the programme, as well as for the technical sectoral strategy, thus ensuring that the response is appropriate, relevant, effective, timely, coordinated and complementary with other components of DCA’s programme in NES.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy design based on technical assessment of protection and psychosocial needs
• Periodically update the protection situation analysis at pace with contextual shifts and modify strategy accordingly
• Ensure the principled implementation and monitoring of activities in accordance with sector-endorsed, evidence-based methodologies and related monitoring tools
• Structured supervision and technical support to facilitators and case workers in the delivery of structured group- and person-focused activities
• Work closely with relevant colleagues to ensure protection principles are mainstreamed within other sectors of the program

General Management and Supervision

Ensure high-quality management and implementation of project activities by:

• Creating and executing monthly work plans in coordination with the protection teams.
• Coordinating with logistics, administration, and finance colleagues to effectively and efficiently mobilize resources allocated to protection activities in close collaboration with the HoP and HoSS
• Contributing to effective management of budget lines related to protection activities, track expenditures and provide monthly BVA/forecast in close collaboration with the HoP.
• Ensuring that project deadlines are met, and targets achieved while providing justifications and suggested corrective course of action where relevant.

Programme Development and Reporting

• Participate in the development of proposals, budgets and concept notes in coordination with the Head of Programme, Grants Manager and MEAL Coordinator
• Lead on providing technical inputs to periodic donor reporting requirements, and ensure reports are produced and delivered in a timely and quality manner
• Lead portfolio expansion together with sector colleagues, actively contributing to identification of new funding opportunities and proposal writing

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Undertake regular field visits to provide technical guidance and supervision as well as regular monitoring of activity progress to ensure that services provided are according to international best practice standards
• Ensure all activities are robustly monitored and fully documented, including systematic and timely data collection as required under the grant and for DRC MEAL purposes. Linked to the above, ensure relevant (disaggregated) data is available to share as and when required
• Develop and roll out of SOP and workflows for protection programming

People Management

• Effective day to day management of protection teams, supporting team members to set objectives and workplans while providing appropriate and timely feedback regarding performance
• Implement a capacity strengthening strategy with clear timelines, steps to be undertaken and goals to be reached to strengthen the capacity of sector staff. This will include foundational training on protection concepts and approaches, and continued expansion of staff’s existing PSS capacity
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a team spirit of equity and peer-support

Coordination and Representation

• Establish and maintain regular and collaborative relations with relevant stakeholders (partners, donors, other organizations, local authorities, institutions, community groups, etc.) to ensure coordination, avoid duplication, and strengthen the referral network
• Proactively participate and represent DCA in relevant working groups and sectoral coordination meetings leading and contributing to protection assessments in collaboration with other DCA teams as well as inter-agency initiatives

Required Qualifications and competencies

• Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in relevant field (International Law, International Relations, Political Science, Social Work, Humanitarian Assistance, Sociology, Psychology or any other related field)
• Minimum 5 years relevant sector experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial role
• Professional proficiency in English is required, Arabic is an advantage but not required.
• Strong experience in protection risk analyses, community-based protection approaches, structured focused and non-focused PSS provision, and case worker supervision
• Proven experience in protection project development and management, including familiarity with sector standards and humanitarian architecture
• Strong written and oral communication skills that demonstrate empathy, discretion, and integrity
• Proven ability and willingness to work and live in diverse, challenging and potentially unstable environments/emergency settings.

What we offer:

• 12 months contract with the possibility of extension
• A very competitive salary package
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• A generous R&R allowance
• Insurance as per industry standards
• An interesting and challenging experience addressing humanitarian needs
• Skilled colleagues and comprehensive HQ support
• A positive and caring work environment

For further information regarding DCA, please visit our website at: www.noedhjaelp.dk.

Only online applications consisting as a minimum of a CV and a cover letter will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, ethnic affiliation and disability status are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.

Closing date for applications will be 19 June 2022. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis or during the last week of June 2022. DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the deadline.

For all questions regarding the position, please contact Catalina Surugiu, Head of Programme DCA NES at [email protected].