Protection Coordinator

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading humanitarian, non-governmental organisation operating in over 30 countries worldwide since 1956. In Kenya, DRC delivers critical protection programming for refugees and displaced populations. The Protection Coordinator will serve as the senior technical lead for all protection activities in-country, driving strategy, quality, and compliance across a complex multi-site programme portfolio.

This is a re-advertised position offering a rare opportunity for a seasoned protection professional to shape DRC Kenya's protection agenda, mentor a skilled team, and directly influence outcomes for some of the most vulnerable communities in the region. The role is based in Nairobi with regular engagement with field teams and area offices.

• Lead country-level protection analysis and spearhead the development and implementation of the national protection strategy.
• Maintain overall technical oversight of the full protection portfolio, ensuring Age, Gender, and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM) across all interventions.
• Develop, harmonise, and roll out internal protection tools, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and guidelines aligned to DRC standards.
• Act as the primary reference point for Protection Mainstreaming across all programme sectors.
• Technically supervise Protection Managers and Team Leaders, providing structured and case-by-case guidance to protection staff.
• Lead recruitment processes for protection technical staff and conduct performance appraisals for Protection Managers and Team Leaders.
• Identify technical capacity gaps and design and implement targeted capacity-building plans for protection staff and partners.
• Maintain programme oversight including budget tracking and indicator monitoring in collaboration with the Head of Programme, Area Managers, and Project Managers.
• Participate in grant opening, review, and close-out meetings, ensuring technical quality and compliance.
• Collaborate with the PIM/Advocacy Specialist to develop protection monitoring reports and review monitoring tools annually.
• Lead the revision of case management SOPs and tools to ensure alignment with best practices.
• Support programme teams in reviewing and strengthening referral mechanisms, including service mapping and referral workshops.
• Deliver regular technical training sessions on key DRC protection concerns and programme approaches to staff, partners, and stakeholders.

• Demonstrate at least 7 years of progressive experience in protection programming within humanitarian or development settings, including field-level implementation.
• Apply advanced knowledge of international protection frameworks including refugee law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law.
• Lead multi-disciplinary protection teams across geographically dispersed locations, providing clear technical direction and mentorship.
• Design and operationalise protection strategies, monitoring frameworks, and SOPs in complex, multi-donor environments.
• Conduct protection risk analyses and translate findings into actionable programme adjustments.
• Manage protection budgets and ensure timely, quality reporting to donors and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate high-level coordination with UN agencies, government actors, and NGO partners at national and sub-national levels.
• Hold a Master's degree (MBA, MSc, MA) in Law, Social Sciences, International Relations, Human Rights, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in English; Swahili proficiency is an added advantage.

DRC offers a competitive national staff salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, estimated in the range of KES 300,000 – 500,000 per month. DRC Kenya also provides a comprehensive benefits package typical of leading INGOs operating in the country.

• Medical insurance for staff and dependants
• DRC standard leave and rest and recuperation entitlements
• Professional development and capacity-building opportunities
• Collaborative, values-driven working environment

This role is ideal for a seasoned protection professional with significant INGO experience, a strong technical foundation in case management, GBV, child protection, or legal aid, and a proven ability to lead teams and influence organisational strategy. You are comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels and have a passion for principled humanitarian action.

This role is NOT suitable for: Candidates with fewer than 7 years of directly relevant protection experience, those without a postgraduate qualification, or applicants seeking a field-based or purely operational role with no strategic responsibilities.

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the DRC Jobportal at drc.ngo/about-drc/vacancies. Ensure your application includes an updated CV and a cover letter clearly outlining how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of this role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Do not pay any fee at any stage of the recruitment process — DRC does not charge candidates for any recruitment-related services.