Protection Manager

Overall, Purpose of the role

The Integrated Protection Manager will ensure smooth implementation and coordination of all protection programming (GBV, GP and HLP activities) in Upper Nile State. She/he/they will closely supervise and provide support to the different protection teams, as well as take a leading role in representing DRC in the different interagency protection-related fora (state-level protection cluster, GBV sub-cluster, etc.). The Integrated Protection Manager will manage all aspects of protection programming under the different active grants in the Malakal Area Office. This will include finance and supply chain follow-up, MEAL, and appropriate and timely reporting. He/she/they will work closely with the Protection Technical Coordinator to ensure protection programme quality and adherence to minimum interagency standards. He/she/they will also contribute to the development of the country’s protection strategy and relevant SOPs and tools.

Responsibilities:

Project Management & Development

• Take the lead in the day-to-day implementation and overall supervision of all DRC protection programming (GBV, GP and HLP) in Upper Nile State, ensuring quality protection activities are planned and implemented. This includes the preparation and follow-up of weekly and monthly work plans for the different protection teams.
• Manage and oversee the implementation of all protection-related activities and deliverables (GBV, GP, and HLP) under the various active grants in Upper Nile State. This includes budget management, MEAL follow-up, drafting procurement plans, financial and donor reporting, etc.
• Assist the area and country programme team in the development of new protection activities and projects.
• Tracking budgets and budget expenditures for protection components of a project, and ensuring healthy burn rate in line with work plan
• Oversee procurement processes related to implementation of protection programming and liaise with area office and Juba supply chain colleagues to ensure timely procurements

Coordination (external & internal)

• Actively represent DRC in state-level coordination fora and bilateral engagements (e.g. field donor meetings, protection sub-cluster activities, etc.)
• Engage with other coordination mechanisms when appropriate; these may include HLP AoR, Solutions Working Group and movement monitoring coordination meetings, etc.
• Liaise and build partnerships with community leaders, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors to enhance community-driven approaches to protection.
• Liaise on a regular basis with the Area Manager as well as with Juba colleagues to flag issues and concerns, and provide updates on programmes.
• Ensure synergy between protection and other sectoral activities at the area level, as well as support other sectors with protection mainstreaming efforts.

Human Resources

• Supervise, mentor, and support the different protection teams on the ground, including regular performance planning and appraisals
• Lead hiring processes of protection positions and ensure comprehensive induction of new staff
• Ensure staff compliance with security management rules and procedures; for example, ensuring relevant documentation and procedures are understood and adhered to by staff.
• Ensure staff are well versed with the DRC Code of Conduct, accountability measures, humanitarian principles, protection principles, respectful engagement with the affected population, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Technical Tasks

• Work closely with the Protection Technical Coordinator regarding all aspects related to the quality of protection programming, following international minimum standards and internal DRC guidance.
• Be familiar with and follow up on relevant strategic documents, operational plans, SOPs, budget guidelines, and DRC and donor regulations;
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the DRC Protection department, in close collaboration with the DRC Protection Coordinator. This includes initiating strategic planning at the field level, and sharing protection updates and information with DRC Protection Coordinator on a regular basis.
• Any other tasks as required by the management relevant to ensuring quality protection programming.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the Regional team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverable.
• Collaborating: You lead regional initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Experience and technical competencies:

• An advanced degree in political/social sciences, law, development studies, international development, psychology or equivalent experience
• Five years’ strong project management experience, of which at least 3 years should be at international level in a geographic or conflict context similar to South Sudan;
• Strong technical knowledge of general protection, HLP, GBV, and protection mainstreaming;
• Experience in proposal and budget development and project implementation (including budget management);
• Understanding of and experience in engaging the cluster system in IDP sites;
• The ability for rapid analysis of very complex issues, strong decision-making, and translation of programmatic learning and priorities into operational strategies;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, cross-cultural communication and ease in managing a multi-ethnic team;
• Good team leadership and conflict resolution skills, consensus team building, and adaptability;
• Patience and understanding to work with and develop capacity of national staff;
• Experience delivering programs to tight deadlines;
• Good computer and IT skills and strong communication and writing skills;
• Fluency in written and spoken English language;
• Ability and willingness to work in remote and isolated location with limited access to services and changing security scenarios

Desirable qualifications

• An understanding of the South Sudan context.
• Self-motivated and able to work with a minimum of guidance and supervision;
• Experience working in security-sensitive environments and enforcement of team security protocols is an asset.