Protection Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

As the Protection Program Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in developing and applying the operational protection strategy for the mission, ensuring the quality of current and future protection programs, and monitoring their implementation and evaluation. You will provide technical support to project coordinators, field staff, and partners, while also representing HIAS in engagements with authorities, humanitarian actors, and donors in the Protection sector. Additionally, in collaboration with the Technical Advisory (TA) team, you will ensure the integration of cross-cutting protection principles across all interventions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Context Analysis and Strategy Development

• Contribute to the development of the operational strategy for Protection, aligning interventions with the needs identified in Ukraine and HIAS's localization approach.
• Lead the design of new Protection interventions, ensuring alignment with global standards and frameworks (Project Proposal Development, LF, budgets etc)
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of ongoing Protection activities and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

Program Quality Assurance

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to ensure the quality, effectiveness, and impact of all Protection programs (GBViE, CP, General Protection)
• Support teams in implementing best practices, protection standards, and monitoring frameworks.
• Collaborate with the TA department to ensure adherence to global and organizational protection standards.

Representation and Coordination

• Represent HIAS in Protection Cluster meetings, GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR), and sectoral coordination groups.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, donors, national authorities, and local actors.
• Ensure seamless information sharing and collaboration across Protection stakeholders.

Capacity Building and Human Resources

• Support the recruitment and onboarding of technical Protection staff.
• Develop and deliver tailored Protection training to enhance the capacity of staff and partners.
• Oversee the design and delivery of training modules to strengthen the quality and sustainability of Protection interventions.

Logistics and Administration

• Ensure Protection teams comply with organizational logistics and administrative procedures.
• Liaise with logistics and administrative departments to address operational needs effectively.
• 6. Security and Risk Management
• Monitor and ensure adherence to security protocols within Protection activities.
• Report any security concerns to the line manager and/or mission Security Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, International Development or related field, Master’s degree preferred
• 7-9 years’ experience with an INGO, UN, or government agency experience within the humanitarian sector.
• At least two years’ experience managing teams and projects.
• Specialized training in quality process management (e.g., SPHERE, URD) is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of global protection principles, international protection law, and standards.
• Proven experience in protection mainstreaming, monitoring, and response to protection threats.
• Additional experience in Psychosocial Support, Child Protection, GBViE (GBV case management, Women and Girls safe space programming), Human Rights and Advocacy.
• Previous experience in conflict or post-conflict environments is an advantage.
• Excellent communication, writing, and public representation skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to relate well with a wide variety of colleagues, stakeholders, and beneficiaries, alike.
• Ability to mediate competing interests, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter, able to identify opportunities and needs, and respond to them efficiently while taking into account the priorities of a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work well autonomously and in teams; excellent organizational and problem-solving skills; comfortable working virtually with colleagues overseas.
• Ability to travel within Ukraine up to 20% of the year, at times to complex operating environments.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalite •

?


(Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice •
? (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatia • Empathie •
? (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Companerismo • Cooperation •


(Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage •

(Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Resilience •
? (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.