Protection Officer - Case Management, Daraa, Syria

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 opportunities 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 Syria

DRC has been operating in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis before pivoting to a full-scale response to the Syria crisis from 2011 onwards. Our work encompasses the full cycle of displacement-responding to life-saving humanitarian needs and supporting community recovery until durable solutions can be achieved. DRC Syria takes an area-based approach to supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across our key sectors: Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (including Humanitarian Mine Action).

With an established rapid response mechanism, DRC can rapidly respond to emerging crises and shocks to meet acute emergency needs. Recognizing the significant need for early recovery and resilience programming to ensure dignified, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for fragile communities, DRC's programmes foster resilience for individuals and communities in situations of protracted displacement and during the initial stages of post-conflict recovery, towards a durable solution of their choice. With active portfolios in the neighboring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye and Iraq, DRC offers a cross-border, regional response to the Syria crisis, through cross-border protection monitoring, advocacy, and trends analysis.

About the job:

The Protection Case Management Officer (Caseworker) is responsible for quality implementation of protection case management targeting persons at heightened risk, with technical support from South Area Protection Manager, and in synergy with the overall DRC protection program strategy in Syria. The role contributes to strengthening localized protection responses through close engagement with community structures and local service providers to ensure accessible, context-appropriate, and sustainable case management support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and receive referrals of persons at heightened risk, in accordance with DRC eligibility and selection criteria and case management standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Under the technical guidance of Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager, provide comprehensive case management assistance, in accordance with DRC case management SOPs, including case intake, protection risk assessment, action and safety planning, client capacity building, supported referrals, case follow-up and review, and case closure.
• Conduct household visits and Centre-based interviews to assess the needs of individuals and families.
• Provide information to individuals and families about their rights and entitlements, including what services are available.
• Work with identified individuals and families to develop and implement an action plan in accordance with their needs, capacities and goals.
• Assess risk and support clients in understanding risks relevant to their situation.
• Identify individuals at risk in need of cash for protection (C4P) and organize C4P provision, in accordance with DRC C4P SOPs.
• Maintain an up-to-date service mapping and positive working relationships with relevant service providers in Rural Damascus, including local NGOs, community-based organizations, public service providers, and DRC colleagues in other sector teams, and facilitate referral of cases to appropriate services in accordance with existing referral pathways and SOPs.
• Maintain accurate, complete and updated case files and weekly inputs into case management database, ensuring the highest standards of data protection and confidentiality.
• Participate in case conference meetings if required.
• Attend weekly/bi-weekly case review and supervision meetings with Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to access services, including through engagement with local service providers and community structures, and support clients to effectively represent their views, needs and capacities in all meetings affecting them.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to access services and support clients to effectively represent their views, needs and capacities in all meetings affecting them.
• Submit timely and accurate weekly reports to Protection Team Leader.
• Participate in training and other capacity development initiatives as assigned by Protection Manager.
• Carry out other relevant tasks assigned by the line manager.
• Conduct duties in accordance DRC Code of Conduct and DRC Syria Safety procedures.

Experience and Technical Competencies:

• Relevant professional experience of minimum 2 years, with emphasis on social work and counselling.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with empathy and respect with individuals and groups from various backgrounds
• Experience working in coordination with local NGOs, community-based organizations, or public service providers.
• Understanding of community-based protection and localization principles is an asset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and safety of clients at all times.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian programming with emphasis on protection and psychosocial support services.
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, prioritize work under pressure, multitasking and maintain attention to details.
• Good inter-personal, problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility.
• Ability to work well in teams and promote teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, ability to handle pressure well.
• Demonstrated experience using MS Office (Word, Excel).
• Ability to work effectively with people from all backgrounds and develop strategies to address barriers faced by individuals most at risk of discrimination.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or another relevant field.

Languages:

• Spoken and written Arabic is essential
• Working knowledge of English is preferred

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC' five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: Six Months from starting date

Level: Non-Management H2

Location: Daraa - Syria

Expected Start date: ASAP

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Talentech - Protection Officer - Case Management - Application Form

Or view the advert on DRC's homepage here: Talentech - Protection Officer - Case Management

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications close: 27 September 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Need further information?

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org