Shire Jobs

Requisition ID: req51154

Job Title: Protection Field Officer

Sector: Protection and rule of law

Employment Category: Co-staff Italy

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Milan, Italy

Work Arrangement:In-person

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. In response to the increased refugee arrivals into Europe, the IRC initially established the program in Greece, which was expanded with programs in Serbia, the wider Balkans, and Germany.

Following a first assessment conducted in January 2017 in Italy and another one in July 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within assistance provided to refugees and migrants in Italy: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), assistance to unaccompanied children, information provision and legal support.

The IRC is responding to these ongoing crises with a three-folded strategy, including direct support to clients; capacity building of civil society organizations; and system strengthening of local processes and institutions. Actions cover the impacted regions of Lombardy, Sicily, Lazio, Piedmont, Campania, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, targeting to improve refugees’ safety, power, education, economic empowerment, and mental health – with a focus on the most vulnerable, including women and UAC(unaccompanied children)

Job Overview

We are looking for a Protection Field Officer to coordinate a team to assist newly arrived and vulnerable individuals in the area. The team conducts outreach in key transit locations and reception facilities, with cultural mediators aiding in identifying specific needs and making referrals. Information sessions on rights and available services are also organized. Reporting to the IRC Program manager, the Officer collaborates with local collaborators and supports data collection and protection monitoring.

Join our team and thrive in a dynamic and exciting work environment!

Major Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Project Implementation

Ensure quality implementation of project activities in transit locations and reception facilities.

• Provide accurate information and services to newly-arrived individuals using multilingual materials and cultural mediators.

• Conduct group information sessions and outreach activities, including evening sessions.

• Identify individuals with specific needs, such as GBV survivors and children at risk, and provide psychological first aid when needed, with support from cultural mediators.

• Facilitate referrals to relevant services.

• Participate in internal capacity-building sessions.

• Collect data and conduct protection monitoring activities.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely data collection using agreed internal and external reporting templates.

• Compile monthly narrative reports for IRC and partners to maintain consistency and provide trend summaries on refugee situations at borders.

• Use program monitoring to advise project and program design adjustments.

Coordination and Communication:

• Develop collaboration and information sharing among project partners, including local institutions and grassroots organizations.

• Participate in regional migration forums to update on relevant trends in Lombardy.

• Coordinate with other IRC Italy programs for potential collaboration opportunities.

• Represent IRC at coordination meetings and with external collaborators as necessary.

Job Requirements

Profile and requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Social Sciences, Humanitarian aid, or related field;

• 2 to 3 years of proven ability in conducting protection/protection monitoring activities working with local partners, preferably with a non-profit in the target region;

• Confirmed experience in field level representation with key partners and co-ordination with other NGOs and / or state public agencies;

• Excellent communication skills, including a good track record of report writing and liaising with local authorities and partners;

• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of perseverance, tact, and diplomacy;

• Experience and knowledge of refugee/asylum seekers protection issues;

• Proficiency in spoken and written Italian and English including significant writing skills in English. Other languages will be considered an asset;

• Be based in Milan;

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC Italy

• Cultivate ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Reporting Lines

Positions directly report to: Program Manager, IRC Italy

Working Environment:

This position will be primarily based in our office in Milan, with regular visits to reception centers and key transit points within the city. As a standard office-based role, you can expect a professional environment conducive to focused work and collaboration.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer:IRC is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, sexual orientation, differently abled, geographic origin, marital status, veteran status, or cultural background (or any other characteristic protected by law). We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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