Who are we?
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.
The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.
All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
Overall purpose of the role
This position will report to the protection manager and be technically supervised by the protection coordinator. The protection officer (caseworker) will be responsible for the implementation of DRC case management activities in Gaza as well as coordinating with other relevant DRC staff and other stakeholders involved in protection. The caseworker will provide appropriate and timely case management services; assesses the needs of individuals with protection concerns develop case management plans implementing these as per evolving protection needs and concerns, ensuring appropriate follow-up while creating a climate of trust and care. The Protection Officer will also provide psychological first aid (PFA) to people in distress and assist in referrals of very vulnerable cases to the relevant actors.
Duties and Responsibilities
Case management:
Managing cases:
- Manage an open case load as per DRC standards and DRC forms/SOP and ensure individual cases are managed by maintaining strict protocols and ensuring beneficiary data is protected.
- Conduct intake interviews with individuals identified during outreach work or referred by other agencies and open a case if vulnerability criteria are met.
- Carry out comprehensive protection risk assessments for each client after receiving their consent for the same. Consider emotional, behavioral and social factors that affect their psychosocial well-being as well as protection and risk factors.
- Develop a tailored case plan with the client, based on the needs identified during the assessment;
- Lead in liaising with external service providers for referrals as well as internally to DRC with other sectors and ensuring referrals are being prioritised. Follow up on referrals, accompanying clients to service providers when necessary.
- Provide continuous emotional support and establish a relationship with the client and their families (that is based on trust and respecting confidentiality protocols), through regular meetings and follow up sessions.
- Close cases when the objectives in the case plan have been met and no further needs have been identified
- Manage cases in an acceptable timeframe according to DRC case Management SOPs.
- Support the preparation of all procurement and administrative documents required for case management implementation. Maintain highest standards of professional conduct and ensure actions do not put individuals at risks
- Proactively lead on consulting the protection coordinator and protection manager for complex cases and participate in debriefing sessions
- Staying up to date with the service mapping
- Work closely with the protection coordinator and protection manager to provide inputs/feedback to contextualise and adapt case management tools/forms so that the intervention remains responsive to the evolving context in Gaza.
Reporting and administrative responsibilities
- Document cases using DRC approved forms with accurate and complete information and ensure that any progress on the individual action plan and any significant change in the client’s psychosocial well-being and overall situation is duly recorded in a timely fashion;
- Responsible for entering client data on the DRC Case Management IM system or excel forms (as appropriate) in a timely manner
- Participate in individual supervision sessions on a weekly basis with the Protection manager/ protection coordinator, bringing immediate attention to any case of special/emergency needs;
- Participate in internal case conferences/ technical review of cases, team meetings, training, and workshops as scheduled by the supervisory and management team;
Coordination:
- Participate in relevant case management working groups.
- Lead on providing information/raising awareness on protection services available within DRC or externally and how to access them when engaging with communities
Protection monitoring
- Monitor protection concerns in target locations (this may include within communities.
- Conduct individual interviews for protection monitoring following DRC’s questionnaire guides and in adherence to DRC SOPs and DRC’s overall methodology and sampling approach.
- Ensure monthly data collection for protection monitoring as per targets established together with the manager/ protection coordinator.
- Ensure that the interviews are submitted on KOBO in Arabic or English and that the quality of the information submitted is complete and as accurate as possible. Be responsible for triangulating information obtained through the interviews to ensure that it is accurate. Ensure that all interviews are submitted through the KOBO link in a timely manner each week.
- Proactively inform the protection coordinator and/or protection manager on any new emerging protection concerns that require attention.
- Should persons at risk be identified through protection monitoring activities, ensure they are adequately supported through referrals or direct case management support.
Data protection, confidentiality and adherence to protection principles
- Ensure proper and safe filing and archiving of case management files to maintain data confidentiality as per DRC and international standards;
- Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to;
- do no harm;
- non-discrimination;
- confidentiality,
- accountability, and;
- need-to-know principles
Other activities
- Other protection activities as required by the protection manager and protection Coordinator.
Experience and technical competencies:
- 2-3 years Working experience with INGOs/NGOs in the same or similar roles (protection officer, social worker etc).
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities
- A commitment to protecting human rights
- Prior experience in case management is an advantage
- Essential computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, email etc)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and a part of a team
- Willing to work extra hours and available at the weekend 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.
Languages
- Fluency in Arabic [ESSENTIAL].
- Good knowledge of English is preferred, but not essential.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
- Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
Education:
- University degree, in social work, psychology, law and/or other relevant disciplines
We offer
Contract length: 12 months, pending funding approval of UNFPA grant
Position Band: This position will be placed at Non-Management band (H)
Start date: March 2025
Duty station: Gaza
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals.
How to apply
Application process
Interested to apply? All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.
Closing date for applications: February 09, 2025
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.