Protection Officer at Grassroots Lifesaving Outreach (LESGO)

Reports to: Program Manager
Location: Madagali LGA

JOB SUMMARY:

LESGO is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Protection Officer to join our emergency response team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the protection and safety of affected populations, particularly women, children, PLWD and other vulnerable groups. S/he will work and liaise closely with the MHPSS Officers and GBV Caseworkers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibility 1: Planning and Implementing protection, GBV & HLP activities at the field

• Identify and promote culturally appropriate/relevant interventions geared towards improved physical and reproductive health, social skills (conflict resolution, problem solving, empathy and relationship building) and self-sufficiency of target beneficiaries.
• Identify Housing Land and Property (HLP) cases at project locations, refer same to the HLP sub-sector, and follow through to ascertain that the cases are attended to solved to an appreciable outcome.
• Support in the identification of extremely vulnerable girls and young women for appropriate direct LESGO support or referral to other actors for services not offered at LESGO.
• Actively support in implementation of social norms transformation activities like SAA and other GBV prevention approaches when requested and required to by the supervisor.
• Ensure awareness raising activities at the community level are conducted and key messages on general protection and response shared appropriately.

Responsibility 2: Coordination and Networking

• Maintain and strengthen existing networks through other service providers at LGA level, to ensure that survivors receive quality services and support.
• Coordinate with other operating partners including CSOs, local and International NGOs, local women and youth groups and State and LGA departments in all actions relating to improved quality of GBV programming in the project locations in Adamawa
• Strengthen existing referral systems and identify new networks to work with to ensure holistic support to the clients.
• In collaboration with MHPSS Officer and GBV Caseworker, awareness raising interventions within the community focusing on the protection needs of all.

Responsibility 3: Community Engagement and Outreach

• Conduct sensitization, dialogues and awareness sessions with the wider population about issues of Sexual and Gender based violence and women HLP rights.
• Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
• Ensure monthly work plans are developed and reviewed regularly. 
• Hold regular meetings with MHPSS Officer and GBV Caseworker to plan and address any concerns and share feedback.

Responsibility 4: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Assist in preparing monthly progress report
• Use appropriate data collection tools and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurate manner to the MEAL team. 
• Ensure Core Humanitarian Accountability Standards are mainstreamed in the day-to-day project implementation. 
• Support in conducting assessment and analysis of camp and host community dynamics and in recommending how the project can position itself to better serve the interests of the community.
• Support the MEAL staff to develop project monitoring and evaluation tools and assist in mid-term and end of project evaluations. Ensure safe and proper documentation and storage/filling of all GBV related program materials. 
• Support document success/human interest stories in collaboration with the communication team.
• Conduct comprehensive report and documentation of lessons learnt and best practices to achieve project goals and activities.

Other Responsibilities:

• Other Responsibilities as Assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Social sciences; Psychology, Community Health, International Relations, Law, Community Development or relevant Social Sciences.
• At least 3 years’ experience in protection work supervisory responsibilities over national staff, program development, planning and implementation.
• Must have in-depth technical expertise on Protection, Women and Girls’ safe spaces programming and Gender Based Violence related issues including having a clear understanding of gender inequality, Housing Land and Property (HLP) and issues surrounding discrimination and violence against women and girls.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with beneficiaries, duty bearers and other stakeholders.
•  Ability to work in challenging environments and under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft office -word, presentation, excel, access and outlook.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Professional certification in protection or a related field.
• Experience in GBV, child protection, or other specialized protection areas.
• Familiarity with organizational protection policies and procedures.