Protection Officer (5 positions 1 each based in Kohat, Haripur, Buner, Upper Dir, Chitral)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is implementing a 6.5-month project across five districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa aimed at strengthening protection and legal services for vulnerable communities. This initiative focuses on improving access to legal support, case management, and community-based protection services, while enhancing community structures to prevent and respond to protection risks. The project delivers its objectives through establishing community-based protection mechanisms, developing case management and referral pathways, providing legal counsel and representation, and implementing a protection monitoring framework to track risks systematically.

Key Responsibilities:
- Establish and manage community protection committees (MPCCs), ensuring active participation and attendance of clients.
- Conduct protection monitoring to identify the needs of vulnerable and at-risk populations.
- Map protection services in the area and identify gaps in service provision.
- Lead the project team in district-level and daily activities.
- Collaborate with local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and community leaders to validate data and ensure accurate representation of populations.
- Identify and document key protection concerns, including gender-based violence, child protection, and barriers to essential services.
- Liaise with district authorities such as the Social Welfare Department to align project activities with district administration and humanitarian priorities.
- Provide regular updates and briefings to the team and partners on project progress and findings.
- Support the development of referral pathways to enhance access to protection services for vulnerable groups.
- Compile data and information for donor reporting and other project documentation, ensuring timely submission.
- Develop work plans and assist the Protection Manager in preparing spending plans, tracking activities against indicators, and utilizing MEAL and partner reports.
- Monitor project deliverables and supervise performance within assigned topics and geographic areas.
- Report critical issues promptly to supervisors or management.
- Frequently travel to project sites to monitor implementation and provide technical assistance.
- Represent the project team at meetings, conferences, and workshops as required.
- Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure effective field support and visit planning.

Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in social sciences or a related discipline.
- Minimum of two years’ experience working in relief and humanitarian projects within diverse teams.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing community-based protection projects, particularly with vulnerable populations.
- Strong command of English, Urdu, and Pashto, with professional-level speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage in formal conversations and produce clear, structured reports.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, promote teamwork, and adapt to changing environments.

Organizational Values and Commitments:
The IRC upholds core values of Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability, as outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Staff are expected to adhere strictly to policies on beneficiary protection, safeguarding, fiscal integrity, anti-retaliation, and combating trafficking in persons. The organization is committed to gender equality and creating a safe working environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations are provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment and employment process.

The IRC is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. Selection processes are conducted on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

All IRC workers are required to maintain the highest professional standards, fostering an environment of safety, respect, and accountability while delivering impactful humanitarian services.