Overall Purpose of the Role
The Protection Assistant – Legal, under the supervision of the Protection Officer, is responsible for carrying out protection and legal activities in accordance with DRC’s legal aid standards. The assistant will support IDPs, host communities, and returnees by providing legal counselling, information, assistance, and facilitating representation. The role may include other protection-related tasks as assigned to meet project objectives.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Provide one-on-one legal counselling and assistance to IDPs and conflict-affected populations. Support individuals in accessing legal rights, restoring civil documentation, and obtaining identification documents. Organize and conduct awareness-raising sessions on new legal developments. Assist the Protection Officer in conducting legal and protection assessments using DRC tools. Facilitate and monitor incoming and outgoing protection referral cases. Provide administrative and paralegal assistance to help clients access government and NGO services. Support and participate in public events such as meetings, roundtables, and technical working groups. Perform any other duties assigned by the Protection Officer or managers.
Reporting and Administrative Responsibilities
Develop a weekly work plan in coordination with the Protection Officer. Track, manage, and regularly upload cases into the information management system. Provide input for the monthly report. Document findings from needs assessments and produce relevant reports.
Experience and Technical Competencies
Excellent knowledge of federal and regional laws. Minimum 1 year of experience in humanitarian protection or law enforcement. Strong understanding of core protection concepts, prevention, response strategies, and ethical data handling. Experience working with vulnerable individuals based on age, gender, or diversity risks. Strong integrity, work ethic, and ability to meet deadlines under pressure. Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; knowledge of Kobo or other data collection tools is an advantage.
Education
University degree in Social Work, Social Science, Law, or a related field from a recognized institution.
Language Requirements
Excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Proficiency in Afaan Oromo and Somali is required.
DRC Core Competencies
Striving for excellence: Achieves results efficiently. Collaborating: Involves relevant parties and welcomes feedback. Taking the lead: Shows initiative and ownership. Communicating: Speaks and listens effectively and honestly. Demonstrating integrity: Upholds DRC values and ethical standards, including safeguarding.
What We Offer
Contract length: 7 Months. Contract type: National Contract. Salary and conditions according to DRC’s National Terms of Employment. Duty station: Hudet, Somali. Start date: ASAP. Band: I2 – Non-Management.
How to Apply
Applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (maximum 4 pages) in English. Applications submitted by email will not be considered. Closing date for applications: 16 December 2025. More information available at drc.ngo.
Equal Opportunity
DRC encourages women to apply and is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Only qualified Ethiopian nationals will be considered.