Overall Purpose of the Role
The Protection Officer – CBP & HDP is responsible for delivering quality protection and peacebuilding interventions as part of emergency response, in line with DRC Ethiopia’s protection strategy and minimum standards. The officer conducts or oversees psychosocial support (PSS), conflict sensitization, Rapid Protection Assessment (RPA), and other activities assigned by the supervisor. The role involves close coordination with the protection team leader, assistants, community mobilizers, and other sector teams to strengthen protection and HDP programming in project locations.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
- Conduct Rapid Protection Assessments (RPAs) with team members, ensuring ethical data collection.
- Support targeting, beneficiary selection, and distribution of multi-purpose cash and dignity kits.
- Support establishment of mobile protection centres for accessible services in underserved areas.
- Facilitate service mapping, update referral pathways, manage referrals to/from partners, and coordinate with authorities to ensure effective service delivery.
- Deliver individual and group PSS sessions and support capacity-building initiatives on PSS/PFA.
- Form and train inclusive peacebuilding committees, support participatory peacebuilding planning, and conduct conflict sensitization and awareness sessions.
- Follow protection guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ensure effective monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of activities.
- Carry out additional protection activities as assigned by the protection team leader.
Reporting and Administrative Responsibilities:
- Provide regular contextual and situational updates on project implementation and challenges.
- Prepare and submit weekly progress reports on protection activities to the protection team leader.
- Ensure proper documentation of project activities with corresponding means of verification.
Experience and Technical Competencies:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in an entry to mid-level position in humanitarian protection or relevant social services.
- Experience in Somali region strongly preferred.
- Experience in direct implementation of Community-Based Protection (CBP) and peacebuilding activities.
- Proven record of community engagement through assessments, trainings, workshops, or awareness sessions.
- Technical understanding of protection concepts, prevention, and response strategies.
- Experience responding to needs of vulnerable individuals based on protection risks, age, gender, and diversity.
- Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
- Commitment to organizational policies and procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Kobo and other data collection/analysis tools is desirable.
Education:
University degree in social work, social sciences, law, or other relevant field from a recognized institution.
Language Requirements:
- Excellent skills in speaking, reading, and writing English.
- Fluency in Affan Oromo is strongly preferred.
DRC Core Competencies:
Striving for excellence: Focus on achieving results efficiently.
Collaborating: Involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
Taking the lead: Show initiative and ownership.
Communicating: Listen and speak effectively and honestly.
Demonstrating integrity: Uphold high ethical standards and safeguarding.
What We Offer:
Contract length: 7 Months. Contract type: National Contract. Band: H2 – Non-Management. Duty station: East Borena. Start date: ASAP. Salary and conditions follow DRC Terms of Employment for National staff.
How to Apply:
Applicants must upload a cover letter and updated CV (maximum 4 pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Closing date: 16 Dec 2025. More information at drc.ngo.
Equal Opportunity:
DRC encourages women to apply and is committed to gender equality and diversity. Only qualified Ethiopian nationals will be considered. DRC does not discriminate based on age, sex, disability, religion, ethnicity, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics.