Job Description

Background/IRC Summary: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview/Summary: Community-based protection Officer oversees the day-to-day implementation of IRC’s Community-based protection interventions in Jazret Elbuhameed, through community dialogues, and social activities and the establishment of community-based committees for conflict resolution, negotiations, and mediation to promote peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. He/she ensures the meaningful participation of IDPs and Host communities in all aspects of community-based protection response by IRC. This includes ensuring effective community mobilization, enhancing community-based protection and promoting community development activities in line with set guidelines and standards and with due attention to the engagement or inclusion of persons with specific needs. He/she will provide day-to-day direct supervision to community-based protection mobilizers and community committees volunteers and ensure that close collaboration is maintained with staff involved in direct implementation of IRC’s programs. He/she will be responsible for providing direct support for the implementation of the protection outreach program. This will include capacity building and day-to-day supervision and support to the community engagement volunteers. The Community Engagement Officer will also coordinate the activities of the community engagement volunteers as well as the PSN focal points in the protection committees, providing information materials and holding meetings.

Major Responsibilities: Major responsibilities of the Community-based Protection Officer (not exhaustive) are listed below:

Support the partner in following up on community-based protection committees and contribute to maintaining their functionality and sustainability.
Participate in reviewing assessment findings conducted by the partner and contribute to contextual analysis of community needs, vulnerabilities, and conflict dynamics.
Assist in the implementation and follow-up of social cohesion and peacebuilding activities carried out by the partner.
Accompany and support partner-led dialogue and mediation activities, ensuring adherence to basic protection and do-no-harm principles.
Coordinate on a regular basis with community representatives, local authorities, and stakeholders to facilitate smooth implementation of partner activities.
Contribute to training and coaching provided to community members and committees, particularly in conflict resolution and community engagement.
Follow up on referrals raised by community protection committees and support the partner in ensuring proper documentation and tracking.
Support coordination with other sectors to promote integrated service delivery at community level.
Assist in awareness-raising activities and ensure messaging aligns with protection and program priorities.
Contribute to data collection, verification, and routine reporting on community dynamics, activities, and outcomes.
Provide day-to-day technical support and on-the-job coaching to partner staff to strengthen the quality of implementation.
Document success stories, best practices, and lessons learned through regular follow-up with the partner, and contribute to capturing program impact and learning.

Community Protection Systems Strengthening & Sustainability

Shift from broad awareness activities to targeted follow-up and strengthening existing community-based protection systems.
Support the sustainability of protection committees and community groups (especially women- and youth-led groups) and ensure their continued function beyond project completion.
Establish and strengthen continuity mechanisms for vulnerable groups after the program ends.

Referral & Coordination Oversight

Oversee referral pathways to ensure effectiveness, continuity, and proper coordination with partners and service providers.
Work closely with the partner to ensure gradual handover of responsibilities and knowledge transfer.

Data Validation, Compliance & Reporting

Verify beneficiary data and ensure its accuracy and reliability.
Manage documentation and archiving in line with donor (BMZ) requirements.
Prepare impact reports, closure reports, and ensure full compliance with donor regulations and requirements.

Program Closure & Transition Planning

Support final evaluations and lessons learned exercises.
Lead or contribute to closure planning, ensuring safe and structured transition of activities to partners or communities.
Ensure protection mainstreaming is integrated across remaining program activities.

General

Perform any other duties as required by program needs or as requested by the supervisor.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Child Protection Senior Manager.
Position directly supervises: Community-based Protection Mobilizer – local partner activities.
Indirect Reporting: RISE Manager
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: Protection Officers, Legal Snr. Officer, WPE, and CP teams, ERD team. IP senior managers, RISE manager
External: INGOs, local actors

Job Requirements:

Education:

A bachelor's degree in social work, international relations, human rights, community development, or any other university degree.

Work Experience:

Proven experience in community engagement, social cohesion, conflict resolution, community-based protection, protection activities, or humanitarian work.
2-4 years experience.
Experience in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or mediation processes is highly desirable.
Familiarity with the local context and community dynamics.
Belief in human rights including gender equality.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

Strong management and organizational skills.
Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Strong communication, negotiation and persuasion skills
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
Flexible and able to work in a dynamic and diverse environment.
Experience in regular report writing.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
Flexible and able to work in a dynamic and diverse environment.
Must be computer literate (Microsoft Word and Excel).

Language Skills: