Program / Department Summary 

Mercy Corps (MC) Europe has been working in Sudan since 2009 with the goal of supporting the transition to a fair and lasting peace by implementing programs that promote long-term, sustainable development and contribute to secure, productive and just communities. MC Europe is facilitating recovery by addressing economic recovery needs and laying the groundwork for long-term development. MC Europe’s work in Sudan has three major components: Civil Society Development, Economic Recovery and Development and Humanitarian Assistance with activities that span many sectors including agriculture, market and livelihoods development, water/sanitation, capacity building, peace building, infrastructure rehabilitation, emergency distribution. MC Europe is committed to long-term programming in Sudan and faces numerous opportunities for expansion.  

Mercy Corps is delivering multi-purpose cash assistance and protection programming in the Darfurs and Kordofans through the Cash Consortium of Sudan (CCS), funded by ECHO and FCDO alongside other humanitarian grants. The programme meets the urgent needs of conflict-affected and displaced people and host communities. It uses an integrated approach that links cash assistance with protection, health, nutrition and other services through a structured referral system, so that vulnerable individuals reach the support they need safely and on time.

General Position Summary 

The Referral and Protection Officer will be responsible for identifying vulnerable individuals and households, managing protection cases, and facilitating referrals to appropriate services, including Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), health, nutrition, and specialized protection services. The officer will ensure referrals are conducted in a timely, safe, confidential, and survivor-centered manner in line with humanitarian protection principles.

The role will also support the integration of Protection Mainstreaming across program activities by promoting safe and equitable access to services, accountability, participation, confidentiality, and the prevention of harm. The officer will coordinate with health facilities, community structures, and service providers, maintain referral and case records, and conduct follow-up to ensure vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Referral Coordination and Management:
   • Develop and maintain a network of service providers across health, nutrition, protection, GBV and cash (MPCA) services to enable safe and timely referrals for vulnerable individuals and households.
   • Coordinate and manage referrals between service providers and Mercy Corps cash (MPCA) and protection programming.
   • Ensure referral pathways are efficient, transparent, and accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
2. Case Management:
   • Maintain a comprehensive database of referred cases and monitor their progress through MPCA and protection services.
   • Conduct follow-ups with families and ensure they receive the necessary support and assistance.
   • Document and report on the outcomes of referrals and the impact of the assistance provided.
3. Communication and Collaboration:
   • Act as the primary liaison between primary health facilities, community organizations, and MPCA program staff.
   • Facilitate regular meetings and communication among stakeholders to ensure cohesive service delivery.
   • Advocate for the needs and rights of vulnerable individuals, including survivors of protection incidents, within the referral network.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Monitor the effectiveness of referral processes and identify areas for improvement.
   • Collect and analyze data related to referrals and outcomes to inform program development and adjustments.
   • Prepare regular reports on referral activities and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.
5. Training and Capacity Building:
   • Provide training and support to field staff and partners on referral pathways, safe identification and protection mainstreaming.
   • Develop and distribute informational materials about referral pathways and MPCA programs.
6. Compliance and Ethical Standards:
   • Ensure all referral activities comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and relevant legal and ethical standards.
   • Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of all individuals and households involved in the referral process.

Knowledge and Experience 

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Public Health, Nutrition, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in case management, social work, or a related field.
  • Experience working with malnourished children and familiarity with SAM and MAM.
  • Previous experience in humanitarian aid, cash assistance programs, or community outreach is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Strong organizational and coordination skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in data management and reporting.
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with vulnerable populations.
• Other Requirements:
  • Ability to travel within the region as needed.
  • Fluency in Arabic and English.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy Corps.

Success Factors 

The successful Referral and Protection Officer will combine exceptional management skills and technical experience in running Cash Transfer Programs (CTP) in North Kordofan. S/he will have an outstanding ability to implement CTP programs. Prioritizing, problem solving, ability to seize opportunities, attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, and thrive in an evolving and changing environment while taking care of self and others.

Organizational Learning

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. 

Accountability to Partners

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically 
  to our partners and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging participant communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work

• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability 

Reports Directly To: CVA Project Manager (CVA PM)

Works Directly With: National Protection Advisor (technical), Area Manager, Head of Based, Finance Department, Operations Department, Director of Programs

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis. As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. 

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

LIVING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The position is based in Kadugli, South Kordofan State, Sudan

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/short term assignment to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.