Protection Officer - Medical

Duty Station [Taiz -Yemen]

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 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. 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.
DRC has been operating in the Middle East (ME) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with a Regional Office (RO) in Amman.

DRC Yemen’s response

Throughout its nine field offices and a workforce of 450 staff, DRC upholds its main programmatic objectives to provide immediate and life sustaining assistance, to strengthen the protective environment, and to reduce displacement related risks and vulnerabilities by promoting self-reliance at household and community level.

About the Job:

Overall purpose

The Protection Officer (Medical) is responsible for the timely, high-quality, and effective follow up on beneficiaries benefiting from victim assistance services within DRC. This includes conducting regular visits to the Hospitals, based on the case’s need or at the direction of the Protection Management.

Responsibilities:

Victim Assistance 

• Follow-up on the cases who are receiving, or have received, medical treatment through DRC, including conducting regular visits to the Hospitals, based on the case’s need or at the direction of the Protection Management.
• Receive cases from other protection staff and admit them to Hospitals in Taiz, and this might require 24/7 response.
• Review all files and consult with the designated children and adults’ treatment providers (or potential treatment providers) to determine the appropriate course of medical treatment.
• Identifying the case whose condition requires to be prioritized for treatment.
• Review all claims/expenses from the hospitals and with the support of the management determine which charges are appropriate and should be paid.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality about the cases and/or their families and the treatment being provided and, at all times, take active steps to protect the beneficiaries and their families’ privacy and dignity.
• Given the nature of DRC programs and emergency activities; Flexibility is required.
• Complying with DRC’s policies and procedures including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct.
• Making sure all victim assistance cases are keyed in the database, and maintaining it up to date.
• Follow up Finance and other departments to carry out the payment of medical support cost.
• Conduct assessment and follow up visits in south governorates hospitals when required by the line manager.
• Providing support to other DRC staff in south governorates through follow up on critical medical cases when required.  

Referrals, DSA and Cash for protection

• During protection monitoring and victim assistance activities, identify protection needs/risks affecting individuals, households and groups, and conduct internal and external referrals to appropriate service providers according to needs. 
• Ensure service mapping of service providers operating in the area and internal and external referrals pathways are updated in collaboration with the Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager. 
• Support the Protection Officer with maintaining the case management database up to date; regular review and follow up of referrals, ensuring referral follow-up is conducted appropriately with relevant focal points and the service is provided. 
• Request cash for protection and Daily Substance Allowance (DSA) where appropriate, fill the cash for protection intake form, and support with the distribution. 

Case management service provision

• Provide general protection case management services in compliance with best-practice and international standards in protection response (including DRC case management SOPs) including assessment of need, development of case plan and referral/facilitation of access to services, follow-up, and case closure;
• At all times safeguard the safety and respect of the individual, in addition to the confidentiality of his/her information and his/her right to access services without any discrimination;
• Attend weekly case review meetings with the general Officer/Team Leader to ensure adherence to standards of care and quality case management;

Coordination and representation

• Develop and maintain effective working relationship with relevant stakeholders including hospital focal points and other medical actors.
• Maintain an up-to-date service mapping of the medical service providers and hospitals operating in the area and ensure that Assistants are informed about the available services;.

Other responsibilities 

• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as directed by the Team Leader, Protection Specialist and protection manager.
• Maintain positive work relationships within the team.
• Must adhere to DRC’s mission, values, and code of conduct including respect for the principles of neutrality, do no harm, and non-discrimination;
• Must treat all beneficiaries with dignity and respect.

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 3 years of experience in medical sector as a doctor.
• Protection background is highly preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and safety of clients at all times; 
• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties;
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, work independently and prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks, and maintain attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility;
• Flexibility in working overtime when needed;
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel);
• Willing to collaborate with and support people from different ethnic groups and different religions;
• Demonstrated interest in humanitarian work and supporting people affected by conflict.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five 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.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required qualifications: 

Education:

Essential Qualifications :

• Bachelor/Degree in medicine or medical science  

Desirable qualifications: 

• Advanced University degree

Languages:

• Arabic - Fluent, in reading and writing
• Ability to communicate and write clearly in English is required

Key Stakeholders:

• Hospital focal points
• Medical actors
• Other DRC sectors

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract until December 2025, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work As soon as possible, and be willing and able to work in Taiz. 
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. This position will be placed at Band (H2 Non-Manager) and will be reporting to Protection Team Leader.