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 โ whenever possible โ for the fulfilment 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 our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation.
Overall purpose of the role:
This position will report to the Program Manager and be technically supervised by the Protection Specialist. The Protection Officer will be responsible for implementing DRC protection activities in Gaza, as well as coordinating with other relevant DRC staff and stakeholders involved in protection. The Protection Officer will provide appropriate and timely case management services, assessing the needs of individuals with protection concerns, developing case management plans, implementing these as per evolving protection needs and concerns, and ensuring appropriate follow-up, while creating a climate of trust and care. The Protection Officer will also provide Psychosocial Support (PSS) group and individual sessions (psychological first aid (PFA)-serialized sessions, etc.) to people in distress and assist in referrals of very vulnerable cases to the relevant actors.
About the job:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
PSS and Case Management:
Plan, prepare, and deliver a series of structured group PSS sessions, one-off sessions to beneficiaries, in line with DRC guidance/manuals and under the technical supervision of the Protection Specialist. Ensure sessions are suitable for different age groups, genders, and diverse backgrounds. PSS Case Management: Where beneficiaries who are participating in psychosocial group activities are identified as needing additional individual or case management PSS services, the Protection Officer will assess protection issues, develop and implement case plans, including complete documentation of cases, follow up, individual psychosocial care, and referral. For this purpose, conduct individual assessments to identify psychosocial stressors and needs, and determine a response/intervention plan for the people identified. Manage an open caseload as per DRC standards and forms/SOPs, ensuring individual cases are managed by maintaining strict protocols and protecting beneficiary data. 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 with other DRC sectors, and ensure referrals are being prioritized. 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 the highest standards of professional conduct and ensure actions do not put individuals at risk. Proactively lead on consulting the Protection Specialist on complex cases and participate in debriefing sessions. Attending case management supervisory meetings with the Protection Specialist. Staying up to date with the service mapping. Work closely with the Protection Specialist to provide inputs/feedback to contextualise and adapt case management tools/forms so that the intervention remains responsive to the evolving context in Gaza.Protection Monitoring:
Conduct interviews for protection monitoring, using DRC tools. Ensure quality data collection among communities in sites targeted by the ECHO project. Monitor protection concerns in target locations (this may include within communities). Conduct individual interviews for protection monitoring following DRCโs questionnaire guides and in adherence to DRC SOPs and DRCโs overall methodology and sampling approach. Ensure monthly data collection for protection monitoring as per targets established together with the manager/Protection Specialist. 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 promptly each week. Proactively inform the Protection Specialist and/or Program 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. Support in ad-hoc data collection for ad hoc products or advocacy interventions as required.Community-based protection:
Work with Site Management team officers to build the capacities of community-based groups in each of the sites targeted by this programme. The Protection Officer will support training community groups on protection, including PSEA and Safeguarding, protection mainstreaming, and the safe handling of disclosures and referrals. Support in liaison for these community groups, ensuring ongoing coordination, follow-ups, and engagements throughout implementation of the project, identifying needs and gaps that can be addressed through mentorship and training.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 clientโs 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) promptly. Participate in individual supervision sessions weekly with the Protection Specialist, 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.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 not harm; non-discrimination; confidentiality; accountability, and; need-to-know principles.Other activities:
Other protection activities as required by the Program Manager and Protection Specialist.About you:
To be successful in this role we expect that you possess the following:
Personal Specification
2 years of 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. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Ability to work both independently and a part of a team Willing to work extra hours and available on the weekends 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.Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)
University degree, in social work, psychology and/or other relevant disciplines Essential computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, email etc.)Languages: (indicate fluency level)
Arabic (native) English (intermediate)Key stakeholders: (internal and external)
DRC protection and site management team DRC Partners Other protection organizations working in Gaza
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRCโ 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 DRCโs vision and values.
Application process
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.
Location: Gaza Strip โ Dair Al- Balah
Closing date for applications: 15-10-2025
Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may be closed once a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are highly encouraged.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.