Protection Officer

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Protection Officer shall:

1. Implement protection activities in accordance with the project work plan, organizational policies, and relevant protection standards.
2. Identify individuals and households facing protection risks and assess their needs, vulnerabilities, and barriers to accessing services.
3. Conduct protection monitoring and community assessments to identify protection concerns, emerging risks, and service gaps.
4. Provide information, guidance, and referrals to vulnerable individuals regarding available protection services and assistance.
5. Support safe and confidential case identification, intake, follow-up, and referrals in accordance with organizational procedures and the officer's assigned responsibilities.
6. Facilitate access to specialized services, including legal assistance, psychosocial support, health services, social protection, and other relevant support.
7. Conduct community outreach, awareness-raising sessions, and information-sharing activities on protection rights, available services, and referral pathways.
8. Engage with community members, local authorities, service providers, and other stakeholders to identify protection concerns and improve access to assistance.
9. Support the identification and mitigation of protection risks affecting children, older persons, persons with disabilities, displaced populations, and other at-risk groups, as relevant to the project.
10. Promote community participation, inclusion, non-discrimination, and respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
11. Identify and report protection trends, incidents, risks, and service gaps through established internal reporting and escalation procedures, while maintaining confidentiality.
12. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of protection activities, referrals, monitoring visits, and beneficiary interactions.
13. Prepare regular activity reports, field monitoring reports, and updates on protection concerns and project achievements.
14. Ensure that protection interventions follow the principles of informed consent, confidentiality, impartiality, do no harm, and safe information management.
15. Support the establishment and implementation of community feedback and complaints mechanisms and ensure that protection concerns are referred through appropriate channels.
16. Coordinate with relevant organizations, government institutions, civil society groups, and service providers to strengthen referral systems and avoid duplication of assistance.
17. Participate in protection coordination meetings, case conferences, and technical working groups as required and authorized.
18. Identify implementation challenges and recommend practical measures to improve the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of protection services.
19. Support the monitoring and evaluation of protection activities by collecting relevant information and documenting results, lessons learned, and good practices.
20. Perform other protection-related duties assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the position.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Law, Psychology, Social Sciences, Human Rights, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 2–3 years of relevant experience in protection, humanitarian assistance, social services, community outreach, or related fields.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and communities in NGO, humanitarian, or development settings is desirable.
• Experience in protection monitoring, needs assessments, referrals, community engagement, or service coordination is an advantage.
• Familiarity with protection principles, referral mechanisms, and confidentiality requirements.
• Fluent in Dari and Pashto. Proficiency in English is highly desirable.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Resilience and flexibility to operate in challenging environments.
• Commitment to ARAA and humanitarian principles, including confidentiality and respect for beneficiaries.
• ARAA is fully committed to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment. All staff, consultants, and partners are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and to adhere to ARAA’s PSEAH policies and safeguarding principles.
• The position will cover four priority districts of Nesh, Panjwayi, Shah Wali Kot, and Shorabak in Kandahar Province, as project locations.

To apply for this vacancy, please complete the application form using the link below:

Please also note that

• Only shortlisted applicants will be asked for a written test.
• ARAA retains the full right to cancel or amend this announcement and associated actions.
• In case you did not hear from our side latest after two weeks, it means that your application is not considered for the position.
• Failure to provide the required documentation or submission beyond the closing date will result of applicant rejection from further consideration.