About the Organization

Development for Peace Organization (DPO) is a distinguished Ethiopian non-profit organization established in 2020. Our fundamental mission is to address the humanitarian and developmental needs of communities with an unwavering commitment to impartiality. We believe in providing support regardless of race, color, religion, or cultural background, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the assistance they deserve in a dignified and effective manner.

DPO is legally recognized and registered as a National NGO in Ethiopia (Reg. 5164). Beyond our domestic efforts, we have successfully expanded our operations to meet regional crises, holding international NGO status in South Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya. We are also in the final stages of establishing our presence in Yemen, demonstrating our commitment to serving as a resilient partner in some of the world's most challenging humanitarian environments.

Our work is guided by the principles of peace-building and sustainable growth. We strive to create a link between emergency relief and long-term development, ensuring that our interventions today lead to a more stable tomorrow. DPO is built on a foundation of professional excellence, working closely with international clusters and local authorities to deliver high-impact programming in protection, health, and social services.

We pride ourselves on maintaining an organizational culture that is inclusive, transparent, and mission-driven. Every member of our team plays a vital role in upholding the standards of the UN Child Protection principles. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, and discrimination, ensuring that our workplace and the communities we serve remain safe and respectful for everyone.

DPO is an equal-opportunity employer that thrives on diversity. We believe that a workforce representing various backgrounds and experiences makes us more innovative and effective. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply, as we are committed to providing a supportive environment where all professionals can contribute to their fullest potential.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The Protection Officer is a critical role within DPO’s regional strategy, serving as the frontline defender of human rights and safety for persons of concern. This position is strategically essential because it ensures that our humanitarian response is not just about delivering aid, but about ensuring that aid is delivered safely, equitably, and with full respect for the dignity of the beneficiaries.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with target communities to identify and mitigate protection risks. By conducting regular field visits and focus group discussions, you will gather the insights necessary to design interventions that address the specific needs of children, women, and the elderly. Your work will directly influence how DPO adapts its monitoring tools to provide timely and effective assistance.

The strategic impact of a Protection Officer extends to advocacy and coordination. You will represent DPO in Protection Clusters, collaborating with government departments and other NGO partners to improve the overall protection environment. By flagging issues and proposing corrective actions, you act as an early warning system that prevents further harm to at-risk populations.

For the ambitious professional, this role offers significant career development opportunities. You will gain hands-on experience in implementing international human rights standards within complex humanitarian settings. DPO encourages its Protection Officers to take an active lead in developing new protection strategies, providing a platform for you to become a thought leader in the field of social and legal protection.

Ultimately, your work ensures that the most vulnerable have a voice. By facilitating referrals and providing guidance on accessing essential services, you empower individuals to navigate crises with greater resilience. This role is fundamental to DPO’s mission of fostering peace and stability by protecting the rights of every individual we serve.

Job Positions and Requirements

1. Protection Officer

Educational Qualification: BA degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Law, or other related social science fields.

Work Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a similar position. Candidates should have at least 1 year of specific experience working in development or humanitarian settings. Previous experience with humanitarian agencies or NGOs is highly preferable.

Job Location: Laelay/Tahtay Adeyabo, Humera, and Dimma.

Salary: As per the organization's professional salary scale.

No. Required: 2

Applicants must possess a strong technical understanding of core protection concepts and experience in implementing protection programming. You should be familiar with international human rights and the fundamental principles of humanitarian work.

The role requires a high degree of flexibility and a willingness to maintain a regular presence at project sites. This includes working during irregular hours and in potentially insecure environments to ensure the safety of the target population.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. You must be able to conduct interviews and focus group discussions in a safe, empathetic, and professional manner, ensuring the highest standards of data protection and confidentiality.

Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required. Familiarity with ERP systems and digital data collection tools will be considered a distinct advantage.

Managerial competencies in building trust and empowering community mobilizers are vital. You will be expected to supervise field assistants and provide them with the technical guidance necessary to execute field-level activities.

Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for reporting and cluster participation. Proficiency in the local languages spoken at the duty stations (Laelay/Tahtay Adeyabo, Humera, or Dimma) is a significant asset for effective community engagement.

The successful candidate must be a critical thinker, capable of designing appropriate interventions and advocacy activities with the participation of representative community groups.

DPO seeks individuals who are committed to continuous learning and the rigorous implementation of organizational policies, particularly those relating to child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation.

Employment Type and Compensation

This is a full-time position that offers a career-defining opportunity to work with a leading national NGO. DPO provides a stable and professional work environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is supported. The employment is contract-based, with opportunities for extension based on the success of the project and individual performance.

The compensation package is competitive and aligned with the standards of the humanitarian sector in Ethiopia. We recognize the challenging nature of protection work, especially in field locations, and we strive to provide a package that reflects the expertise and commitment required for this role.

In addition to financial compensation, DPO offers the chance to work within a high-functioning regional team. You will have access to professional networks, cluster meetings, and specialized training that will enhance your profile as a protection specialist in the international humanitarian community.

How to Apply

To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, we have streamlined our application method. At this initial stage, candidates are NOT required to provide scanned copies of certificates, degrees, or experience letters. We ask that you focus on providing a clear and compelling summary of your qualifications through your resume and motivation letter.

Original documents and academic credentials will be requested only for physical verification during the interview stage. This approach allows us to review applications more quickly while ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their professional merit and suitability for the role.

Please be advised that DPO receives a high volume of applications for its vacancies. Consequently, only those candidates who are shortlisted for the next phase of the recruitment process will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks after the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time.

The recruitment process involves a thorough review of your background and references, in line with our commitment to the UN Child Protection principles. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and expect all staff to conform to the highest standards of professional conduct.

Interested and qualified candidates should fill out the official Google Form and submit their motivation letter along with a non-returnable updated resume. Both documents must be merged into a single PDF file and sent via email to recruitment@devforpeace.org. Please ensure that the subject line of your email is "PROTECTION OFFICER".

Application Deadline

April 20, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

Application Form: https://forms.gle/2MpgdyKi3k8vnK4v8

Email: recruitment@devforpeace.org