Poland: Child Protection Officer

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency whose mandate is to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement-affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC is implementing a multi-sector response to support Ukraine refugees, IDPs, and host populations both within Ukraine and in the neighbouring countries of Poland, Romania and Moldova and wider Europe. DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, following previous operations in the 1990’s and between 2007-2013. Over the years, DRC successfully maintained its presence in the government-controlled areas (GCA) and adapted its programmes to provide early recovery and durable solutions to people affected by the conflict including IDPs and communities living along the contact line, as well as reduce the threats of explosive ordnance with a growing humanitarian mine action programme. Due to the ongoing conflict that began in Feb 22, DRC opened offices in Poland, Moldova and Romania to provide support to displaced populations through a partnership with civil society organizations and national NGOs, duty bearers, and other actors. DRC continues to implement in these three countries through partnerships, technical assistance and capacity exchange, and direct implementation in some cases.

About the Job:

• Ensure the quality of the planning, implementation, and follow-up of technical aspects of the child protection activities being implemented by DRC.
• Develop and maintain good relations with the persons of concern, relevant stakeholders, and other humanitarian actors, to support adequate implementation and coordination of DRC’s child protection activities.

You will be supporting the Child Protection (CP) Specialist in developing and designing child protection interventions as part of DRC Poland’s protection programming (implemented directly or in partnerships). You will be based in the Krakow field office (preferably Krakow, Wroclaw/Rzeszow/Przemysl could be considered) but will provide support and/or technical guidance to country operations. The role will require regular travel to other parts of Poland (primarily Wroclaw, Rzeszow, Przemysl, but also Gdynia and Lublin).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure efficient and effective program implementation while following the budget and work plan.
• Assist in the design of recreational activities for children and youth and child and youth-friendly engagement and outreach activities.
• Support the regular assessment of child protection risks and strategies.
• Develop child-friendly messaging.
• Regular mapping of child protection systems and services at the area level.
• Support the implementation of child protection-sensitive protection monitoring.
• Regular field visits to monitor the implementation of programs and to provide technical guidance.
• Support CP Specialist in capacity building and training for Child Protection staff.
• Assist in the implementation of the Child Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
• Support area teams (particularly in Krakow, Wroclaw, Rzeszow and Przemysl) in utilising child protection referral pathways and keeping them up to date.
• Represent DRC at meetings, and collaborate with relevant internal and external technical experts on child protection-relevant issues as requested by CP Specialist.
• Participate in preparing monthly/quarterly/annual highlights/reports and proposals and budgets for donors.
• Support the CP Specialist in other relevant tasks upon request.

About You: 

To be successful in this role we expect you to have:

• Minimum 2 years of practical experience related to child protection for NGOs or formal child protection mechanisms.
• Master's degree in social sciences, psychology, international development, pedagogy, economics, or another relevant field.
• Knowledge of Polish formal child protection mechanisms.
• Understanding of the psychosocial support needs of refugee and refugee children.
• Understanding of international standards related to child protection in emergencies/humanitarian action would be an asset.
• Excellent communication, presentation, teamwork, and cooperation skills; ability to listen and express opinions sensitively; high work ethic.
• Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player.
• Problem-solving, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to produce reports for internal and external use.
• Experience of working in refugee/displacement programs will be an advantage.
• Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Advanced English proficiency.
• Fluency in Polish, Ukrainian and/or Russian is essential.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

We Offer:

Contract length: until December 31st, 2023

Band: H

Base salary range: from 11995 to 15320 PLN gross per month, based on experience

Duty station: Krakow (optionally Wroclaw/Rzeszow/Przemysl)

Start date: ASAP

We offer competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

How to Apply: 

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

In order to apply please use this link Work with us | DRC Danish Refugee Council

All applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in Poland without visa sponsorship or be EU/EFTA/Ukrainian citizens.

Closing date for applications**: February 6th, 2023**

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis, and we, therefore, encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.