Protection Officer

The Protection Officer is responsible for implementing psychosocial support activities including group sessions, individual counseling, and awareness sessions. The role ensures safe and responsive service delivery through assessments, referrals, and coordination with protection teams and external service providers.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver a series of structured group PSS sessions, one-off sessions to clients, in line with DRC SOPs and manuals, and under the technical supervision of the MHPSS Specialist.
• Provide individual counseling for adults referred for additional psychosocial support from group PSS sessions, case management, or other activities.
• Prepare daily plans prior to every PSS session in line with the existing PSS curriculum; prepare appropriate materials in advance of the sessions.
• Conduct outreach to identify and engage potential participants and raise awareness among communities on the value and importance of PSS services.
• Conduct PSS awareness sessions on identifying signs of distress, accessing available services, and other relevant psychosocial topics.
• Assess participants’ psychosocial needs and develop appropriate support plans within the scope of PSS services.
• Refer clients to specialized services or relevant institutions in line with established referral pathways, ensuring timely and appropriate support, and facilitate safe and confidential referrals.
• Provide regular follow-up to participants to ensure continuity of care and build safe, trust-based relationships.
• Contribute to regular reporting, program and proposal development, providing insight and analysis on PSS issues, challenges, gaps, and best practices.
• Attend and participate in supervision, coaching, and group meetings with the technical supervisor.
• Participate in internal and external trainings, and regular meetings, as requested by the line Manager.
• Support the Protection manager to map service networks for referrals.
• Upload all the PSS activities in DRC trackers/ IM systems on a weekly basis in an accurate and timely manner.
• Support data collection for PSS assessments as required.
• Ensure all activities are implemented in line with DRC SOPs, protection principles, and confidentiality standards.
• Perform other duties, as required by the line manager, in order to support the protection program.

Requirements

• 2 years of working experience with INGOs/NGOs in the same or similar roles (protection officer, PSS counselor, etc.)
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative, and problem-solving abilities
• A commitment to protecting human rights
• Experience working at the community level and with groups is necessary
• Experience working with people from different backgrounds.
• B. A degree in Psychology or a psychological counseling background preferred, or other relevant area.
• Master degree on mental health is preferred
• Essential computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, email, etc)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Willing to work extra hours and available on weekends for emergency cases
• Capacity to work under pressure
• Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Fluency in Arabic [ESSENTIAL].
• Good knowledge of English is preferred, but not essential.

Skills

• Psychosocial Support
• Individual Counseling
• Group Facilitation
• Protection Case Management
• Community Engagement
• Human Rights Protection
• Needs Assessment
• Referral Process Coordination
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Emergency Response
• Mental Health Knowledge
• Organizational Skills
• Multitasking
• Problem Solving
• Interpersonal Communication
• Fluency in Arabic

Languages

Arabic, English