Protection Coordinator

AI summary

DRC Nigeria is hiring a Protection Coordinator based in Abuja to lead technical coordination, strategy, advisory, fundraising, and representation for protection programmes. The role requires frequent travel to field locations in Northern Nigeria and reports to the Head of Programme. The position is open to expat or national candidates, runs for one year renewable from November 2026, and applications close on 20 September 2026.

• Technical lead for DRC Nigeria protection strategy and coordination
• Based in Abuja with frequent travel to Northern Nigeria field locations
• Requires at least 5 years protection experience, including 3 years at senior level
• One-year renewable contract starting November 2026, expat or national
• Application deadline is September 20, 2026

Original source description

Protection Coordinator | DRC - Danish Refugee Council Protection Coordinator DRC - Danish Refugee Council Abuja International G level Speaks English, French Application deadline: September 20, 2026 (12 days) Apply Summary by Impactpool The Protection Coordinator at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in Nigeria is responsible for technical coordination, advisory, and fundraising efforts to enhance protection for vulnerable populations. This role involves formulating technical strategies, providing advisory support to implementation teams, and representing DRC in relevant technical forums. The Coordinator will also engage with stakeholders to promote DRC's protection programs and seek funding opportunities. Based in Abuja, the position requires frequent travel to field locations in Northern Nigeria. Candidate Requirements: At least 5 years of experience: in protection, with 3 years at a senior level Proven experience: in proposal and report writing Experience: with drafting technical SoPs and guidelines Experience: in representation in Clusters and working groups Knowledge of sectoral best practices and humanitarian architecture Bachelor's degree in relevant field Fluent in English Excellent communication and organizational skills Head Protection Coordinator - Nigeria Technical supervisor HUB Sector Coordinator – Protection Line manager Head of Programme, Nigeria Duty station Abuja, Nigeria Area of Operation Nigeria Employment Period Starting November 2026 – 1 year renewable Type of Contract (Expat/National/Trainee) Expat or National Salary & Benefits: Employment Band: G – Non Manager 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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency. Background Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities in the areas of Protection, Economic Recovery, Shelter WASH and Infrastructure (SWI), and Site Management across Borno, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara states in Northern Nigeria. About The Job Overall Purpose of the Role : The role is dedicated to technical coordination, advisory, fundraising and representing DRC in relevant technical fora and working group. The Protection Coordinator is responsible for formulating technical strategy for DRC Nigeria bringing addressing the root causes of displacement, contributing to solutions to displacement and enhancing protection of hard-to-reach. The Coordinator will provide effective, timely technical advisory to the implementation team and to the Country Office Team in line with the technical and country strategy. The role will be responsible for representing DRC in relevant technical fora and working groups on country level and area level, should that be necessary, and supporting the Head of Programme in fundraising efforts for their sector through well-designed strategy, timely updates, advisory and sector engagement. The Protection Coordinator is based in Abuja– but expected to travel frequently the Area Offices and field locations in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara states and other areas as the geographic presence of DRC Nigeria develops. Responsibilities: The role is dedicated to technical coordination, advisory, fundraising and representing DRC in relevant technical fora and working groups. The Protection Coordinator is responsible for formulating technical strategy for DRC Nigeria bringing addressing the root causes displacement, contributing to solutions to displacement and enhancing protection of hard-to-reach. The coordinator will provide effective, timely technical advisory to the implementation team and to the Country Office Team in line with the technical and country strategy. The role will be responsible for representing DRC in relevant technical fora and working groups on country level and area level, should that be necessary, and supporting the Head of Programme in fundraising efforts for their sector through well-designed strategy, timely updates, advisory and sector engagement. The main responsibilities: and tasks of the Protection Coordinator : Technical Coordination and Advisory Provide technical advisory to the implementation teams and Country Office team on any stage of programme implementation. Lead on creation and roll out of the technical strategy with emphasis on needs of the affected communities, expansion to relevant sectors, and programme integration. Support the Head of Programmes on creating the Country Strategy. Provide technical inputs and review to proposals, reports, assessments and evaluations in line with the technical strategy. Provide technical capacity building to implementation teams and partners. Prepare learning/knowledge products, SoPs and guidelines covering innovative approaches and good practices, to support overall Protection sector development and good-practice implementation. Guide the teams and review protection incident reports, alerts and protection monitoring products. Initiate and contribute to the systematic assessment of Protection sector capacity gap analysis, in collaboration with government and other stakeholders, and support the design of initiatives to strengthen capacities systematically. Analyse Nigeria Protection sector challenges, trends, programmes and projects, with a focus on Protection outcomes, using frameworks, analysis and tools available in the sector. Representation, Fundraising and Advocacy Pro-actively lead on DRC’s Protection representation with relevant Sectors (Clusters) and working groups on country level and area level when necessary. Engage with relevant stakeholders incl. NGOs, donors and government to promote DRC’s Protection programme and support sector’s fundraising efforts. Actively seek out new viable partnerships for the Protection sector. Actively seek out appropriate funding opportunities for the sector in line with the sector strategy. Produce materials for Protection advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fund-raising. Interact with global and regional initiatives and partnerships for Protection sector. In addition to the above, the Protection Coordinator may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Head of Programme - but always in the scope of this job description. Experience: and technical competencies: Qualifications and Work Experience: Required At least 5 years’ experience: working in the field of protection, at least 3 years of which at a senior technical level. Proven experience: with proposal and report writing processes. Direct experience: with drafting and reviewing of technical SoPs and guidelines, technical papers and analysis. Proven experience: with representation in Clusters, Working groups and other relevant technical bodies. Proven experience: with impactfully engaging with stakeholders and advocacy initiatives. Experience: across sectoral areas of responsibility. In-depth experience: in Protection Monitoring, case management, PSS, legal assistance, GBV, and protection advocacy are strongly preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of current sectoral best practices and familiarity with humanitarian architecture. Full professional proficiency in English with the capacity to produce well-written products for formal reporting and communication. Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (International Law, International Relations, Political Science, Social Work, Humanitarian Assistance, Sociology, Psychology, or another related field). Desirable Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in relevant field (International Law, International Relations, Political Science, Social Work, Humanitarian Assistance, Sociology, Psychology, or another related field) or equivalent. Experience: with capacity building for national partners. Prior knowledge of Nigeria context. Fluency in French Required Skills & Qualities Core Competencies of DRC: Striving for excellence Collaboration Taking the lead Communication Demonstrating Integrity Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required Multi-tasking and Organizational skills is a must Adaptable and Flexible Proven analytical and critical thinking skills Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace Team-oriented & good sense of humor Education: (include certificates, licenses, etc.) Bachelor’s degree in international law, International Relations, Political Science, Social Work, Humanitarian Assistance, Sociology, Psychology, or another related field. A master’s degree in the above fields will be an added advantage. Languages: English (fluent) – Essential We offer Contract length: 1 Year Band: G1 – Non Management. Please note that there is a strong possibility that this role will be changed to F1 – Manager in the coming months once anticipated funding is confirmed Start date: As soon as possible Designation of Duty Station: Abuja Country Office Application Process All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) on DRC website. Both must be in English . DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria). Applications close on 20/09 . Applications submitted after will not be considered. At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead. Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements: for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager. Summary by Impactpool The Protection Coordinator at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in Nigeria is responsible for technical coordination, advisory, and fundraising efforts to enhance protection for vulnerable populations. This role involves formulating technical strategies, providing advisory support to implementation teams, and representing DRC in relevant technical forums. The Coordinator will also engage with stakeholders to promote DRC's protection programs and seek funding opportunities. Based in Abuja, the position requires frequent travel to field locations in Northern Nigeria. Candidate Requirements: At least 5 years of experience: in protection, with 3 years at a senior level Proven experience: in proposal and report writing Experience: with drafting technical SoPs and guidelines Experience: in representation in Clusters and working groups Knowledge of sectoral best practices and humanitarian architecture Bachelor's degree in relevant field Fluent in English Excellent communication and organizational skills Fellowship Master the recruitment process of the impact sector! Become a fellow and gain access to Impactpool's premium material that will boost your career in the impact sector Explore fellowship Show DRC - Danish Refugee Council that you are interested in them Recruiters from the organization will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest. Connect with organization Protection Coordinator DRC - Danish Refugee Council Abuja International G level Speaks English, French Apply