Protection and Safeguarding Assistant

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an international, non-profitable, non-governmental humanitarian relief organization with its head quarter in Birmingham, UK. It enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for International Red Cross and red Crescent Moments and NGOs in Disaster Relief. Islamic Relief has been working in Afghanistan for more than 23 years, providing emergency relief and implementing life-changing development projects for some of the most vulnerable people in the country. Islamic Relief set up our first Afghanistan office in 1999. Since then, IRA continued providing assistances in emergency relief, food security, livelihood, education, health, nutrition, shelter, orphan sponsorship, Ramadan and Qurbani programmes.

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Protection & Safeguarding Assistant, reporting to the Provincial Coordinator, supports Islamic Relief Afghanistan in delivering protection services to implementing partners, beneficiaries, and targeted communities. The role focuses on child protection within education programs, including case management, referrals, and follow-up support for vulnerable children and persons with disabilities.

The position is responsible for conducting protection awareness sessions, delivering training on child protection, and strengthening community-level protection systems through coordination with government authorities and local stakeholders.

It ensures all education and project activities comply with safeguarding, child protection, and data protection policies of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), as well as international protection standards. The role also supports safe, inclusive, and ethical implementation of education interventions in schools and communities.

Key Responsibilities

·       Implement safeguarding and child protection policies in all education activities

·       Ensure all staff, teachers, and volunteers follow the Code of Conduct (CoC)

·       Conduct awareness sessions on child protection, PSEA, and anti-harassment

·       Train teachers, students, and community members on safeguarding principles

·       Carry out regular monitoring visits to CBE classes and learning centers

·       Identify and assess protection risks affecting children in education settings

·       Ensure learning environments are safe, inclusive, and child-friendly

·       Receive, document, and report safeguarding concerns or incidents

·       Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive protection information

·       Refer protection cases to relevant service providers (health, legal, psychosocial)

·       Monitor clients’ progress consistently, ensuring services are delivered according to established criteria and standards.

·       Maintain records of activities, incidents, and training sessions

·       Prepare weekly and monthly safeguarding reports

·       Engage with community leaders, parents, and school shuras on child protection

·       Support complaint and feedback mechanisms (accountability systems)

        Coordinate with education, protection, and M&E teams to ensure integrated support 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to Islamic Relief Worldwide vision, mission and safeguarding as well as PSEA.

Essential:

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications (Bullet Points)

·       University degree in Law /Sharia, Psychology, Political Science, Journalism, and a valid degree from the Ministry of Higher Education.

·       An understanding of the basic principles of humanitarian work, human rights, child protection, and the needs of most vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.

·        Interest in humanitarian work and human rights, ability and willingness to learn.

·       Ability to clearly express one’s thoughts, to analyze and present information clearly and concisely.

·       Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.

·        Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·       At least 3-4 years of work experience in protection, Safeguarding and case management preferably with IDPs/returnees.

·       Demonstrated strong experience working with vulnerable children, clients, including survivors at risk and victims of child abuse. 

·       Strong knowledge of protection interviewing techniques and communicating with the affected population.

·       Familiarity with IASC Guidelines on Protection Support in Emergency Settings.

·        Understanding the protection/psychosocial/ educational needs of IDPs/returnees in Afghanistan.

·       Good knowledge of English.

·       Professionally understand (read and write) Dari and Pashto.

Experience (Bullet Points)

Protection and Safeguarding Assistant with 2–4 years of experience in case management, safeguarding, and support for IDPs, returnees, and vulnerable children in Afghanistan. Skilled in survivor-centered approaches, protection interviews, and referral systems. Strong understanding of human rights, child protection, and IASC guidelines, with proven ability to communicate effectively and work in sensitive environments. Fluent in Dari and Pashto, with good English proficiency.

Key Personal Qualities (Bullet Points)

Desirable:

·       Relevant experience of working with humanitarian/development sector/INGOs

·       Working knowledge of local languages Pashto and Dari).

        With frequent travel to Samangan province.

·       High integrity with strict respect for confidentiality and safeguarding principles.

·       Good communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with communities.

·       Culturally sensitive with respect for human rights and protection standards.

·       Proactive, adaptable, and able to work effectively in teams or independently.

Interested and qualified national candidates should submit a cover letter explaining their motivation and an updated CV to the following link:

https://jobs.af/public/job/protection-and-inclusion-assistant

The closing date for accepting applications is 14 May 2026.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be called for written test.

Islamic Relief Worldwide – Afghanistan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and persons with disabilities.

Note: The written test/interview will be on rolling basis due to the urgent need of the position the written test/ interview may take place before the closing date of the post/s.