Protection Focal Point (PLARC project)

Job Description

Title: Protection Focal Point (PLARC project)

Company Name: Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)

Vacancy: 10

Age: At most 45 years

Job Location: Cox`s Bazar (Ukhia)

Salary: Tk. 65000 - 70000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• At least 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably Law, Political Science, Human Rights, or related field.

• Master’s degree in any discipline (preferably - Law, Political Science, International Law, Refugee Law, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or related discipline).

• Specialized training or certification in Refugee Law, Protection, Human Rights, or Case Management will be considered an added advantage.

• At least 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• Age At most 45 years

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in protection case management, or human rights work, preferably with refugees, displaced populations, or other vulnerable groups.

• Demonstrated experience in counselling, advocacy, and liaising with authorities (e.g., police, administration, courts).

• Prior experience as a protection focal point or protection case worker is desired, given the relevance of this experience to the protection case management aspect of the role.

• Good command of written/spoken English and knowledge of Chittagonian and/or Rohingya language·

• Good computer skills, including the use of email, web browser, and data entry techniques.

• Ability to apply structured case management, counselling, and referral pathways in line with protection principles.

• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, respecting BLAST’s code of conduct.

• Ability to work effectively with BLAST and UNHCR colleagues, partner organizations, and refugee protection volunteers.

• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with displaced populations and diverse stakeholders.

• Competence in maintaining accurate records, managing data securely, and producing timely reports.

• Flexibility and readiness to act as a focal point in emergencies (e.g., PERU).

• Proficient in communication skills, with drafting and report writing capabilities in Bangla and English.

• Good command of written/spoken English and knowledge of Chittagonian and/or Rohingya language.

• Knowledgeable in computer operations, particularly in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as email communication.

Additional Requirements:

• Working with the NGO sector is preferable.

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to the International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, National Laws, and SGBV context.

• Proven skills and competencies to work as a team member.

• Good communication and articulation skills, awareness of socio-economic, cultural, and political sensitivities.

• Ability to work in complex, high-pressure, and multicultural humanitarian settings.Effective communication.

Job Context: BLAST is one of the leading legal services organizations in Bangladesh and the only one that provides access to legal aid across the spectrum, from the frontlines of the formal justice system to the apex court. It prioritizes support to women, men, and children living in poverty or facing disadvantage or discrimination. It also provides legal aid, advice, and representation across a range of areas, including civil, criminal, family, labour, and land law, as well as on constitutional rights and remedies, providing access to judicial remedies alongside alternative dispute resolution wherever appropriate. Alongside individual legal aid, BLAST undertakes strategic litigation, or public interest litigation, as a key part of its advocacy for law and policy reforms to ensure effective legal protection of rights. Currently operating in 23 districts across the country, BLAST works through its staff lawyers (and paralegals) at headquarters and in each district office/unit office, in collaboration with its enlisted panel of about 2600 lawyers across the country who provide legal redress to clients on a pro bono basis, with a nominal honorarium.

Position Description: It is a mid-level position based at the Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar Project Office. The Protection Focal Point will, in coordination with UNHCR Protection Focal Points and BRAC or BLAST Legal Officers/Associate Legal Officers, provide individual protection case management, legal and protection counseling, and referrals to appropriate services. They will also monitor and report on the protection situation in their camps of responsibility, engage with local authorities, and contribute to advocacy efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.      

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Consistently apply international and national legal standards in line with BLAST’s mandate and organizational code of conduct.

• Works in or maintains close coordination with the BRAC or BLAST Legal Officers/Associate Legal Officer, UNHCR Protection Focal Points, and refugee protection volunteers to form a Cluster that provides legal protection services across assigned camps.

• Provide individual counselling on protection issues to refugees.

• Apply an individual protection case management approach to resolving refugees’ protection issues, including developing case management plans and managing referrals to different service providers.

• Liaise and advocate with competent authorities to ensure protection outcomes, including the issuance of documentation and access to justice.

• Maintain records of protection cases and interventions along with reports in a secure database.

• Identify, record, and securely report incidents of protection in camps of responsibility.

• Coordinate camp-level protection activities when assigned as the Protection Sector focal point, including organizing coordination meetings, training, and protection interventions.

• Execute the duties as the Protection Emergency Response Unit (PERU) focal point when assigned to the role.

• Supervise and monitor the activities of Protection volunteers and provide the necessary support to fulfil their duties.

• Comply with and monitor compliance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection activities, including BLAST (SOPs).

• Participate in initiatives to capacitate authorities, relevant institutions, and NGOs to strengthen national protection-related legislation and procedures.

• Stay abreast of political, social, economic, and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environments.

• Key performance indicators reflecting the number of counselling’s delivered, protection cases assessed, serious security incidents recorded, referrals made, and interventions performed.

• Protection incidents are identified, reported, and recorded on time.

• Compliance with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.

• S/he will perform all regular duties under the Protection Manager`s supervision, but will contact Legal Coordinator, Team Lead, AD, Litigation/AD to get proper suggestions and advice if needed.

• Perform other relevant duties assigned by BLAST management.

• T/A,Mobile bill,Tour allowance,Weekly 2 holidays
• Salary Review: Yearly

• Costs of any field work will be borne by the organization.