Protection Assistant at Ghali Humanitarian Aid Initiative (GHAI)

A Protection Assistant provides vital operational and field support to ensure the safety, dignity, and human rights of vulnerable populations, such as refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and survivors of violence. This role, prevalent in organizations like UNHCR, IRC, and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), serves as a frontline link between an organization’s protection strategy and the community it serves. 

Key Responsibilities

The role involves a mix of direct community engagement and administrative case management: 

• Case Management & Referrals: Identifying individuals with specific needs—such as unaccompanied children or survivors of gender-based violence (GBV)—and referring them to appropriate medical, legal, or psychosocial services.
• Protection Monitoring: Conducting field visits, community meetings, and focus group discussions to identify emerging safety risks and human rights concerns.
• Individual Counseling: Providing initial emotional support (Psychological First Aid) and conducting intake interviews to profile cases.
• Data Management: Maintaining accurate, confidential records in secure databases like Kobo Toolbox or UNHCR’s proGres to track interventions and report progress.
• Community Outreach: Facilitating awareness sessions on legal rights, safeguarding, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). 

Core Requirements

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Work, International Relations, or Social Sciences is standard. Some entry-level roles may accept a high school diploma with significant field experience.
• Experience: Typically requires 1–3 years of experience in humanitarian or social work, specifically with displaced populations or in volatile environments.
• Languages: Fluency in English is usually required, along with proficiency in local languages relevant to the duty station to communicate effectively with beneficiaries.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (for data analysis) and mobile data collection tools like Kobo or CommCare. 

Critical Soft Skills

• Empathy & Professionalism: Ability to interact with traumatized individuals with compassion while maintaining strict professional boundaries.
• Confidentiality: A non-negotiable commitment to protecting sensitive client data.
• Resilience: Capacity to work in high-pressure, often insecure field locations