Protection Technical Specialist

IOCC is looking for a Protection Technical Specialist who will be responsible for developing a protection strategy in Syria and ensuring that IOCC programs are applying protection best practices.   

Technical Support, Management and Leadership

• Lead the development of the organization’s Protection Strategy in Syria and ensure compliance with the organization and inter-agency sector working groups and adherence to international standards and best practices in Protection.
• Ensure all the organization programs in Syria are applying protection best practices and are in line with global priorities and industry standards for humanitarian contexts.
• Provide technical guidance on protection mainstreaming and risk reduction, liaising directly with other program units and external actors to ensure that the organization’s programs follow internationally recognized best practices as WHO and SPHERE standards, Child Protection Minimum Standards and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee guidelines.
• Provide technical advice to the organization and partner staff on protection issues in Syria
• Update existing training materials and develop new materials on protection principles, protection monitoring, reporting and referrals for field-based staff, including strengthening information and reporting systems.
• Ensure regular staff trainings and refresher sessions to maintain a high standard of protection mainstreaming among staff.
• Ensure that protection information is used effectively to advocate on important issues as well as longer term planning for target populations.
• Design protection projects in Syria, develop proposals and concept notes and liaise with donors on technical aspects in consultation with the organization and partner staff.
• Oversee the organization protection project implementation in Syria, ensure quality implementation and compliance with international Protection standards and sector working group guidelines, and provide effective guidance to the team on-the-ground remotely or in person as possible.
• Maintain effective and safe referral pathways for protection concerns and other vulnerable cases.
• Provide overall guidance and direction to the program team to achieve agreed targets and strategic objectives, as well as build the capacity of the organization’s partner staff in protection program implementation.
• Contribute to monitoring; evaluating and documenting program implementation against indicators.
• Advise Program Manager regarding activity progress and make recommendations for course correction, as needed.
• Conduct regular visits to project sites to develop plans, new proposals, monitor progress and ensure project implementation according to the contractual requirements of the donor(s)
• Submit regular reports to the Country Representative regarding progress in attaining project goals, objectives and indicators and find solutions to potential challenges in project implementation.
• Write and participate in the preparation of protection-related project reports to HQ and donors.
• Represent the organization in technical meetings and coordination platforms, including UN clusters and sector working groups, and align the organization sector strategy accordingly.

Business Development

• Identify protection funding opportunities with local and international donors.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with donors, NGOs, public and private sector partners involved with protection.
• Build the organization protection program through stakeholders’ engagement, project design and proposal development, in collaboration with field staff and HQ and in accordance with the organization strategy and donor requirements.
• Undertake and assist with assessment of local conditions resulting from emergency situations affecting communities and vulnerable groups, including determination of priorities for interventions.

Qualifications and Requirements

This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast paced environment.

• A university degree or equivalent in Psychology or psychiatry with relevant experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience implementing protection programs in conflict settings, preferably at managerial level in country of assignment.
• Prior work experience with International NGO or another international agency.
• Ability to perform well as member of a team.
• Experience in managing, training, and coaching staff on protection issues.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and program planning skills.
• English is required, with strong writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently.
• Excellent time management skills and resourcefulness with strong attention to detail.

Working Conditions

Based in Beirut, with travel to Syria as per work requirements.