Protection Officer Full Time NEW

Protection Officer – Afar-Megale Woreda 

Dan Church Aid (DCA) is a Denmark-based international NGO registered under certificate # 1083 by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations and working to improve the wellbeing of particularly the rural and pre-urban people in Ethiopia. DCA’s Programme mainly focus on save live, building resilience and fighting inequality targeting highly disaster-prone areas in Oromia, Amhara, Afar, and Gambella regions.

DCA Ethiopia Office is looking for a competent  Emergency Protection Officer for ET-RRM Tier2 conflict response.

• Vacancy Number:            DCA-Eth/VA-023/2026                                                                   
• Vacancy Date:                  October 28,2026
• Post Title:                         Protection Officer
• Required number:           One
• Type of Contract:            Upto January 07,2027
• Duty Station:                    Afar, Megale Woreda
• Reporting to:                    Emergency Food Security and Livelihood Coordinator
• Expected Start Date:       As soon as possible
• Application Deadline:     November 04,2026
• Salary Range:                  As per DCA salary Scale

Purpose

The Protection Officer will lead the implementation of protection interventions under the ET-RRM Tier 2 response for conflict-affected communities in Megale and Erebti Woreda. The role focuses on improving the safety, dignity, and psychosocial wellbeing of women, girls, and children through community-based protection systems, psychosocial services, and awareness-raising activities. The officer will work closely with local authorities, community structures, and DCA field teams to ensure protection principles and accountability are integrated across all project activities.

Key Responsibilities

Psychosocial Support Services

• Facilitate group counselling sessions and recreational activities to foster resilience and healing.
• Provide individual counselling for women and girls who have experienced GBV or other forms of abuse.
• Support caregivers experiencing stress or trauma symptoms.
• Conduct service mapping and update referral pathways for severe cases requiring specialized services (e.g., MHPSS).

1. Safe Space Management

• Oversee the operation of safe spaces for women and girls, ensuring they are accessible and equipped for psychosocial support, awareness sessions, and recreational activities.
• Coordinate with community leaders and local authorities to maintain safe and inclusive environments.

Community-Based Protection Mechanisms

• Establish and/or strengthen community-based protection committees with inclusive representation.
• Organize training for committee members on protection principles, safe reporting, and referral practices.
• Monitor and support committees in identifying protection concerns and implementing mitigation strategies.

Awareness and Capacity Building

• Organize regular awareness sessions on GBV, child protection, and reporting mechanisms.
• Facilitate community dialogues to promote accountability and knowledge of available services.

Distribution of Dignity Kits

• Coordinate safe distribution of dignity kits to women and girls of reproductive age.
• Ensure distributions are conducted privately and respectfully, accompanied by menstrual health and hygiene sessions.
• Document and monitor distributions for fairness and transparency.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Gender Studies, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in protection programming, GBV response, case management, psychosocial support in humanitarian settings.
• Strong understanding of protection principles, GBV, and child protection standards.
• Experience in community engagement and capacity building.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.
• Proficiency in English language.
• Fluency in local language is mandatory