Protection Assistant at Albarka Healthspring Foundation

Project Implementation and Justification

• Northwest Nigeria is facing a food insecurity and malnutrition situation which continues to get worse because of banditry and conflicts between herders and farmers on one hand; and on the other hand, due to a volatile economic situation defined by inflation and devaluation of the Naira among others.
• The result of the recently concluded March 2024 Cadre Harmonise analysis indicates that 29 percent (6,285,032 individuals) of the estimated population in the three northwestern states are in CH phases 3-4; of which about 8 percent are in Sokoto. Since the year 2020, WFP had implemented several activities in response to the food and nutrition insecurity ravaging the NW of Nigeria.
• WFP plans to distribute 888MT of the wheat grain received from Ukraine to assist 39,084 of the vulnerable affected population in northwest Nigeria covering Sokoto for three months starting from the onset of the 2024 lean season, the month of July.
• This is part of an integrated approach that the WFP initiated to combine with other WFP ongoing/planned interventions to make a maximum impact on the food needs, well-being, and resilience of the affected population.

Job Summary

• The Protection Assistant will support the implementation of protection activities within the general food distribution/assistance project.
• This role involves ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations, identifying protection concerns, and providing support and referrals to those in need.
• The Protection Assistant will work closely with the project team, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and dignity of all beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities
Protection Monitoring and Assessment:

• Conduct regular protection assessments to identify the needs and vulnerabilities of beneficiaries.
• Monitor the protection environment and report any concerns or incidents to the Protection Officer.
• Collect and analyze data to inform protection strategies and interventions.

Support and Referrals:

•  Provide direct support to individuals and families with protection concerns.
•  Facilitate referrals to appropriate services, including health, legal, psychosocial, and other support services.
•  Follow up on referrals to ensure beneficiaries receive the necessary assistance.

Awareness and Training:

• Conduct awareness-raising sessions on protection issues, including gender-based violence (GBV), child and human rights.
• Train staff and volunteers on protection principles and protocols.
•  Promote a culture of protection and respect within the project and community.

Case Management:

• Assist in managing protection cases, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards.
• Document and maintain accurate records of protection cases with confidentiality.
• Work with the Protection Officer to develop and implement individual protection plans.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Coordinate with local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to address protection concerns.
• Participate in protection coordination meetings and forums.
• Collaborate with other project teams to ensure integrated and holistic support for beneficiaries.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare and submit regular reports on protection activities and trends.
• Document best practices and lessons learned to improve protection interventions.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of protection activities.

Emergency Response:

• Support the implementation of protection activities during emergencies.
• Provide immediate assistance and referrals to those affected by emergencies.
• Participate in emergency assessments and response planning.

Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Human Rights, Law, or related discipline).

Experience:

•  At least 2-3 years of experience in protection or related fields, preferably in a humanitarian or development context.
•  Experience in case management, psychosocial support, or GBV is highly desirable.
•  Previous experience in working with international NGOs or UN agencies is an asset

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of protection principles and standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis.
• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.

Languages:

• Proficiency in English and Hausa is required.
• Knowledge of the local language(s) is an asset.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote and insecure areas as required.
• Commitment to the principles of humanitarianism and the mission of the organization.