Protection Assistant at Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC)

Background   

The purpose of this role is to support the implementation of protection programs, empowering vulnerable individuals (Children) in Madagali LGAs to build resilient communities by addressing protection, gender-based violence (GBV), and child protection (CP) concerns. The Protection Assistant will work under the supervision of the Senior Project Officer to ensure program activities align with JDPI’s mission, adhere to the principle of ‘do no harm” and promote human dignity, inclusion, and safeguarding. The role requires a strong protection background, understanding of the socio-cultural context of target communities, and skills in monitoring, reporting, communication, and capacity building.

Responsibilities (Protection Assistant):

• Support the practical implementation of integrated protection and nutrition programs, ensuring activities comply with JDPI’s best practices and the ‘do no harm’ principle.
• Conduct assessments to identify protection needs, vulnerabilities, and gaps, proposing actions to address them in collaboration with the Protection Officer.
• Facilitate community outreach, awareness campaigns, and sensitization sessions on protection, GBV prevention, child protection, and gender equality to promote safety and dignity.
• Assist in case management, including conducting screening interviews, referrals for medical, psychological, shelter, and reintegration support, and ensuring survivor-centered approaches.
• Support the establishment and facilitation of safe spaces for vulnerable groups, including women, children, unaccompanied minors, and survivors of violence.
• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and partner organizations to strengthen coordination platforms and referral pathways for protection case management.
• Monitor and document protection activities, ensuring accurate data collection, confidentiality, and compliance with case management tool (PRIMERO or its equivalent)
• Provide psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support at transit centers or field locations, ensuring protection is mainstreamed across all activities.
• Assist in developing beneficiary selection criteria to prioritize vulnerable groups, ensuring gender and social inclusion in program activities.
• Support the organization of capacity-building workshops, trainings, and focus group discussions (FGDs) on protection, GBV and CP, disability inclusion, and safeguarding for community members and partners.
• Conduct quarterly project assessments to track progress, identify gaps, and propose improvements to enhance program impact.
• Coordinate community-based protection networks for participatory monitoring, evaluation, reflective practice, and impact measurement.
• Provide technical feedback on protection indicators and ensure vulnerability criteria are integrated into beneficiary selection processes.
• Organize meetings and FGDs with beneficiaries to gather feedback on protection, gender, and inclusion, and share insights with the program team.
• Perform field visits to monitor program activities, engage with beneficiaries, and address emerging protection concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or JDPI management.

Reporting

• Conduct regular field visits to track the progress of protection activities, identify implementation gaps, and propose improvements.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and activity reports, including narrative, statistical, and case study documentation, ensuring timely submission.
• Contribute to the development of reports and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders, including government entities when required.
• Carry out any additional programming responsibilities delegated by the supervisor.

Education and Experience

• University degree or equivalent in Social Work, Gender Studies, Psychology, Human Rights, International Relations, Social Sciences, or its related fields.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of relevant working experience in protection, GBV, and/or child protection programming, preferably in Northeast Nigeria.
• Demonstrable knowledge of protection principles, gender-based violence, gender equity, and child protection in emergency and recovery settings.
• Experience in participatory action planning, community engagement, and working with vulnerable populations.
• Proven ability to liaise with local stakeholders, including government authorities, community leaders, and NGOs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with MS Teams or similar platforms.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Community Mobilizers

Key Working Relationships

• JDPI staff, including Protection Officer, Programme Manager, and other program teams.
• Local authorities, community leaders, partner organizations, and beneficiaries.

Personal Skills

• Strong sensitivity and respect for local cultures and socio-cultural dynamics in Madagali LGAs.
• Professional demeanor in engaging with community members, co-workers, and stakeholders.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work in a team and coordinate with JDPI staff.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and planning skills, with a focus on problem-solving and flexibility in challenging contexts.
• Good writing skills in English, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding and challenging environment.