Protection Manager

Protection Manager (Yemen – Aden or Mocha) 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 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 – 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 6500 staff. 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. About the role Overall purpose of the role: Under the supervision of the Area Programme Manager (APM) and the Country Protection Manager, the West Coast Protection Manager (PM) is responsible for the planning, quality implementation and follow up of the protection projects in the assigned area as well as manage the protection team. In close coordination with the Country Protection Manager, the PM contributes to the development and implementation of DRC’s sector strategy in Yemen, as well as the harmonization and rollout of tools and guidelines. The PM is responsible for developing and maintaining good relations with the affected communities, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors within his/her area of implementation. To support adequate implementation and coordination of DRC’s sector activities, the PM will be responsible for strengthening DRC’s protection team’s capacity and ensure high quality services. Main responsibilities: Program Implementation Ensure protection programming in area of responsibility is conducted according to DRC Protection SoPs and global humanitarian principles. Responsible for ensuring on time, budget implementation of protection projects in their defined areas of operation. This includes meeting donor targets (activity and budget), ensuring donor compliant implementation and supervising quality; Produce and regularly update detailed project work plans. Plans should set out future activity and track progress to date on outputs and activities; Undertake field/onsite visits to monitor the quality of implementation and provide technical advice as well as create customized need-based capacity building plans for field protection staff as necessary; Maintain close communications with colleagues in (a) other sectors, (b) Base/Area Office management, (c) Country Office technical supervision, and (d) support office (Finance, HR, Supply Chain) regarding challenges and opportunities; Prepare high quality and timely narrative reporting for donors, check this reporting against area financial reports, liaise with technical coordinators for quality assurance and feed into checking of financial reports for accuracy; Complete and regularly update budget forecasts for project activities and staffing and monitor budget vs. actual on a regular basis. Manage expenditures and take timely corrective action to prevent over and under expenditure; Plan and coordinate proactively logistics and movements of staff from and to different operational areas; Maintain ongoing communication with Safety regarding relevant contextual developments and incident reporting; Support integration of Protection interventions with other core sectors, ensuring close collaboration between field teams; Establish and regularly update the MEAL plan, including (a) ensuring appropriate indicator and quality tracking (both quantitative and qualitative) and (b) working closely with Quality Assurance to put in place and maintain DRC accountability mechanisms; Identify opportunities and material to contribute to communications work. Technical support Provide technical oversight and support to DRC field protection teams, including on protection monitoring, case management, legal aid, community-based protection, and PSS. Deliver and oversee on-the-job coaching, training sessions, and workshops for DRC staff. Collaborate with the Country Office Protection Team to ensure technical consistency and contextualization. Support the mainstreaming of protection principles across other DRC sectors such as HMA, WASI and Economic Recovery. Program Team Management Recruit and line manage (including conducting appraisals on performance management and providing instructions to HR around contract amendments and termination) the protection team; Provide regular constructive feedback to direct reports, following DRC’s performance management procedures, and support direct reports in performance management of their team members; Assess training and development needs within the Protection team, develop a capacity building plan and implement the plan with the support from the Country Protection Manager. Program Design In close coordination with the Country Protection Manager, the PM contributes to the development and implementation of DRC’s sector strategy in area of implementation as well as the harmonization and rollout of tools and guidelines; Support integration of Protection interventions with other core sectors, ensuring close collaboration between field teams; Work closely with the Area Programme Manager, Country Protection Manager and Protection Team Leaders on the identification of needs of communities and gaps in Protection services within DRC’s areas of intervention; Provide, upon request, technical input into the development (and implementation) of relevant SOPs and technical standards; In coordination with the Base Manager, Area Manager and Country Protection Manager, contribute to the Area level program strategy and to the establishment of sector-based log frames and targets; Participate in the proposal development process by providing field specific context analysis, technical sector specific analysis and feedback on the concept including proposing the activities and costing at field level in line with Area Log Frames; Coordination and Representation Active participation in, contribution to and representation of DRC in the Protection Working Group/cluster meetings, as well as other meetings related to protection; Ensure that DRC’s work is coordinated with efforts of other agencies, ensuring the specific needs of vulnerable communities are being addressed; Feed into national clusters through Country Protection Manager, regarding context, needs and possibilities for coordination. Other Ensure the respect of DRC Code of Conduct and DRC’s zero tolerance policy of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), humanitarian principles and contribute to the integration of Protection and Age, Gender, Diversity (AGD) mainstreaming into DRC programming; Undertake any other duties that may be assigned by the Line Manager. Contribute to advocacy objectives through meaningful engagement in briefings, development of advocacy products, and coordination. Experience and technical competencies: Minimum four years protection field experience, preferably in an emergency and/or early recovery context; of which two have been in a management position; Experience in humanitarian work and refugee/IDP complex emergencies, including in camp settings and/or mix migration flows; Experience with managing large teams and providing technical guidance, training and capacity building; Preferred experience with full time remote management of static and mobile teams. Prior experience implementing case management, PSS, legal programs, and protection monitoring; Experience managing large protection projects, budget planning and follow-up, procurement, report and proposal writing; Proven communication, negotiation, advocacy and diplomacy skills; Ability to quickly develop understanding of the human rights situation and insight into the political environment of the program country; Knowledge of Gender and Protection mainstreaming, AGD, PwSN and AAP approaches;Education: University degree relevant to humanitarian work: preferably in law, social work, gender studies, social sciences or humanitarian aid (significant proven field experience may be accepted in lieu) Languages: Arabic - fluent English - fluent All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies: Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes. Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback. Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly. Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting 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. We Offer. Contract length: December 31, 2026 Position Band: This position will be placed in the Management (F2) band. Reports to the Area Program Manager. Start date: ASAP Duty station: South Area offices, Aden or Mocha, with frequent travel to the field. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s National Terms of Employment.