Protection Specialist (Protection Monitoring Specialist)

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 opportunities 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.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods, and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Program and the technical supervision of the Protection Coordinator, the Protection Monitoring Specialist leads the implementation and strategic development of DRC’s protection monitoring program in Syria.   This includes designing and updating context-specific methodologies aligned with DRC’s Protection Analytical Framework (PAF), overseeing data collection and analysis, and producing actionable protection information to inform programming, advocacy, and referrals. The role also involves building the capacity of DRC and partner(s) field teams, ensuring ethical data handling, integrating monitoring with M&E frameworks, and representing DRC in inter-agency coordination platforms. By continuously analyzing the protection environment, the Specialist ensures timely identification of protection risks and trends, contributing to evidence-based protection responses and strategic planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the technical supervision of DRC Syria Protection Coordinator, and with guidance from DRC Regional Protection Coordinator, design a protection monitoring methodology appropriate for the prioritized risk patterns and locations in line with the updated protection analysis and DRC’s global Protection Monitoring Guidance and Protection Analytical Framework (PAF).
• Lead on developing, updating, and rolling out data collection tools and methodologies, including determining relevant samples and ensuring all tools align with ethical data collection standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection principles.
• Lead on developing capacity-building plans and implementing training for protection staff assigned to protection monitoring and relevant partners, ensuring staff understand and uphold ethical and protection principles.
• In close collaboration with DRC Syria Information Management (IM) Specialist, support in developing, implementing, and maintaining DRC Syria’s protection information management system for protection monitoring.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and ethical data collection and sharing in line with the adopted protection monitoring methodology; clarify data where needed and triangulate information with other sources to ensure reliability.
• Support DRC Syria IM specialist in ensuring appropriate data processing and safe data management in accordance with data responsibility and confidentiality protocols.
• Lead on data analysis and produce regular protection reports and analytical products in line with the global Protection Analytical Framework and standard terminology, highlighting key protection risks, patterns, and trends in coordination with the Protection Coordinator, Advocacy Coordinator, and Head of Programme.
• Carry out regular field visits to monitor the data collection process for quality assurance, provide support, and ensure tools are being applied appropriately.
• Regularly review data collection methodologies and the quality of information collected to update and improve tools and systems, in collaboration with the Protection Coordinator and MEAL teams, contributing to evidence-based programming and accountability.
• Follow up closely on contextual developments to propose new thematic areas of focus, ensuring that emerging protection risks are effectively monitored and analyzed.
• Produce thematic reports in consultation with the Protection Coordinator, Advocacy Coordinator, and partners to inform response and strategic priorities.
• Support the dissemination and presentation of findings to relevant stakeholders, including partners and donors, in line with protection information management principles and data-sharing protocols.
• Review information dissemination materials to ensure they are regularly updated, contextually relevant, and accessible to affected populations; support efforts to improve dissemination methodologies and content.
• Ensure tracking of referral of persons with specific protection needs identified through protection monitoring to relevant services, ensuring safe, confidential, and appropriate referrals.
• Support PRoMo teams in the delivery of information sessions on available services and rights.
• Work in close collaboration with other sectors to ensure that protection monitoring is integrated into multisectoral assessments where independent protection monitoring is not possible.
• With support from the Protection Coordinator, lead on capacity development of DRC staff on Protection Information Management, Protection Analysis, and ethical data practices.
• In collaboration with the Protection Coordinator and Advocacy Coordinator, contribute to the development of position papers, advocacy briefs, and other information products to inform response and advocacy efforts.
• Support donor reporting and contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals for current and future protection programming, ensuring that protection monitoring findings inform funding priorities.
• Represent DRC in relevant  inter-agency protection coordination mechanisms to contribute to joint analysis, share findings, and ensure coordination of protection priorities.
• Undertake other relevant tasks as requested by the Head of Programme.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 4 years of practical experience in protection working for an INGO in research or protection monitoring.
• Excellent knowledge of research/protection monitoring methodologies, experience in development and roll out of data collection and processing tools for trends analysis over time.
• Proven experience in protection analysis including ability to interpret, analyze and synthesize information.
• Familiarity with international human rights, international humanitarian law, refugee law, and regulatory frameworks for internal displacement, as well as Protection Analytical Framework, and Protection Information Management principles.
• Demonstrable experience producing protection reports under tight deadlines using both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to coordinate constructively and respectfully among people from varied backgrounds
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office suit (Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint) and familiarity with qualitative and quantitative data analysis applications.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and attention to detail.

Education:

• Relevant university degree (e.g., law, psychology, social work, international development), or equivalent professional qualification.   

Languages:

•  English (fluent)
• Arabic (native)

 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 act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: to March 2026

Level: Non-Management – G2

Location: Damascus - Syria

Expected Start date: 25 May 2025

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Protection Specialist (Protection Monitoring Specialist) - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications close: 05 May 2025

Need further information?

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