Protection/Referral Assistant

About Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.  In disaster and hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we collaborate to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Enhancing resilience is at the heart of what Mercy Corps does and how we work. Resilience means that people and systems can protect and improve wellbeing in the face of shocks and stresses. Mercy Corps strengthens sources of resilience to enhance the capacities of people, markets, and institutions to handle shocks, reduce risk, build more equitable and responsive systems, and improve well-being. Through our programs, partnerships, and influence, we support communities to cope, adapt, and ultimately thrive.

Since 1986, Mercy Corps Afghanistan has supported communities to recover and build resilience to future shocks and promote sustainable change by supporting community-led and market-driven initiatives, with a focus on the most marginalized. Our objectives include meeting immediate food and nutrition needs through cash, voucher, and WASH assistance, strengthening capacities for crisis preparedness and response, and in so doing, contribute to resilience through inclusive, climate-smart water systems, enhanced livelihoods opportunities, food security, and social cohesion. 

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

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.

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).

General Position Summary

The Referral Assistant supports Mercy Corps' Emergency Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) programming by assisting community members who present with needs that fall outside the scope of Mercy Corps supported services. The position provides information on available local services and facilitates simple referrals to appropriate service providers where the individual can access services to meet their expressed needs. The Referral Focal Point is responsible for maintaining updated referral information, ensuring safe and confidential handling of referrals, and tracking referral trends to support program learning and coordination with consortium protection leads.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

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.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Bottom of Form

Referral and Information Services

• Serve as the primary focal point for individuals identified through Mercy Corps activities who have needs beyond the scope of project assistance.
• Map and periodically update locally available services – contact information, types of specific services available.  Ensure all staff have access to this information. 
• Provide accurate information to individuals needing referral about the mapped available humanitarian, government, and community-based services in the area to ensure the individual is aware of the types of services available for their need. 
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate service providers based on the expressed needs and informed consent of the individual.
• Coordinate periodically with service providers to confirm contact information and service availability remain current.

Safe Referral Practices

• Ensure confidentiality and privacy when receiving and documenting referral requests.
• Apply a client-centered approach when interacting with individuals needing assistance by listening to their needs, providing accurate information about available services, following their preferences, being respectful, maintaining confidentiality and referring in a timely manner.   
• Recognize and immediately refer urgent protection concerns according to established organizational protocols.
• Avoid collecting unnecessary personal information.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain simple referral records using approved forms and tracking tools.
• Record referral categories while minimizing personally identifiable information.
• Analyze referral patterns and emerging trends.
• Produce monthly referral trend summaries for submission to consortium protection leads.
• Highlight gaps in locally available services and emerging community needs.
• Contribute referral data to program monitoring and protection mainstreaming efforts.

Coordination

• Coordinate with Mercy Corps focal points to ensure effective referral processes.
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings as requested.
• Support staff awareness on available referral options and referral procedures.
• Assist in updating referral guidance and informational materials. 

Project Coordination and Management

·       Ensure timely and accurate reporting and documentation in coordination with the Project Manager, and other team members.

Representation

·       Represent Mercy Corps in community meetings and stakeholder engagements within the project areas.

Security

·       Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

·       Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

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

·       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.

Supervisory Responsibility: N/A

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Project Manager

Works Directly With: Cash team, CCA partner staff, Protection teams, MEAL, local authorities, and community leaders to strengthen integrated, safe, and accountable programming. 

Knowledge and Experience

·       Education:  Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Human Rights, International Relations, or a related field preferred. Relevant field experience may substitute where appropriate.

·       Years of Experience: Minimum 1-2 years of relevant experience in protection, humanitarian response, referral work, community mobilization, case management, or related sectors preferred.

·       Skills: Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, community engagement, safeguarding, and beneficiary support skills with the ability to work effectively with vulnerable populations

·       Technical Competency:   Knowledge of protection mainstreaming, safer cash programming, referral systems, PSEA/SEAH, accountability mechanisms, and humanitarian principles preferred.

·       Communication and reporting skills   Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear reports, maintain documentation, and coordinate professionally with teams and stakeholders.

·       Fluency in Pashto, Dari and English

·       Computer skills (including MS Word, Excel, Access, and internet) an advantage

·       Ability to work closely, professionally, and constructively with all others regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, race, tribe, or cultural background

Ongoing Learning

·       In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

·       Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

·       We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

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.

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). 

ساتنه او اخلاق

مرسي کورپس ژمن دی چې ډاډ ترلاسه کړي چې ټول هغه کسان چې موږ د خپل کار له لارې اړیکه ونیسو، که د ټیم غړي، د ټولنې غړي، د پروګرام ګډون کوونکي یا نور، د درناوي او وقار سره چلند کیږي. موږ د جنسي استحصال او ناوړه ګټه اخیستنې د مخنیوي اصلي اصولو ته ژمن یو چې د ملګرو ملتونو د عمومي منشي او IASC لخوا ترتیب شوي او د اداري فساد افشا کولو سکیم ته یې لاسلیک کړی. د دې رول لپاره غوښتنلیک ورکولو سره یو غوښتونکی تاییدوي چې دوی دمخه د ګمارونکي جنسي ناوړه چلند، جنسي استحصال او ناوړه ګټه اخیستنې، د ماشومانو د ساتنې یا قاچاق کولو پالیسي څخه سرغړونه نه ده کړې. موږ به د خپل ټیم غړو یا د ماشومانو ناوړه ګټه اخیستنه، جنسي استحصال، ناوړه ګټه اخیستنه، یا ځورونې ونه زغمو. د خوندي او ټول شموله کاري چاپیریال لپاره زموږ د ژمنې د یوې برخې په توګه، د ټیم غړو څخه تمه کیږي چې خپل ځان په مسلکي ډول ترسره کړي، د سیمه ایزو قوانینو او دودونو درناوی وکړي، او هر وخت د مرسي کورپس د چلند پالیسیو او ارزښتونو پیروي وکړي. د ټیم غړي اړ دي چې د اجباري چلند کوډ د بریښنایی زده کړې کورسونه په کرایه او کلني اساس بشپړ کړي. د یو غوښتونکي په توګه، که تاسو د استخدام پروسې په جریان کې د کوم ډول جنسي ناوړه چلند شاهد یاست یا تجربه کوئ، مهرباني وکړئ دا د (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org) ته راپور کړئ.

حفاظت و اخلاق

مرسی کورپس متعهد است که اطمینان حاصل کند که با تمام افرادی که از طریق کار خود با آنها در تماس هستیم، اعم از اعضای تیم، اعضای جامعه، شرکت کنندگان برنامه یا سایرین، با احترام و وقار رفتار می شود. ما به اصول اصلی مربوط به پیشگیری از بهره کشی و سوء استفاده جنسی که توسط دبیرکل سازمان ملل متحد و IASC ارائه شده است متعهد هستیم و طرح افشای سوء رفتار بین سازمانی را امضا کرده ایم. با درخواست برای این نقش، متقاضی تأیید می کند که قبلاً تخلفات جنسی، استثمار و سوء استفاده جنسی، سیاست محافظت از کودک یا قاچاق کارفرما را نقض نکرده است. ما کودک آزاری، استثمار جنسی، سوء استفاده یا آزار و اذیت توسط یا اعضای تیم خود را تحمل نخواهیم کرد. به عنوان بخشی از تعهد ما به یک محیط کار ایمن و فراگیر، از اعضای تیم انتظار می رود که به شیوه ای حرفه ای رفتار کنند، به قوانین و آداب و رسوم محلی احترام بگذارند و همیشه به خط مشی ها و ارزش های کد رفتار مرسی کورپ پاپند باشند. اعضای تیم ملزم به تکمیل دوره های آموزش الکترونیکی آیین نامه رفتار اجباری پس از استخدام و به صورت سالانه هستند. به عنوان یک متقاضی، اگر در طول فرآیند استخدام شاهد یا تجربه هرگونه سوءرفتار جنسی بودید، لطفاً این موضوع را به خط تلفن جامع مرسی کورپس (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org) گزارش دهید.

Consent Language: 

“Mercy Corps collects your personal data for the purposes of managing Mercy Corps recruitment related activities as well as for organizational planning purposes globally. Consequently, Mercy Corps may use your personal data in relation to the evaluation and selection of applicants including, for example, setting up and conducting interviews and tests, evaluating and assessing the results thereto and as is otherwise needed in the recruitment processes including the final recruitment. 

Mercy Corps is an international organization consisting of multiple affiliated companies in various countries. Mercy Corps has international sites and uses resources located throughout the world. Your data may be held on secure platforms globally, including outside . All personal data whether relating to recruitment or employment, is held on a secure platform and system which is subject to regular testing and audit. Unless stated in the job description that the post involves other organizations with which the information will be shared as part of the recruitment process, your personal data will only be shared with third parties where consent is given. Mercy Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (the “Scheme”) (www.schr.info/the-misconduct-disclosure-scheme). Accordingly, we request information from a job applicant’s previous employer(s) about any investigations which found that the applicant committed sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents of misconduct under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, you confirm your consent to Mercy Corps collecting your prior employment history under the Scheme as part of the application process. Your data will be stored for up to four years.” 

By applying for this position, I attest that I have never violated a sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or human trafficking policy and that I have never been disciplined for violating an employer’s code of conduct.”

To apply for this position, please follow the below given link.

Protection/Referral Assistant

The deadline for submission is the close of business on 31-10-2026 applications received after the closing date and without a subject line will not be given consideration so, please make sure you put the vacancy number PROTE007246 Protection/Referral Assistant on the subject of your email, or your application will be disregarded by the system.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for the written test/interview.

Note:  Please note that MCA will provide office space and facilities only and is not providing any lodging facilities for its Team Members/Employees in HQ and field offices and it is the employee’s responsibility to arrange the lodgings for themselves if they work in a field office other than their home province.

Females are highly encouraged to apply for the MCA Open positions.