Protection Officer

Job Description

Scope of Work The Protection Officer is responsible for protection activities in the areas affected by the crisis in the NorthWest Region. The main tasks will be to monitor the situation in terms of protection of populations affected by the crisis, to conduct mapping for existing service providers and provide information to the communities through the organization of focus groups discussions or individual interviews and finally refer the most urgent cases to the appropriate service. The Protection Officer will respect the principle of confidentiality of the information received during the activities. The Protection Officer will respect the principle of confidentiality of the information received during the activities. He/She will work closely with the Protection Manager, other Protection Officers, M& E Officer and other Mobile Team members to provide a protection response during deployment.

Terms of Reference

Reporting to: Protection Program Manager Activity Supervision Line: Protection Assistants, Community Mobilizers.

RESPONSABILITES:

Programme Planning and Implementation;

- Conduct protection risk analysis in deployment areas and in coordination with WPE teams, work with communities including CBOs to develop risk reduction mechanisms - Conduct the Rapid Protection Assessment and refer at-risk individuals to relevant / appropriate service providers, including health centers, community-based organizations, NGO programmes or other care services in the intervention areas. - Supervise the collection of protection data, ensuring that Protection Monitors are using approved IRC methodologies, the correct systems and approaching communities in a sensitive and culturally appropriate way. • Manage the work of Protection Focal Points/CBPC to ensure that they are providing regular updates on protection information as needed, including daily phone checks - Ensure the submission of Protection monitoring by Protection Assistants from mobile devices to KOBO in coordination with the relevant staff. - Flag any individual cases that come forward while Protection Monitoring Assistants are carrying out Protection Monitoring activities in the community to the Protection Manager for appropriate advice/guidance - Providing emergency response to cases of protection for persons with special needs - Conduct mapping of existing service providers on deployment areas and, through focus group, provide an update on existing services and their accessibility for people with specific protection needs. - In collaboration with the Protection Manager and the WPE team, organize capacity building sessions for CBO members and community leaders on protection topics. - Work with WPE teams to facilitate internal referencing. - Report daily protection situation to the Protection Manager and M & E Officer for integration in monitoring reports. - Ensure ethical and confidential data collection during, case management, monitoring and evaluation. - Ensure the confidentiality and security of all information in both hard copy and soft copy, including overseeing the storage and transfer of information, according to IRC’s information sharing protocol - Monitor the progress of the programme and identify any delays that have been or may be expected - Comply with the IRC security procedures and report the security information provided to him to ensure a safe and secure environment for the implementation of the programme. - Ensure the Identification, formation, and training of Community -based protection Committees and Protection Focal Points (CBPCs /PFP) in accordance with relevant procedures - Be fully informed about community structures and the protection and security situation of the population of concern and develop strong links with a cross-section of members of refugee/Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)/stateless communities, using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach

- Oversee and provide technical support to the Community-Based Protection Committees (CBPC) and Protection Focal Points in the communities

Monitoring & Reporting;

- Ensure that activities are fully documented, including regular and systematic collection of data required by the lessor and for use in M & E activities. - Establish and implement a training evaluation system as pre/post tests to measure participants' learning level. - Produce / contribute to the writing of the reports required by IRC and the lessor (progress of activities, monitoring of indicators, etc.)

Coordination & Representation;

- Ensure coordination on the organization of training in mainstreaming protection with other stakeholders on the theme as well as with communities. - Work closely and coordinate with the IRC Support Services to carry out programme activities. This includes participation in the opening, follow-up and closing meetings of the grant - Ensure linkage, coordination and sharing of information on activities with national NGOs, international organizations, donors and the government. - Participate in Protection Cluster (including GBV and CP AoRs) meetings and other humanitarian coordination meetings as will be assigned by the Manager from time to time - Create/build and maintain good relationship with community leaders for smooth implementation of protection activities in the communities.

HR ;

- In coordination with the Protection Program Manager, ensure adequate support and capacity building for the Protection Assistants, CBPC and PFP is provided for delivery of high-quality protection monitoring activities. - Ensure adherence to IRC’s national staff policy guidelines and ensure adherence by all direct reports. - Comply with IRC’s Code of Conduct at all times and ensure adherence by all direct reports. - Engage in recruitment process for new protection staff as appropriate (e.g. Job Description, Vacancy Announcement, Interview etc). - Support in induction process for new Protection Assistants as and when necessary.

- Perform any other relevant HR tasks as requested by the Line Manager (Protection Manager)

Others:

- Any other task requested by her/his supervisor for efficient programme implementation. Professional Standards - Commit to IRC Way (or Code of Conduct / Mandatory Reporting Policies) - Commit to ensuring the optimal implementation of these policies in its framework. - Commit to comply with IRC's Internal Regulations in Cameroon

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts or Science in Social Science, Law, Political Science, Public Health, Humanities, or another related field, desirable.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- At least, two years of experience in protection activities in particular protection case management and monitoring, counselling, social work or other related field; - Previous experience supervising field protection staff; - To be of Cameroonian nationality; - Clear understanding of and interest in the protection field of expertise; - Strong ability to maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure; - Proven experience working in a difficult environment; - Fluency in English Language, Pidgin English is required as well as fluency in at least one local language spoken in the Northwest Region is desirable. - Clear understanding of human rights, and issues surrounding violence against civilians. - Demonstrated understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients. - Knowledge and experience with community outreach and mobilization. - Positive and professional attitude, including ability to lead and work well in a team setting; - Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail: - Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with analytical approach - Teamwork - Good communication skills - Must be able to work independently with limited supervision - Ability to strictly adhere to deadlines - Readiness to sign and abide to a Child protection policy - Readiness to commit and adhere to values, mission, and vision of IRC. Knowledge of context: - Minimum 10 years working / studying / living in Southwest or Northwest Cameroon. - Applications which do not demonstrate this will not be considered

Application process

Application files should include the following

- Updated CV - Motivation Letter - Copy of NIC - Previous Work Attestations - Academic Credentials

The complete files should be deposited online or can also be deposited in an anonymous envelope bearing the title: " Protection Officer, Bamenda Office" in the offices of IRC in Maroua district Pitoire; Yaoundé behind Usine Bastos, Kousseri Residential Area, Buea Camp sic, Bamenda Governor's Street

Deadline for Admissibility of applications: 17th July 2022

Female candidates and Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply