Protection Project Officer Full Time

 Expertise France                                                                                                                                                                                      

Expertise France (EF) is a French public agency established to implement international technical assistance projects. EF operates in various sectors including public health, governance, safety and security reform, and humanitarian response. EF’s work focuses on fostering international cooperation through large-scale, multi- stakeholder projects, in development as well as in crisis and post-crisis settings. Created in 2015 under the supervision of the French Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy and Finance, with a strong inter- ministerial vocation. Carrying out large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects, EF can ensure the cooperation between individuals, teams and institutions with very different status, cultures and specialties.

 Background and presentation of the project                                                                                                                               

The conflict in northern Ethiopia continues to impose severe and lasting impacts on the region, exacerbating humanitarian needs and affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in Afar and Tigray regions. Despite the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, ongoing violence has intensified the demand for protection and socio-economic support for those affected.

Protection and Resilience in Northern Ethiopia Project

In response, Expertise France has initiated a comprehensive program to support the protection and resilience needs of conflict-affected communities. This program focuses on improving access to essential protection services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and other vulnerable groups, including supporting safe houses and promoting sustainable service delivery through policy dialogue. Furthermore, it seeks to foster long-term recovery by integrating livelihood initiatives that support economic self-sufficiency and contribute to stabilization in the region.

Complementing existing Expertise France projects, this initiative aims to enhance resilience and recovery for these communities by addressing both urgent humanitarian needs and the foundations for sustainable recovery. The program’s objectives include (OS1) strengthening access to quality protection services that meet health, safety, and justice needs, as well as (OS2) involving GBV survivors and other vulnerable groups in livelihood activities that build resilience and advance recovery.

Job description

The Protection Officer, will be responsible for ensuring the technical quality and relevance of protection activities, with a focus on services for GBV survivors and vulnerable populations. Under the direct supervision of EF Protection and Resilience Project Manager, he/she will provide technical guidance, support operational staff and coordinate activities with partners and stakeholders.

Based in Addis Abeba, with regular field mission to Abala and Mekelle, he/she will carry out the following activities:

Project Planning and Implementation of Activities

• Develop and deliver technical recommendations to guide the design, implementation, and adaptation of protection activities, ensuring high-quality, contextually appropriate services for all project beneficiaries and stakeholders;
• Oversee the setup and operation of comprehensive support services for GBV survivors, vulnerable women, and other affected groups, with a specific focus on:
  • Supervising and monitoring training for One-Stop Center (OSC) staff.
  • Coordinating the activities of Roving Protection and Medical Teams.
  • Ensuring the effective management and operation of Safe Houses.
• Lead the development of a policy roadmap aimed at fostering policy dialogue with relevant stakeholders to promote the long-term sustainability and adaptability of the Safe House model;
• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager to align protection services with broader program initiatives, fostering an integrated approach to resilience and recovery.
• Perform any other related duties upon instructions.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop monitoring tools and track the effectiveness of protection services, providing feedback to refine program strategies and approaches;
• Compile and analyze protection data, ensuring accurate and timely reporting on project outcomes and impact;
• Document best practices and lessons learned to inform future programming.

Budget Management

• Support the project manager with budget planning and activities oversight for overall project implementation;
• Ensure that EF and partners’ resource allocation aligns with project priorities and is effectively monitored and reported.

Human Resources and Team Management

• Identify training needs for OSC and safe house staff, coordinating with experts to deliver capacity- building sessions and enhancing the quality of protection services and reintegration opportunities;
• Provide overall guidance and mentorship to field staff, fostering a cohesive and skilled protection team.

Strategy, Partnership, and Coordination

• Participate in the Protection Cluster, in the GBV-AOR and in other cooperation platforms, representing the project alongside the project manager and contract manager to align with regional and national protection strategies.
• Engage with local and national policymakers to establish supportive frameworks and strategies, ensuring the Safe House model can be maintained and adapted as needed to meet evolving protection needs.
• Support the development of policy papers and strategic documents on protection, ensuring alignment with national and international standards.
• Liaise with key stakeholders, including governmental, non-governmental, and community-based organizations, to strengthen partnerships and promote coordinated responses.
• Duty station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with regular field missions to Abala and Mekelle)
• Project Location: Abala (Afar region), Mekelle (Tigray region)
• Duration of assignment: 11 months (full time)
•  Contract type: fixed-term employment contract
• Starting date: 01/01/2025
• Location: The duty station of the position is Addis Abeba (Ethiopia), with regular travels to Mekelle (Tigray) and Abala (Afar), depending on the security context.