Protection Assistant at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Targeted individual assistance case management

• Identify and register extremely vulnerable individuals for targeted individual assistance in coordination with other Protection staff.
• Manage targeted individual assistance cases, including maintaining strict protocols for confidentiality and update case files, following IRC SOPs and ensuring beneficiaries’ information is protected. 
• Carry out needs assessment to understand EVI needs and ascertain what assistance they require
• Develop TIA distribution, implementation and follow up plans and ensure that EVIs selected for TIA receive appropriate assistance.
• Conduct follow-up visits to ensure that needs of EVIs have been met in an appropriate manner and beneficiary have the opportunity to provide feedback on the TIA received.

Implementation of Protection activities

• Act as focal point for the identification of extremely vulnerable individuals (EVIs) for adequate assistance according to IRC Protection sector pre-defined criteria.  
• Conduct general (community-level) and incident (individual-level) protection monitoring to identify vulnerabilities, protection needs and concerns of the targeted population.
• Together with the Protection Officer and Senior Protection Officer, establish Protection Action Groups (PAGs) and oversee their activities of in target areas.
• With guidance from the Protection Officer and Senior Protection Officer, support PAG members in developing action plans and community project concepts.
• Take part in all community engagement and information dissemination activities in target communities including community mobilization.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships and networks with key/relevant stakeholders in target communities.
• In consultation with the Protection Officer and Senior Protection Officer, liaise with relevant stakeholders in order to increase access to services for IDPs.
• Assist in the implementation of other Protection sector activities in the areas of operation. 

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Collate and consolidate PAG monthly action plans and weekly reports and submit consolidated reports to the Reporting and Database Assistant.
• In close coordination with Protection staff, carry out service and stakeholder mapping in all target communities.
• Collate and consolidate age and gender disaggregated data.
• Develop monthly implementation work plans including consolidating and submitting weekly and monthly reports.
• Provide constant feedback to supervisor on progress, lesson learnt, achievements and gaps, issues and problems. 
• Keep and file records and correspondences related to the TIA activities.
• When needed, participate in the Protection sector monitoring and evaluation activities.

Finance and procurement

• Prepare targeted individual assistance activity budgets and ensure timely liquidation of requested finances.
• Raise procurement requested in compliance with IRC Supply Chain and procedures.

 Other

• Take part in the identification and referral of most vulnerable individuals to services.
• Carry out community level advocacy to ensure service provision and increase access to services for target population and contribute to Protection sector advocacy initiatives.
• Conduct duties in accordance with IRC Nigeria Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); 
• Conduct duties in strict accordance with IRC Code of Conduct and the principle of confidentiality.

Qualifications

• University degree in aw, human rights, refugee studies, social sciences, political science or other related discipline.
• At least 1-3 years protection experience in a humanitarian and/or development sector
• Prior experience with persons of concern such as internally displaced persons would be a distinct advantage.
• Understanding of the socio-economic conditions and needs of Nigerian IDP populations will be an added advantage. 
• Experience working on sensitive protection activities that require discretion and adherence to data protection protocols.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving vulnerable individuals with respect, patience and understanding and respect for people with special needs and other vulnerability.     
• Prior experience or familiarity with NGO sector and local communities would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with international protection and human rights legal standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to establish reports.
• Ability and willingness to maintain regular presence in the local community and to work during irregular working hours. 
• Ability to work effectively and constructively as an integral part of multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team and to work with a wide range of government and community counterparts, and other actors.
• Desire to learn and constantly improve work by applying what is learned to daily activities.
• Patient, able to manage stress and competing priorities. 
• Fluency in English and knowledge of at least one local language will be an added advantage.