About the Organization
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, operating in more than 40 countries to provide rights-based, holistic assistance to displaced populations. Founded in 1956, DRC works across the entire spectrum of displacement, from emergency aid and measurable protection to long-term durable solutions and community resilience. The organization is driven by a mission to help refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities lead dignified lives, free from fear and exploitation.
DRC’s culture is anchored in five core competencies: striving for excellence, collaborating, taking the lead, communicating, and demonstrating integrity. This professional environment fosters innovation and ownership, encouraging staff to reach results through efficient and ethical processes. As a global leader in the humanitarian sector, DRC provides an exceptional platform for professional growth, offering exposure to complex crisis management, high-level coordination with UN agencies, and specialized technical training in protection and peacebuilding.
The organization is deeply committed to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. DRC actively works to bridge the gender gap at all staffing levels and provides an inclusive environment based on mutual respect. By joining DRC, professionals become part of a dedicated team that values diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, religion, or ethnic origin. The work at DRC is not just a job; it is a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct and safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable.
Staff development is a priority at DRC, where mentoring and technical guidance are part of the daily workflow. The organization recognizes its employees as the primary drivers of its success, offering rewarding work in fast-paced environments like the Tigray region. Career advancement at DRC is supported by a global network of expertise, ensuring that staff are well-versed in key concepts such as the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and conflict-sensitive programming.
In alignment with our values, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for leadership roles to help us achieve gender parity. We are dedicated to creating a workspace where talented individuals can make a meaningful, lasting contribution to the lives of displaced people in Ethiopia and beyond. DRC considers all applicants based on merit and promotes a culture of accountability to both staff and the communities we serve.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Protection Team Leader is a strategic leadership role within the Sheraro Field Office, responsible for the technical quality and timely execution of DRC’s protection and peacebuilding portfolio. Working under the Protection Manager, you will lead field-level interventions that range from legal aid and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case management to psychosocial support and Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) rights. This role is fundamental to ensuring that humanitarian aid is delivered with a “protection lens,” prioritizing the safety and dignity of IDPs and host communities.
The strategic impact of this position lies in your ability to bridge high-level project design with practical, field-level implementation. By overseeing information hubs, peace committees, and multisectoral assessments, you directly influence the resilience and social cohesion of crisis-affected populations. Your work in establishing referral pathways and service mappings ensures that displaced individuals can access the critical services they need to survive and recover from conflict.
For the professional, this role offers a “day-in-the-life” experience that combines technical management with hands-on staff leadership. You will be responsible for mentoring Protection Officers and Assistants, building their capacity to respond to complex displacement dynamics. This role provides a significant platform for career growth, as it involves high-level liaison with government authorities, local stakeholders, and international partners, positioning you as a key humanitarian actor in the Tigray region.
The Protection Team Leader also plays a critical role in project lifecycle management, from proposal development to MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning). By ensuring that data collection is ethical and that spending is tracked meticulously, you safeguard the integrity of donor-funded programs. This role is essential for maintaining DRC’s reputation for excellence and for ensuring that interventions remain responsive to the evolving needs of the refugee and IDP populations.
Ultimately, your leadership will foster community resilience and conflict resolution. By mainstreaming gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches, you ensure that DRC’s peacebuilding initiatives are sustainable and impactful. This position is a unique opportunity to lead transformative change in one of Ethiopia’s most challenging humanitarian contexts, making a tangible difference in the pursuit of peace and protection.
Job Positions and Requirements
Protection Team Leader
Educational Qualification: Advanced degree (Master’s) in International Law, Development Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, or relevant Social Sciences.
Work Experience: 3 years of experience with displaced populations and displacement dynamics; minimum of 2 years of management or technical protection experience with an international NGO or UN agency.
Job Location: Sheraro, Ethiopia.
Salary: According to DRC Terms of Employment for National Employees (Band G – Management).
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time National Contract position with a fixed term up to July 31, 2026. The role is classified under Band G (Management), reflecting its high level of responsibility and technical requirement. DRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with its standardized terms of employment for national staff in Ethiopia.
The compensation package is designed to support long-term professional stability and growth. Beyond the financial components, DRC provides comprehensive insurance, opportunities for international technical training, and a supportive working environment that prioritizes staff well-being and security. This role offers a prestigious management platform within a world-class humanitarian organization.
How to Apply
DRC invites qualified Ethiopian nationals to submit their applications through our official recruitment portal. To ensure your application is considered, please follow these instructions carefully:
Access the official application link at the DRC website or the provided portal button.
Upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English.
Strict Limit: Your CV must not exceed three (3) pages. Applications with CVs longer than three pages may be automatically disqualified.
No Email Applications: Applications sent via email will not be considered. All submissions must be made through the online system.
No Scans: Please do not upload scanned certificates or attachments at this stage; these will be requested only for verified candidates during the interview process.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for technical tests and interviews.
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Interested and qualified candidates can apply directly through the DRC job portal at: https://drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/vacancies/ (Search for Job ID: 175807)