National Protection Officer (Various Locations - Talent Pool)

Job Title:                                     National Protection Officer

Dept/Field Office:                      Programmes

Duty Station:                               Different locations, Ninewa governorate, Iraq

Reports To:                                  Team Leader (based on the duty station)

Staff Supervised:                         None

ABOUT US

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work to reduce and prevent violence and protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath through the implementation of unarmed civilian protection programming. NP implements programming through the deployment of civilian protection teams to the field and is continuing to scale up to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve. Programming is founded on Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and is thematically focused on protection in displacement, child protection, gender-based violence protection and communal violence reduction, social cohesion, and civic engagement.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the National Protection Officer (NPO) is to carry out the implementation of activities at the field level, supporting UCP and violence-prevention programming for those affected by conflict. All NP staff are expected to embody UCP guiding principles of nonviolence, non-partisanship, the primacy of local actors, and civilian-to-civilian action.

By applying for this position, you are expressing your interest in joining our talent pool, which allows us to proactively reach out to candidates whose skills and qualifications align with our future needs. If you have a passion for our mission and believe you can contribute to our organization's success, we encourage you to apply, as you may be considered for various positions in the future.

KEY OBJECTIVES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Information gathering and contextual analysis

  • Assist with information gathering to inform project planning;
  • Engage with all stakeholders (local community leaders, government authorities, police, army, non-state armed groups, and NGOs) to identify ongoing and potential issues in the community that may trigger violence;
  • Maintain confidentiality of information gathered.

• Community engagement

  • Facilitate meetings with community members and stakeholders;
  • Assist the community in assessing their security situation and offer support within the NP mandate;
  • Take a leading role in the setting up of community protection teams - CPTs (Youth and Women Protection Team and Child Peace Club);
  • Co-facilitate training and workshops for CPTs, duty bearers, and other stakeholders.

• UCP interventions

  • Implement direct protection interventions appropriate to the context and need within the parameters of mandate and projects;
  • Provide protective presence and accompaniment to groups and persons with specific needs, with particular focus on combating gender-based violence;
  • Manage cases of community members who are vulnerable or under threat, including working with other service providers and managing a follow-up process.

• Reporting

  • Lead on timely drafting of activity reports of completed activities;
  • Support compiling and drafting of other reports, on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis as delegated by the Team Leader.

• Other

  • Upon need, take over some security, finance, or logistical responsibilities in the absence of Field Project Officer;
  • Perform any other work-related duties that the Team Leader may assign.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Strong commitment to the safety and security of civilians.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the conflict context in Iraq and in the area of duty;
• Strong ability to engage and build relationships between NP and armed actors, IDPs, government officials, NGOs, service providers, etc., in a nonpartisan manner
• Experience working with a civil society organization, NGO, government, or similar experience is an advantage;
• Written and spoken English is an advantage;
• A university degree or diploma is an advantage;

Context / Specific Skills

• Good interpersonal and cross-cultural communication and team-working skills;

• Good analytical and communication skills, written and oral;

• A positive problem-solving approach;

• Enthusiasm to learn and apply new skills;

• Ability to work under pressure and under difficult conditions;

• Ability to manage information with discretion;

• Knowledge of the context in Iraq;

• Good skills in Microsoft Office applications;

Other Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to conduct field visits, including overnighting in the communities. This position is physically demanding;
• This position is open to nationals of Iraq only.

HOW TO APPLY

• Candidates meeting the above requirements must send a CV (max two pages) and cover letter in English.

• The closing date for applications is 15 November 2023.

• Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Candidates may be identified before the closing date.

• Only Nationals will be considered for the position.

• This position is expected to start within next 4 months

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.