Share
If you’ve searched online for “Protection Assistant job description,” you’ve probably seen the same copy-paste templates over and over. They’re full of bullet points, vague wording, and zero insight into what really makes a strong hire. The problem? Posts like these don’t inspire, they don’t connect, and they don’t attract the right candidates.
Here’s the truth: a Protection Assistant role isn’t just about following checklists. It’s about trust, empathy, and responsibility — qualities that can’t be captured in a generic template. That’s why in this guide, I’m going to show you not just what to write, but how to write it in a way that brings in thoughtful, mission-driven candidates.
And if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it explains why most job descriptions fail and how to transform yours into a powerful recruiting tool.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What a Protection Assistant Actually Does
A Protection Assistant isn’t just an “extra set of hands” on the team. They play a critical role in supporting humanitarian and protection programs, ensuring that vulnerable individuals and communities receive the help, dignity, and respect they deserve.
In plain English: a Protection Assistant helps people. They work directly with at-risk groups, assist in case management, document needs, connect individuals with services, and make sure organizational policies are followed fairly and consistently.
What makes this role unique is that it blends administrative precision with human empathy. On one hand, Protection Assistants are responsible for data collection, reporting, and supporting program activities. On the other, they’re often on the frontlines—interacting with people who may be facing difficult circumstances. That means communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity matter just as much as organizational skills.
In many ways, they are the bridge: between the organization and the community, between written policy and real-world impact, and between a vulnerable individual’s need and the support system that can meet it.
Two Great Protection Assistant Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Protection Assistant
Job Title: Protection Assistant — Kakuma Field Program (Turkana County, Kenya)
Company: HarborAid International
Type: Full-Time | Field-Based | Salary: [Insert Range]
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
About HarborAid International
HarborAid International is a humanitarian organization headquartered in Nairobi, serving displaced and at-risk communities across East Africa. Our Kakuma Field Program supports refugees and host communities with protection case management, legal referrals, and psychosocial support. We’re a values-driven team that believes dignity, accountability, and cultural humility should guide every interaction.
What You’ll Do
- Provide frontline case management for individuals at risk (intake, safety planning, referrals).
- Conduct protection monitoring and community outreach to identify emerging risks.
- Maintain high-quality documentation in line with data protection standards.
- Coordinate with partner NGOs and government actors to activate services (legal, medical, shelter).
- Support awareness sessions on rights, GBV prevention, child protection, and safeguarding.
- Contribute to weekly reporting, dashboards, and donor updates.
What We’re Looking For
- 1–2+ years in protection/social work/humanitarian programs (camp or displacement context preferred).
- Strong active listening, de-escalation, and confidentiality
- Fluent in English and Swahili; knowledge of Somali, Arabic, or Turkana is a plus.
- Comfortable working in field settings and collaborating with multi-agency teams.
- Solid command of case management tools (e.g., CP/GBV IMS, KOBO/CommCare) is an advantage.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive medical cover (employee + eligible dependents)
- Paid time off: [Insert days] + public holidays
- Field allowance and transport stipend
- Learning budget for trainings/certifications
- Wellness & counseling (EAP) access
- Phone/data support for field work
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Tangible impact: Your work directly improves safety, access to services, and dignity.
- Strong team culture: Supportive supervisors, structured check-ins, and peer learning.
- Career growth: Exposure to complex cases, inter-agency coordination, and donor reporting.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We review every application and keep you updated through each step. Shortlisted candidates proceed to a practical exercise and interview.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Protection Assistant (We’ll Train You)
Job Title: Protection Assistant — Nairobi Urban Refugee Program (Early-Career)
Company: HarborAid International
Type: Full-Time | Hybrid Field/Office | Salary: [Insert Range]
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
About HarborAid International
HarborAid International partners with urban refugee communities in Nairobi to expand safe access to services, documentation, and livelihoods. We’re growing our protection team and welcome motivated early-career applicants who bring empathy, reliability, and a learner’s mindset. If you care about people and want a mission-driven start, this is for you.
What You’ll Do
- Support senior caseworkers with intake, referrals, and follow-ups.
- Assist with data entry, appointment scheduling, and secure file management.
- Join community outreach and help facilitate awareness sessions.
- Learn core protection principles (safeguarding, informed consent, do-no-harm).
- Coordinate logistics for clinics, mobile help desks, and partner meetings.
What We’re Looking For
- Compassion, professionalism, and strong communication.
- Organized, reliable, and comfortable with basic digital tools (Google Workspace/Excel).
- Community volunteering or social impact exposure is a plus—but not required.
- Fluency in English and Swahili; other community languages are an advantage.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical insurance (employee + eligible dependents)
- Paid time off: [Insert days] + public holidays
- Transport stipend for field activities
- Mentorship & structured training plan (first 90 days + quarterly milestones)
- Learning stipend for courses/certifications
- Phone/data support
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Start your career with purpose: Learn protection the right way with mentorship.
- Build transferable skills: Case handling, outreach, triage, documentation, coordination.
- Inclusive path to growth: Clear competency ladder and regular feedback cycles.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We respond to every application within 1–2 weeks. Selected candidates complete a short, practical task before interviews.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Why These Protection Assistant Job Descriptions Work
1. Clear, Specific Job Titles
Instead of a vague “Protection Assistant,” the titles specify location (Kakuma / Nairobi) and context (field program, urban refugee program). This immediately signals relevance and attracts the right candidates — those familiar with the environment or interested in that specific setting.
2. Humanized Intros with a Video Element
Each post includes a short hiring manager video link right at the top. This adds a face and voice to the organization, helping candidates feel personally welcomed before reading the rest. It builds trust and cuts through the generic, text-heavy norm.
3. Company Context That Feels Real
The “About HarborAid International” section is specific to an actual organization, its values, and its work. This prevents the job post from reading like a generic template. Candidates can immediately picture the mission they’d be supporting.
4. Responsibilities With Impact
Instead of just listing “case management” or “data entry,” the descriptions connect tasks to purpose (e.g., “Your work directly improves safety, access to services, and dignity”). This turns duties into mission-driven contributions.
5. Transparent Qualifications
- Experienced hire template: lists specific tools (KOBO, CP/GBV IMS) to attract professionals who can hit the ground running.
- Entry-level template: signals openness to train, and encourages people with passion (even without formal experience) to apply.
This dual approach broadens the applicant pool without watering down standards.
6. Clear Perks & Benefits Section
Candidates don’t want to guess. Both templates outline concrete benefits like medical cover, PTO, transport stipends, and learning opportunities. Transparency builds trust and makes the post competitive.
7. Separate “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section
This section sells the role. Instead of only describing what candidates give, it highlights what they’ll gain: career growth, skills, a supportive team, and meaningful impact. This balances the employer’s needs with the candidate’s motivations.
8. Respectful Hiring Process
The “How to Apply” section emphasizes fairness, updates, and clarity:
- All applications reviewed
- Clear timeline (1–2 weeks)
- Short, practical tasks before interviews
This directly addresses candidate frustrations with black-hole applications.
9. Human Tone That Connects
Notice the tone: words like “compassion,” “mission-driven,” “mentorship,” “impact,” and “growth.” This makes the post feel alive and relatable, rather than cold and transactional.
Example of a Bad Protection Assistant Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Protection Assistant
Company: International Relief Organization
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking a Protection Assistant to support our programs. The successful candidate will assist with day-to-day activities, provide support to the protection team, and ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with program implementation.
- Maintain records and reports.
- Support team with protection-related tasks.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or related field.
- 1–2 years of work experience.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter to careers@reliefjobs.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Title
Simply “Protection Assistant” without any context (location, focus, or mission). Candidates can’t tell if it’s relevant to their expertise. - Cold, Vague Introduction
The summary is lifeless: “support programs” and “assist the team.” It doesn’t communicate what the role means or why it matters. - No Company Story or Mission
There’s no “About Us” section or context about the organization’s values, culture, or impact. For candidates motivated by purpose, this is a deal-breaker. - Responsibilities Are Empty
“Assist with program implementation” or “perform other duties” could mean anything. It doesn’t give candidates clarity on what they’ll actually do day-to-day. - No Transparency on Compensation or Perks
Nothing about salary, benefits, leave days, or professional development. This creates distrust and discourages serious applicants. - Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels impersonal and outdated. It signals a poor candidate experience. - No Personality in the CTA
“Send CV to careers@…” is cold and transactional. There’s no motivation, no encouragement, and no sense of candidate value.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Description Stand Out
Most job posts stop at listing responsibilities and requirements — but the best ones go further. Here are extra details you can add to your Protection Assistant job description to attract better candidates and build trust:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Candidates want to know their personal details are safe. A simple line like this builds trust:
“We take the security and privacy of all applicants very seriously. We will never request payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.”
2. Mention Leave & Flex Days
Compassionate fields like protection attract people who value balance. By showing you care about rest, you stand out:
“Enjoy up to 24 flex days off per year, in addition to public holidays, so you can recharge and return stronger.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Protection work can be emotionally challenging, but also a career-defining path. Mentioning growth reassures candidates that they won’t just “burn out in the field”:
“We invest in our people with ongoing training, mentorship, and learning stipends to help you grow professionally.”
4. Use a Video Element
Adding a short Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager or field team makes your post personal and credible. Candidates get to see and hear the people behind the words, which builds emotional connection.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Clarify Your Candidate Experience Promise
Even one sentence can shift perception:
“We respect your time and review every application. You’ll hear from us within two weeks — no matter the outcome.”
Should You Use AI to Write a Protection Assistant Job Description?
AI tools are everywhere right now — even some ATS platforms offer “one-click job description generators.” But here’s the catch: if you use AI blindly, you’ll end up with the exact kind of generic, lifeless job posts that turn away strong candidates.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- It produces generic filler. Without context, AI spits out the same bullet points you’ve seen a thousand times.
- It attracts the wrong people. A vague post will flood you with unqualified applicants.
- It hurts your brand. Remember, a job post is often a candidate’s first impression of your organization. A robotic, copy-paste ad signals you don’t value people.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI can be a great tool — if you feed it the right ingredients. Treat it like an editor and organizer, not the author.
Here’s how:
- Provide real inputs before prompting:
- What your company does
- Who you serve
- The mission behind the role
- Your values & culture
- Benefits & salary range
- Key responsibilities in plain language
- What your company does
- Use prompts like:
“Help me write a Protection Assistant job post for HarborAid International. We’re hiring in Kakuma, Kenya. Our culture is mission-driven and supportive, and we want candidates who are empathetic, reliable, and eager to learn. Here are the responsibilities and benefits I’ve drafted: [paste]. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please polish this into a warm, candidate-friendly post.” - Review and humanize the output: add warmth, inject culture, include a video link, and make sure it sounds like you.
In short: don’t let AI replace your voice. Use it to shape and refine — but keep the humanity, because that’s what attracts great Protection Assistants.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Copy-Paste Protection Assistant Job Description Templates
We get it — sometimes you just need a solid starting point. Here are two quick templates you can copy, paste, and tailor to your organization.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Protection Assistant — Support & Safeguard Communities at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State/Country])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
🎥 A quick word from our hiring manager: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we believe protection starts with people, not policies. Our [Program/Team Name] partners with [the communities you serve—e.g., displaced families, survivors, at-risk youth] to expand safe access to services and uphold dignity. We’re growing our team and looking for someone who shares our mission.
What You’ll Do
- Support case intake, triage, referrals, and follow-ups.
- Join community outreach and awareness sessions.
- Maintain accurate documentation in secure systems.
- Coordinate with partner agencies to activate services (legal, medical, shelter).
- Contribute to weekly reporting and team learning.
Requirements
- [X+] years in protection/social work/humanitarian programs (or equivalent experience) — entry paths welcome if you have strong people skills.
- Clear, empathetic communication; strong confidentiality
- Comfortable with field or hybrid work and basic digital tools ([Google Workspace/Excel/CRM]).
- Fluency in [Primary Language]; [Other languages] a plus.
Perks & Benefits
- Health coverage (employee + eligible dependents)
- Paid time off: [X] days + public holidays
- [Stipends/allowances] for field/transport/phone-data
- Learning & development budget (courses, certifications, conferences)
- Wellness/EAP access
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Meaningful impact: Your work directly improves safety, access, and dignity.
- Supportive culture: Regular check-ins, mentorship, and peer learning.
- Growth path: Clear competencies, feedback cycles, and internal mobility.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We review every application and respond within [1–2 weeks]. Shortlisted candidates complete a brief, practical task before interviews.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Protection Assistant — [Program/Team Name] at [Company Name]
💼 Location: [City/Region, Country] (Hybrid/On-site/Remote)
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a Protection Assistant to support [program focus—e.g., urban refugee services/case management & outreach]. You’ll help ensure at-risk individuals can access timely, appropriate services with dignity.
Responsibilities
- Conduct intake, documentation, and secure data entry.
- Provide referrals and follow-ups; support basic case management.
- Assist with protection monitoring and awareness activities.
- Coordinate with partners/government services; support logistics.
- Contribute to reports and team meetings.
Requirements
- [Diploma/Degree] in [Social Sciences/Humanities or relevant field] or equivalent experience.
- [0–2+/X] years in humanitarian/protection/community work (volunteer experience welcome).
- Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and confidentiality.
- Comfortable with [Google Workspace/Excel/CRM/KOBO/CommCare].
- Fluency in [Primary Language]; [Other languages] a plus.
Perks & Benefits
- Health insurance (employee + eligible dependents)
- Annual leave: [X] days + public holidays
- [Field/transport/phone-data] support
- Training & mentorship plan (first 90 days + quarterly milestones)
- Learning stipend for courses/certifications
How to Apply
Submit your application via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We keep candidates informed at each step and provide timely updates.
Take Your Hiring Beyond the Job Description with WorkScreen
A great job description is only the first step. Once applications start coming in, you need a way to quickly spot the people who are genuinely qualified — without wasting hours sifting through CVs. That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s how WorkScreen helps you hire smarter:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates.
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Run one-click skill tests.
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort applicants.
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- Save time and avoid costly hiring mistakes.
By combining automated evaluation with human-centered job descriptions, you get both quality and speed.
Sign up for WorkScreen.io today
👉 Ready to simplify your hiring?
and turn your job posts into your most powerful recruiting tool.
Protection Assistant Job Description - FAQs
Beyond the basics of case management and documentation, a strong Protection Assistant should demonstrate empathy, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills. They need to listen actively, handle sensitive information with confidentiality, and maintain professionalism under pressure. Practical skills like data entry accuracy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptability are equally important, since protection work often involves dynamic field conditions and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
The salary for a Protection Assistant varies widely depending on location, organization size, and donor funding. In humanitarian contexts, it can range from $15,000 to $30,000 per year globally, or $1,200 to $2,500 per month in many field locations. Urban or headquarters-based roles may pay slightly higher, while entry-level or volunteer-to-staff pathways may start lower but often include stipends, benefits, and growth opportunities.
Not exactly. A Protection Assistant typically supports caseworkers and program officers by handling intake, documentation, outreach, and logistical coordination. A Caseworker usually manages cases more directly and makes higher-level protection decisions. The Assistant role is often an entry or mid-level position that builds the foundation for future advancement.
While many organizations list a degree in Social Sciences, Psychology, Law, or related fields, it’s not always a strict requirement. Passion, empathy, and reliability can be just as important, especially for entry-level roles. Some NGOs even hire candidates with community experience or volunteer work and then provide training.
Protection work can be emotionally demanding. Challenges include working with vulnerable populations, navigating resource limitations, and dealing with stressful field environments. Successful Protection Assistants balance resilience with empathy and rely on organizational support systems like supervision, training, and counseling.
