Protection Officer-Persons With Specific Needs (PSN)

Overall purpose of the role:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has enshrined localization in its Strategy 2025 through its “Go Local” principle, which aims to engage local partners through “principled, equitable and collaborative partnerships in pursuit of a relevant, effective and sustainable response.” DRC’s Kenya programme has articulated broader localization objectives through its strategic priorities for 2023, which include the aims to strengthen DRC Kenya’s collaboration with local actors, foster synergies around programming and advocacy, and promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence in displacement-affected areas.

The purpose of this post is to support the successful management, coordination & implementation of all protection activities of Persons with Specific Needs (PSNs), and will be responsible for the provision of quality case management including psychosocial support for vulnerable persons with disability, mental health concerns and the elderly in Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement. S/he will be responsible for reporting on a monthly basis on all PSN protection activities undertaken by the PSN team and representing DRC at meetings with donors and agencies. S/he will supervise the professional development of the PSN Protection assistants and Community workers by designing and delivering trainings as needed, providing guidance in the field and ensuring the quality of services provided. S/he will work and liaise closely with the Protection Officers-GBV, PM, Child Protection, Protection Assistants and Refugee Led Organizations (RLOs) on documentation of program activities as per the donor requirements.

Responsibilities:
R1. Project (Case) Management:

• Develop professional, effective and appropriate PSN programming, including direct support for vulnerable persons with disability, mental health concerns and the elderly.
• Develop and ensure implementation of individual and group psychosocial activities that are responsive to Persons with Specific Needs.
• Support the maintenance of an effective and confidential case management system including the documentation of beneficiaries in a database, assessments, home visits, material assistance given and follow ups.
• Take lead in preparing all relevant reports regarding the DRC’s PSN activities, beneficiary databases.
• Take lead in design and development of project concept notes and proposals

R2. Budget Management:

• Regularly update the projects budget tracker for all project expenditure and participate in monthly BFU reviews with the finance team
• Actively support in grant monitoring through development of detailed/activity implementation work-plan, phased budget, procurement plans, and conduct budget tracking and narrative/financial reporting on outputs and

R3. Training and Capacity Development:

• Mentor and provide technical support to national staff and community workers directly involved with the vulnerable persons with disability, mental health concerns and the elderly.
• Monitor and supervise case management, including capacity building through training and on-the-job training.
• Provide guidance regarding case management, psychosocial activities and material support to PSNs to all partners and community workers to ensure all program activities meet best practice standards.

R5. Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Strengthen and maintain networks with all partners including community leaders, women leaders, service providers and RLOs to ensure that vulnerable persons with disability, mental health concerns and the elderly receive compassionate support from the community and to encourage greater communication, collaboration and coordination among partners
• Enhance & Conduct community mobilization on the uptake of services and support other staff in conducting PSN awareness sessions in the community

R6. Coordination:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including community members and leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, and other DRC team members to enhance multi-agency and multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination on response activities.
• Maintain a strong working relationship with Health, Legal and other partners to support the provision of quality care to vulnerable persons with disability, mental health concerns and the elderly.
• Support the development and strengthening of an effective PSN referral system and coordination mechanisms for Kakuma and Kalobeyei.
• Lead case conferences and support coordination meetings with partners and community members.

R7. Staff Management and Development:

• Provide supervision to PSN Protection assistants to ensure effective provision of counselling services.
• Take lead in ensuring that all protection staff participate in debriefing and professional supervision.
• Conduct continuous performance monitoring/evaluation for national staff working under him/her.
• Provide leadership and intellectual guidance on the counselling program.
• Lead peer debriefing sessions with PSN Protection assistants and Community Workers.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 3 years’ hands on experience in case management with PWDs, persons with mental health concerns and/or the elderly.
• Must have in depth technical expertise in case management and psychosocial support.
• Must have experience with operationalizing protection principles; Human Rights Law, MHPSS and other relevant international standards in a humanitarian aid setting; Well versed with Humanitarian Accountability Standards
• Experience in a refugee setting and knowledge of refugee issues
• Excellent Analytical, Communication and Report writing skills; Excellent Negotiation and Conflict Resolution skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff, beneficiaries, duty bearers and other stakeholders
• Able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all.
• Motivated, innovative and possesses outstanding organizational and inter-personal skills and professional integrity.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, Social work or Psychology. Master’s degree in in the same fields is an added advantage.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Swahili.

DRC’s Core competencies:
All DRC roles require the post-holder to master the below DRC’s 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 DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Conditions:
Contract duration: 3-months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff.
Employment Category: Band H2
Reporting to: Team Leader- Protection
Direct reports: PSN assistants, community workers
Availability: October 2024
Location: Kakuma
Key stakeholders:
Internal: Kakuma SMT, Protection and Livelihoods implementation teams, Support Services team
External: Refugee and Host Community, Local government authorities, UNHCR and Other humanitarian agencies, Donors

General
Commitments:
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

Gender Equality:
DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.