Project Officer-Community Based Protection

Summary of Project

RDRS Bangladesh, in partnership with Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Geneva has been implementing an emergency response programme titled “LWF-RDRS Emergency Programme (LREP)” in Rohingya camps and nearby host communities in Cox’s Bazar district since 2019. The LREP contributes to international efforts to meet the humanitarian and protection needs and increase self-reliance and resilience of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) and host communities through Income Generating Activities (IGAs), tree plantation, life-skills with livelihoods and leadership development training. LREP also works on capacity building of youth and creates market linkage to improve their living standard. This programme also aims at cultivating social cohesion, ensuring social inclusion, promoting reforestation and providing humanitarian support (i.e., foods and non-food items, WASH, health, protection, etc.) to the FDMNs as well as the nearby host communities.

Summary of Position

Under the overall responsibility and control of the Team Leader (LREP), The Project Officer (Community-Based Protection) will be responsible for designing, implementing, and coordinating protection initiatives within the Rohingya refugee camps and host communities. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the protection needs, vulnerabilities, and rights of individuals, particularly women, children, persons with disabilities, and youth. The Project Officer will work closely with community leaders, volunteers, and relevant stakeholders to integrate protection measures across various sectors, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all

Description of Responsibilities

The major responsibilities of this position are as follows:

She/he will -

Develop and implement community-based protection strategies to assess the needs of vulnerable individuals in the Rohingya refugee camps and host communities.

Engage community leaders to identify and respond to protection concerns effectively.

Ensure integration of protection considerations into all project activities across different sectors.

Ensure protection mainstreaming in project design, implementation, and monitoring.

Advocate for and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in project activities.

Facilitate community engagement sessions by ensuring active participation of community people.

Capacity development of community volunteers.

Compile and analyze data, generating regular reports on protection issues and trends, aligning with the data-driven approach.

Work towards mitigating tension and promoting peaceful coexistence between the host community and Rohingya refugees.

Prepare reports, case studies and relevant documents.

Assess and identify risks, vulnerabilities, and gaps in existing community engagement mechanisms through FGD, KII and surveys.

Conduct capacity-building activities for project staff and community people.

Represent RDRS in coordination meetings with stakeholders.

Ensure effective communication and coordination with external partners to enhance the synergy of efforts in the field.

Any other responsibilities assigned by the Team Leader.