Protection Monitoring Officer

Job Description

Background/IRC Summary: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifeaving and life changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC has been working in Poland since March 2022 to support the refugees fleeing from the war in Ukraine with basic needs and protection assistance.

Job Overview/Summary: The Protection Monitor will be responsible for providing direct support for the implementation of protection monitoring and Persons of Specific Needs a (PSNs) identification and referral. She/he will travel regularly to program locations within and outside Warsaw to collect data from refugees from Ukraine (and other refugees in Poland) using pre-designed tools, including individual surveys, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and observation. These tools will contain questions related to the refugee safety and power situation, including on their access to documentation and legal counsel, information needs, safety related concerns, coping strategies, barriers preventing access to basic services, among other. These data will be analyzed at central level and inform program strategies and advocacy. In addition to this, the Protection Monitor will refer highly vulnerable refugees in need of immediate assistance to specialized services using inter-agency referral pathways. Periodically, the Protection Monitor will organize information sessions with the affected communities to raise awareness on protection risks and provide guidance on access to information and services.

Major Responsibilities: Major responsibilities of the Protection Monitor (not exhaustive) are listed below:

- Carries out regular protection monitoring activities using pre-designed protection monitoring tools including surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interview and observation with the refugees and Persons of Concern (PoC) - Conducts protection information and awareness sessions (community dialogues) on predetermined topics related to safety, power, administrative processes, and access to services. - Collaborates with the WPE, CP, Education, ERD and Livelihoods teams of IRC and other agencies in identifying refugees and PoC for monitoring purposes and providing protection related information and referral to refugees and PoC. - Conducts needs assessments using predetermined data collection tools. - Prepares monthly reports and timely submit to the supervisor for review and further actions. - Carries out other activities as advised by the supervisor or the Protection Management (for example help with cleaning data, and other data analysis responsibilities). - Identifies new locations for Protection Monitoring activities and liaises with the stakeholders already involved in such locations.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Senior Protection Analysis Officer Position directly supervises: N/a

Indirect Reporting: PROL Manager, Senior Responsive Information Officer Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: CP, GBV teams in Protection, and ERD (cash and livelihoods) team

External: UNHCR, UNICEF, Protection Working Group and other Protection Actors

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

Education:

· Degree of Bachelor of Development Studies, Bachelor of Laws Degree, Degree of Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration, and other related academic qualifications.

Work Experience:

· At least two years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an international organization or local NGO.

· Good protection (safety) and/or human rights background and knowledge of refugee context in Europe.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· Strong management and organizational skills.

· Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

· 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, experience with Kobo would be additional advantage)

· Dynamic, initiative taker and solution-focused able to adapt to a mobile work environment

Language Skills:

· Knowledge of Ukrainian and Russian required.

· Good drafting and oral communication skills in English.

· Knowledge of other languages from East Europe is a distinct advantage.

Standards for Professional Conduct:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way-Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.