Protection Specialist (Contingent Upon funding) - EAT for DCA South Sudan

DanChurchAid (DCA) is an International Non-Governmental Organisation with headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. The organisation was founded in 1922, and have country offices in 19 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine, and Asia. 

DCA has been operating in South Sudan since 2007, focusing on three Global Goals: Save Lives, Build Resilient Communities, and Fight Extreme Inequalities. Our efforts span Upper Nile, Jonglei, GPAA, Central Equatoria, and Eastern Equatoria States, primarily in collaboration with national partners.

DanChurchAid (DCA) is seeking a committed and experienced Protection Specialist (Contingent upon funding) to support the delivery of the protection programme at field level. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to one of the world’s most complex and challenging humanitarian contexts

The Protection Specialist will be responsible for the quality implementation and reporting of the protection interventions, including child protection, sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response, and community-based protection in the project areas. The Protection Specialist will collaborate closely with protection actors, local authorities, and community-based structures to ensure that interventions are contextually appropriate, responsive to identified protection risks, and are aligned with project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support partners Community based protection committees and project stakeholders in the implementation of Child Protection, SGBV, and general protection activities in line with project plans, protection principles, and minimum standards.
• Facilitate awareness raising and sensitization sessions on a full scope of various protection thematic areas such as child rights, harmful social norms, GBV prevention, referral pathways among others with community members and leaders.
• Ensure the functionality of Child protection and GBV community-based protection structures through capacity building, mentorship, on the job support and training.
• Guide case workers in delivering structured and unstructured psychosocial support sessions for children and survivors of GBV at community level and in selected safe spaces.
• Guide CBPC and partners to technically identify, support and safely refer at-risk individuals (especially children and women) to relevant service providers using established referral pathways as well as monitor and follow up on individual protection cases in collaboration with the case management team.
• Ensure protection principles, safety, dignity, non-discrimination are applied across all activities in coordination with other sectors.
• Represent DCA in protection coordination forums and working groups at field level ensuring DCA’s programme priorities and approaches are well-articulated and aligned with broader humanitarian efforts.
• Work closely with other programme and support units to ensure effective delivery.
• Conduct the training and capacity building of partners, community volunteers, CPCs, and GBV committees on protection and safeguarding topics.
• Provide regular mentoring, coaching, and technical support to ensure effective, accountable, and high-quality programming.
• Lead the collection of activity data, success stories, and lessons learned for reporting and learning purposes.

We Are Looking For:

• Programme Expertise: Demonstrated experience implementing protection activities at field level, preferably Child Protection, SGBV prevention and response and general community-based protection.
• Partnership and collaboration: Knowledge and experience in coordination and working closely with other humanitarian agencies and local authorities in remote and sensitive hard to reach locations.
• Networking: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Resilient and comfortable working in volatile and multicultural environments.
• Education & Language: Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Community Development, Gender Studies, or a related field; fluency in English required.
• Travel: This is a roving position between two field locations in a complex, hard-to-reach environment significantly affected by conflict and displacement, with very basic living conditions.
• We Offer
  As the Protection Specialist, you will take on a pivotal role in transforming the lives of vulnerable communities impacted by natural and non-natural hazards such climatic shocks and conflict Joining DCA means becoming part of a global organization dedicated to creating lasting impact. Here’s what we offer:
• Meaningful Work
  You will lead efforts to build resilience and create safer environments for vulnerable communities, directly contributing to their safety, dignity, and improved livelihoods. Your work will address some of the most critical humanitarian and development challenges.
• Strategic Leadership Opportunity:
  You will contribute to and shape the future of DCA programme operations with opportunities to collaborate with other stakeholders and initiatives.
• Comprehensive Compensation Package:
  • Competitive, salary aligned with NGO standards.
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage, including health, life, and accident insurance.
  • Free housing in the area of operation.
  • Six weeks of paid vacation annually to ensure work-life balance. 
  • The successful applicant will be offered a 1-year contract with the possibility of extension depending on both funding and performance.
• Professional Growth and Support:
  • A supportive work environment that prioritizes staff welfare, capacity building, and professional development.
  • Backing from experienced and dedicated HQ colleagues to ensure programme success and innovation.
  • Opportunities to develop and expand the programme, fostering synergies between mine action, community resilience, and other development initiatives.
• Challenging and Rewarding Context:
  Work in one of the world’s most complex humanitarian settings, where your leadership and expertise can directly influence the lives of thousands. This role offers a unique chance to grow professionally while making a significant difference in the field of Emergency Assistance.
• Dynamic and Appreciative Workplace:
  Collaborate with a team of over 40 highly skilled national and international colleagues, fostering innovation and team spirit in a multicultural and diverse environment.

Why Join DCA?
DCA is a leading faith-based organization that values inclusivity, accountability, and innovation. By joining our team, you’ll contribute to an organization committed to promoting human rights, resilience, and sustainable development across the globe.
Embark on a journey with us to create safer, more dignified futures for South Sudan’s communities.

How to Apply:
Interested candidate should apply through: 

The deadline for applications: on 5th of August 2025. 

For further information regarding DCA, please visit our website at: https://www.danchurchaid.org/  

Only applications following the above-mentioned procedures will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The position is for South Sudan National only.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.