GBV/ Protection Officer

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Organization Background

Partnership for Pastoralists Development Association (PAPDA) is a legally registered humanitarian, non-profitmaking, non-religious, non-political, and non-governmental local organization striving to empower the livelihood of pastoralist communities in Ethiopia. PAPDA was established in June 2006 and registered with the Ministry of Justice in May 2007, with registration No. 3111. The organization was re-registered by the newly established Charities and Societies Agency in the Ministry of Justice with certificate No. 0355. The mission of the organization is to contribute towards the provision of efficient, effective, and sustainable basic socio-economic services that enhance the living standard of the pastoralist communities.

Project Overview

PAPDA seeks experienced professionals for its EHF/OCHA-funded project entitled "Integrating and Strengthening Community-Based Protection and Resilience for Drought-Affected Communities in Rayitu Woreda, East Bale Zone, Oromia Region," focusing on Protection/GBV sectors. The project aims to reduce protection risks and strengthen the safety, dignity, and resilience of women, girls, children, and vulnerable groups in drought-affected communities of Rayitu Woreda through community-based protection, survivor-centered GBV and child protection services, integrated MHPSS, and strengthened coordination.

Position Title: Protection Officer Duration of Assignment: 11 months Reporting Line: Reports to the Area Manager and other line positions as required Number of Positions: One Duty Station: East Bale Zone, Rayitu Woreda

A. Background of the Position

The Protection Officer will support the implementation of protection activities in line with humanitarian principles, international protection standards, and organizational policies. The role aims to identify protection risks, strengthen referral systems, and ensure safe, dignified, and inclusive access to protection services.

B. Purpose of the Position

To coordinate and deliver protection interventions, monitor protection risks, support vulnerable populations, and ensure effective referral, reporting, and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

C. Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Planning

• Conduct regular assessments and monitoring to identify protection risks and vulnerabilities among individuals and groups.
• Analyze field data, community feedback, and partner reports to inform protection strategies and program planning.
• Develop risk maps and vulnerability profiles to prioritize interventions for the most at-risk populations.
• Support the design and implementation of protection activities and SOPs in line with humanitarian principles and Do No Harm.
• Ensure all activities comply with safeguarding, PSEA, and child protection policies, promoting safe and ethical programming.

2. Implementation

• Mainstream protection activities into other sectors within the woreda.
• Implement field-level protection interventions targeting vulnerable individuals and groups, ensuring safety and ethical standards.
• Facilitate timely and confidential referrals to GBV, Child Protection, Legal Aid, MHPSS, and follow up to ensure appropriate care.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation of protection concerns and prepare reports on trends, risks, and incidents.
• Track progress using monitoring tools and identify gaps in protection services to inform program improvements.
• Actively coordinate with protection partners, community structures, and inter-sectoral actors to strengthen protection outcomes.
• Organize and conduct community awareness activities on protection, rights, and available services using culturally appropriate methods.
• Collect and integrate community feedback to improve the relevance and effectiveness of protection interventions.

3. Capacity Building

• Train, mentor, and build the capacity of community volunteers, peer educators, and local structures on protection principles, referral pathways, and risk response.
• Provide technical support and guidance to partners and field staff, and facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and workshops to strengthen skills.
• Conduct briefings and refresher sessions to ensure compliance with safeguarding, PSEA, and child protection policies.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and ethical practice across all program activities.

D. Coordination and Reporting

• Participate in protection coordination meetings and working groups.
• Report protection trends to inform programming.
• Escalate serious protection and safeguarding concerns through approved channels.
• Prepare and submit regular updates and periodic progress reports to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of project activities.

E. Expected Deliverables and Outputs

• Timely reports on protection risks, trends, and incidents.
• Functional referral systems connecting vulnerable populations to services.
• Community awareness sessions conducted and documented.
• Accurate and confidential protection case records maintained.
• Participation and contribution in coordination meetings and inter-agency forums.

F. Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Law, Human Rights, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in protection programming in humanitarian settings, of which a minimum of two years of NGO experience in the field.
• Strong knowledge of protection principles, referral pathways, and case management concepts.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and uphold confidentiality, safeguarding, and ethical standards.

G. Work Conditions and Requirements

• Full-time position based in the project woredas.
• Flexibility to work outside regular hours.

H. Cross-Cutting Issues

The Protection Officer must adhere to organisational policies, including the code of conduct, child protection policies, and health and safety regulations. Compliance with ethical standards is mandatory. A training certificate on humanitarian principles and standards is preferable.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates can apply through: https://papda.odoo.com/jobs/apply/gbv-protection-officer-raitu-woreda-322

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