Protection Officer (GBV caseworker) x2

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Overall purpose of the role

This position will report to the protection manager and be technically supervised by the protection coordinator and MHPSS specialist. The protection officer (GBV caseworker) will be responsible for the implementation of DRC GBV case management activities in Gaza as well as coordinating with other relevant DRC staff and other stakeholders involved in protection. The caseworker will provide appropriate and timely GBV case management services; assesses the needs of survivors or individuals at risk of GBV, develop case management plans, safety plans and implementing these as per evolving protection needs and concerns, ensuring appropriate follow-up and ensuring a survivor-centered approach throughout implementation. The GBV caseworker will also provide psychological first aid (PFA) to people in distress and assist in referrals of very vulnerable cases to the relevant actors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Case management:

1. Managing cases:

• Identify and receive referrals for GBV survivors and provide tailored GBV case management, including maintaining strict protocols for safety, international and national standards and procedures, confidentiality and consent;
• Conduct intake interviews with individuals identified during outreach work or referred by other agencies and open a case if vulnerability criteria are met.
• Carry out comprehensive protection risk assessments for each client after receiving their consent for the same. Consider emotional, behavioral and social factors that affect their psychosocial well-being as well as protection and risk factors.
• Develop a tailored case plan or safety plan with the survivor, based on the needs identified during the assessment
• When needed, respond to emergency situations;
• Seek support from the protection manager or protection coordinator to solve complex and particularly sensitive cases and participate in debriefing sessions;
• Ensure timely referrals to needed services, follow up and accompaniment where needed.
• Work closely with PSS teams to ensure holistic case-management services;
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships, with other DRC departments and participate in protection and GBV mainstreaming across sectors.
• Follow work-plans as outlined by supervisor
• Staying up to date with the service mapping
• Work closely with the protection coordinator and protection manager to provide inputs/feedback to contextualise and adapt case management tools/forms so that the intervention remains responsive to the evolving context in Gaza.

2. Reporting and administrative responsibilities

• Ensure the maintenance and regular update of case management database and other relevant trackers;
• Responsible for entering client data on the DRC Case Management IM system or excel forms (as appropriate) in a timely manner
• Participate in individual supervision sessions on a weekly basis with the Protection manager/ protection coordinator, bringing immediate attention to any case of special/emergency needs;
• Participate in internal case conferences/ technical review of cases, team meetings, training, and workshops as scheduled by the supervisory and management team;

Coordination:

• Participate in the GBV sub cluster coordination and relevant case management working groups in consultation with the protection manager and protection coordinator .
• Assist in the design and Facilitation of GBV awareness raising sessions and targeted GBV campaigns;

Protection monitoring

• Monitor protection concerns in target locations (this may include within communities.
• Conduct individual interviews for protection monitoring following DRC’s questionnaire guides and in adherence to DRC SOPs and DRC’s overall methodology and sampling approach.
• Ensure monthly data collection for protection monitoring as per targets established together with the manager/ protection coordinator.
• Ensure that the interviews are submitted on KOBO in Arabic or English and that the quality of the information submitted is complete and as accurate as possible. Be responsible for triangulating information obtained through the interviews to ensure that it is accurate. Ensure that all interviews are submitted through the KOBO link in a timely manner each week.
• Proactively inform the protection coordinator and/or protection manager on any new emerging protection concerns that require attention. Should persons at risk be identified through protection monitoring activities, ensure they are adequately supported through referrals or direct case management support.

Data protection, confidentiality and adherence to protection principles

• Ensure proper and safe filing and archiving of case management files to maintain data confidentiality as per DRC and international standards;
• Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to;
• do no harm;
• non-discrimination;
• confidentiality,
• accountability, and;
• need-to-know principles

Other activities

• Other protection activities as required by the protection manager and protection coordinator.

Experience and technical competencies:

• 2-3 years Working experience with INGOs/NGOs in the same or similar roles (protection officer, social worker etc).
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities
• A commitment to protecting human rights
• Prior experience in case management is an advantage
• Essential computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, email etc)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and a part of a team
• Willing to work extra hours and available at the weekend for emergency cases
• Capacity to work under pressure
• Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic [ESSENTIAL].
• Good knowledge of English is preferred, but not essential.

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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Education:

• University degree, in social work, psychology, law and/or other relevant disciplines

We offer

Contract length: 12 months, pending funding confirmation of UNFPA funds

Position Band: This position will be placed at Non-Management band (H)

Start date: February 20, 2025

Duty station: Gaza

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals.