Protection Assistant - Community-Based Protection

About DRC
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC is one of the largest protection actors in Kenya, actively coordinating and advocating for improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities. DRC implements Protection monitoring, Child Protection and GBV prevention and response programmes in its areas of operation to address protection issues faced by displaced and non-displaced at-risk groups and individuals. The programme also aims to identify and build synergies with DRC´s Economic Recovery sector to facilitate durable solutions and Humanitarian Disarmament & Peace Building activities to enhance to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crisis as well as those in protracted displacement situations.

Overall purpose of the role:
Under the supervision of the Protection Officer-Community-Based Protection, the Protection Assistant will be responsible for day-to-day implementation and coordination of GBV prevention activities, disability inclusion and youth-related activities in the camps, In collaboration with the Protection Officer and community workers, s/he will undertake all prevention related activities that may include among others; training, building awareness, forums with community structures, capacity development for local partners e.tc. S/he will work and liaise closely with other protection teams, GBV response teams, child protection and protection monitoring teams, as well as MEAL staff on documentation of programme activities and ensure inclusive delivery of quality protection services, as per the donor requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Mobilize for and actively Participate in meetings with community leaders, GBV support groups and other stakeholders for awareness, dialogue and community forums
• Work with other team members and stakeholders strengthening existing referral systems and networks for SGBV Prevention and interventions.
• Refer all GBV related cases to the response team for management and to other agencies for other protection needs with documented uptake/follow up-Supervisor
• Together with the GBV officer and assistants, conduct training sessions for identified community and agency staff on GBV issues.
• Maintain and strengthen existing networks through other service providers at the camp level, to ensure effective referral of GBV cases and vulnerable POCs within the camp and hots community
• In collaboration with other community workers/structures, implement prevention activities/interventions within the refugee and host community e.g., EMAP, SASA, etc.
• Use appropriate data collection /reporting tools to draft, consolidate and submit weekly and training reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach in implementation of protection activities
• Coordinate closely with refugee-led organizations (RLOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), youth groups, OPDs, UNHCR, government departments, and humanitarian partners.
• In collaboration with the officer, form support groups to enhance community engagement & ownership on protection work.
• Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders, camp management and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
• Disseminate relevant information including assessment findings and GBV trends during Community GBV prevention forums, youth forums and meetings with the DIC committees.
• Working closely with the community structures and supervisor, identify community members who will form the advocacy and mentorship groups
• Support commemorations such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, International Youth Day, World Refugee Day, and the 16 Days of Activism.
• Plan and coordinate youth engagement activities across the refugee camps.
• Attend and assist in facilitating the group meetings and follow up sessions
• Submit weekly quality reports on project implementation, evidenced by quality photos.
• Document quarterly or as deem fit, on lessons learnt, success stories and good practices for continuous improvement of GBV interventions.

Experience and Technical Competence

• Minimum of 2 years work experience in capacity building, community mobilization and working with corking with community structures and other relevant stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience with community models and approaches e.g., EMAP, SASA!
• Conversant with providing psychosocial counseling in a refugee context
• Experience in partnership engagement and capacity development
• Able to mainstream Persons with Specific Needs (PSN) issues within GBV programming; youths, elderly persons, persons with disabilities etc.
• Good team player; able to take direction and work collaboratively with others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members and professional partners.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or other Social Science related field.

Language:

• Fluent in English
• Fluent in Somali

Key stakeholders: Internal & External

• GoK departments (national and county governments) and police
• UNHCR, DRC sectors and other agencies
• Local Partners (WRLOs & Women-Led CBOs)
• Community structures; Section leaders, block leaders, religious leaders, youths, committees, and other camp structures.
• Donors

About you:
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Conditions

• Contract: 4 months contract with possibility of extension. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment.
• Availability: September 2026
• Duty station: DRC Dadaab Office, Dadaab refugee camp

Application and CV:
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.
DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Please remember to upload both a letter of application and your CV and do not attach any written recommendations.
Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 7th August, 2026

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport