The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world's leading crisis response agencies, providing life-saving assistance and supporting recovery and reconstruction for people affected by war and natural disasters. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

The IRC was registered in Uganda in mid-1998 and implements rehabilitation activities in the sectors of Child and Youth Protection and development, Health, Economic recovery and Development and women protection and empowerment as well as contributing to the response to the Southern Sudanese Refugee situation. IRC Uganda has a head office in Kampala, field offices in Kiryandongo, Lamwo, Moroto, Kyaka and West Nile.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Senior Protection Officer will work alongside the Deputy PROL Coordinator to guide and oversee the day-to-day program implementation in the field. The Senior Protection Officer supports on all aspects of general protection and legal programming and ensures that appropriate responses are provided, including referrals primarily through weekly drop in platform for clients in the settlement and other safe spaces in the communities of operation.

The Senior Protection Officer is responsible for effective internal coordination within the organization between Protection and the Legal Officers, Women Protection and Empowerment, Economic Recovery and Development and M&E teams. As guided by the Deputy PROL Coordinator, he/she will engage in external representation and coordination with other relevant actors (among which UNHCR, government counterparts, and other national and international NGOs), as well as participating in coordination forums. The Senior Protection Officer will be responsible for planning and implementing a community-based Protection (CBP) program which includes community engagement, legal assistance and access to Justice activities, outreach initiatives, information dissemination and capacity building with the support of the Deputy PROL Coordinator. This will include capacity building and day-to-day supervision and support to Protection and Legal Officers.

Duties and responsibilities

Programme Management

Develop and ensure timely implementation of work plans and procurement plans for all protection and Rule of law activities.
Effectively manage all budget items under his/her responsibility to ensure spending is timely and in accordance with donor requirements.

Prepare weekly and monthly project progress reports for submission to Deputy PROL Coordinator.

Work closely with Deputy PROL Coordinator to develop appropriate training materials, guidance and procedures for Protection and Legal Officers.
Maintain clear records and data on all aspects of implementation relating to Protection and Legal Case Management support to beneficiaries.
Staff Management & Technical Guidance

Provide direct supervision to Protection and Legal Officers.
Provide technical guidance to ensure staff adherence to best practices in the approach and response to protection issues/concerns.
Clearly define training needs of direct reports and ensure they can access training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.
Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit, oversight and guidance to staff enabling successful performance of duties.
Provide leadership support for successful implementation of and adherence to IRC Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures
Lead with commitment, integrity, and accountability to the ‘IRC Way’- Global Standards for Professional Conduct
Representation, coordination, and advocacy

Build and maintain relationships with others including INGOs, National NGOs, and OPM, UNHCR and community stakeholders.
Work closely with IRC’s Legal Assistance, Economic Recovery and Development, Women Protection and Empowerment, Operations and Health Teams
Attend Coordination meetings and occasionally represent PRoL in advocacy sessions as guided by the Deputy PROL Coordinator. eCz4TPD veIMj
All other duties as assigned compatibility with key competencies required for this role.
Qualifications

Qualification, Skills, and Experience.

A Degree in a relevant field such as Law, Sociology, Social Work, Education, and the Humanities is essential.
At least three (3) years of prior professional experience in protection programming and working with vulnerable individuals or communities.