In conflict-affected regions, the path from displacement to dignity is often blocked by complex protection risks and emotional trauma. As a Case Management Assistant with the Danish Refugee Council, you serve as a dedicated advocate for those at their most vulnerable. By providing structured support and compassionate guidance, you help refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) navigate their challenges, ensuring that no individual is left to face their recovery alone in the heart of the humanitarian response in Borno.

Job Summary

The Case Management Assistant is responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centered support to individuals facing significant protection concerns. Your primary goal is to establish a foundation of trust with clients, assessing their unique behavioral and social needs to create holistic recovery plans. You will act as the critical link between vulnerable individuals and the essential services they require to rebuild their lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Holistic Case Intake: Identify and interview individuals with protection needs during field outreach or through agency referrals, determining eligibility for support based on vulnerability benchmarks.
• Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluate the emotional, social, and safety risks of each client, conducting home visits when necessary to understand their physical living conditions.
• Individualized Action Planning: Collaborate directly with clients to design and execute tailored case plans that address their specific protection and psychosocial requirements.
• Service Coordination: Facilitate active referrals to specialized service providers, personally accompanying clients to appointments to ensure they receive the care they deserve.
• Psychosocial Counseling: Provide consistent emotional support and basic counseling, fostering a safe environment that respects the principles of confidentiality and dignity.
• Data Stewardship: Maintain meticulous digital and physical records of case progress on internal platforms, ensuring all data is archived according to strict protection standards.
• Risk Management: Immediately escalate emergency cases to supervisors and adhere to “Do No Harm,” PSEA, and non-discrimination protocols at all times.
• Environmental Scanning: Monitor the availability and quality of local services, reporting any gaps in the humanitarian landscape to improve the broader response strategy.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Academic Background: A University Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related social science field is highly preferred.
• Field Experience: At least one year of professional experience in a humanitarian or social service setting, preferably within protection programming.
• Language Proficiency: Full fluency in Hausa and Kanuri is essential for community engagement; a strong working command of English (both written and spoken) is required for reporting.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and experience with digital data entry platforms.
• Core Attributes: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to show empathy, maintain a non-discriminatory attitude, and perform effectively under high-pressure conditions.

Why the Job is Important

Case management is the heartbeat of protection work. Without the detailed, one-on-one attention provided by an Assistant, many IDPs would fall through the gaps of the aid system. This role ensures that aid is not just delivered, but is meaningful, safe, and tailored to the actual human beings surviving the crisis in Northeast Nigeria.

Benefits of Applying

• Global Impact: Join one of the world’s leading NGOs, known for high ethical standards and impactful conflict-response strategies.
• Professional Development: Gain specialized training in international protection standards and psychosocial support methodologies.
• Meaningful Career Path: Build a career at the forefront of the humanitarian sector in a role that offers direct, visible results in the lives of displaced families.

Salary and Compensation

Competitive (DRC offers a salary package aligned with international NGO scales in Nigeria, including benefits consistent with the level of the position).

About the Organization

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a world-renowned, independent humanitarian organization that has been championing the rights of displaced people since 1956. Operating in over 30 countries, we provide life-saving assistance and long-term solutions to those affected by conflict and displacement. Our work is guided by a rights-based approach, ensuring that refugees, IDPs, and host communities are empowered to lead dignified lives. In Nigeria, DRC is a lead actor in the Northeast, focusing on protection, food security, and the restoration of livelihoods in the most affected areas.

Application Information

• Location: Borno State, Nigeria
• Application Deadline: January 19, 2026
• How to Apply: Qualified candidates must submit their applications through the official DRC career portal at drc.ngo. Ensure your CV clearly highlights your experience with protection principles and your language capabilities in Hausa and Kanuri.

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on Protection Principles: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of concepts like Informed Consent and The Best Interest of the Child.
• Language is Key: Clearly state your level of proficiency in local Borno dialects, as these are critical for the role’s success.
• Highlight Empathy: Use your cover letter to describe a time you supported someone through a difficult situation while maintaining professional boundaries.