Job Title: Protection Specialist – Access to Justice and Community-Based Protection
Organization: Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: National Contract, 12 Months
Band: G2 – Non-Management
Start Date: ASAP
Application Deadline: 9 November 2025
About the Job:
The Protection Specialist will support the Protection Manager in strengthening and expanding DRC’s protection programming in Ethiopia, focusing on access to justice, legal aid services, and community-based protection mechanisms. The Specialist will provide technical leadership, mentoring, and capacity building to field teams and local partners, ensuring protection interventions are rights-based, survivor-centered, and aligned with international and organizational standards.
The Specialist will support community-led protection initiatives, strengthen linkages with justice actors, and enhance access to legal remedies and protection services for vulnerable populations, including IDPs, returnees, and host communities affected by conflict and displacement.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical Oversight and Management of Protection Programming:
- Ensure DRC’s legal protection and CBP interventions follow international best practices.
- Provide technical oversight of community-based protection activities, including training manuals, SOPs, and community action plans.
- Conduct technical reviews of Access to Justice and CBP programming.
- Lead the development of concept notes and proposals for legal aid and CBP.
- Deliver training and mentoring to field teams on legal aid and community-based protection.
- Conduct legal needs assessments and analysis to inform project design.
- Develop and apply quality measures for legal protection activities in line with SPHERE, IASC, and national guidelines.
- Act as a focal person for complex legal cases, providing referrals and follow-up with UNHCR and other stakeholders.
- Strengthen partnerships with bar associations, legal aid providers, human rights commissions, and government entities.
- Provide technical support and capacity building to DRC’s legal aid and CBP partners.
Coordination and Representation:
- Represent DRC in Access to Justice and HLP working groups and coordination platforms.
- Ensure internal coordination of legal protection/community-based activities across DRC Ethiopia and regional programs.
- Promote understanding of legal protection issues and adherence to international protection standards.
- Advocate for policy and legislative reforms to improve justice and protection mechanisms.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Development:
- Support proposal development for protection-related programs.
- Conduct quality control and site monitoring of DRC and partners’ programs.
- Ensure protection activities address the needs of refugees, IDPs, and vulnerable populations.
- Apply Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), AGD approach, and Protection Mainstreaming principles.
- Contribute to a learning culture through after-action reviews and reflection sessions.
Experience and Technical Competencies:
- Minimum 5 years’ work experience in law and protection, particularly migrant/IDP/refugee protection.
- At least 3 years’ experience with international NGOs, UN agencies, relevant ministries, or local authorities in complex emergencies.
- Experience in coordination with national and local authorities and humanitarian forums.
- Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Experience in capacity building, training, and workshops.
Education:
- Minimum university or graduate degree in Law.
Languages:
- Excellent English writing skills.
Core Competencies:
- Striving for excellence
- Collaborating
- Taking the lead
- Communicating
- Demonstrating integrity
We Offer:
- Contract Length: 12 Months
- Contract Type: National Contract
- Band: G2 – Non-Management
- Duty Station: Addis Ababa
- Salary and Conditions: In accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for National Employees
Application Process:
- Applicants must upload a cover letter and CV (max 4 pages) in English.
- Applications sent by email will not be considered.
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Only qualified Ethiopian nationals may apply.
For more information: Visit DRC Website