Protection Officer

1.Introduction:

Positive Action for Development (PAD) is an indigenous, non-governmental, non-profit, secular, and legally registered Ethiopian Civil Society Organization (Registration No. 2330). PAD is committed to promoting a just, compassionate, and inclusive society where all people can thrive. Guided by the values of optimism, integrity, kindness, excellence, and impactful action, PAD works to provide effective humanitarian and development support to communities in need.

PAD is currently seeking qualified and motivated individuals for the following position(s)

Position: Protection Officer

Number required: 1 (one)

Duty Station: Setit Humera, with regular field travel required
 

Job Summary

The Protection Officer will lead the technical implementation and coordination of protection and social cohesion activities in the assigned project areas of Tigray, Amhara, and contested locations. The role is responsible for ensuring the quality of GBV response, psychosocial support, and community-based protection services, while actively strengthening social cohesion through integrated programming. The Protection Officer supervises Social Workers and Dialogue Facilitators, ensures adherence to protection standards, coordinates with external service providers, and drives community-level planning to create an environment where conflict-affected individuals and survivors can access timely, safe, and dignified support.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Program Implementation and Quality Assurance

• Provide technical leadership for all protection and social cohesion activities in line with the project design, standard operating procedures, and global humanitarian protection principles.
• Supervise and mentor Social Workers and Dialogue Facilitators, ensuring they deliver case management, psychosocial support, and community dialogue activities with quality and in accordance with survivor-centred and ‘Do No Harm’ approaches.
• Monitor the implementation of protection activities, including case identification, PFA provision, referrals, and community awareness sessions, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Support the development of safe, confidential, and clearly mapped referral pathways for GBV survivors, persons with psychosocial distress, and other vulnerable individuals.

2. Coordination and External Engagement

• Coordinate with local government authorities, health facilities, law enforcement, legal aid providers, and other humanitarian actors to ensure multi-sectoral response and referral options.
• Represent the organization in Protection Cluster, GBV Sub-Cluster, and other coordination forums at field level, ensuring project activities are aligned with area-level response plans.
• Strengthen collaboration with traditional and community leaders, women’s groups, and youth structures to integrate social cohesion and conflict prevention into protection programming.

3. Community Engagement and Social Cohesion

• Oversee the planning and implementation of community-based social cohesion initiatives, including revitalization of traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, peace forums, and inclusive dialogue sessions.
• Support the design of awareness-raising and psycho-education campaigns that address GBV prevention, positive coping, and the consequences of violence, promoting shared community values.
• Ensure active participation of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and displaced persons, in community decision-making and peacebuilding efforts.

4. Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Consolidate weekly and monthly reports from Social Workers and Dialogue Facilitators; submit detailed progress reports to the Project Coordinator.
• Document good practices, lessons learned, and human-interest stories while maintaining strict data protection and confidentiality protocols.
• Contribute to trend analysis of protection risks and community tensions to inform adaptive programming and rapid response actions.

5. Competencies

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Mentoring: Ability to guide and support field teams, build capacity, and foster a positive working environment.
• Commitment to Humanitarian Principles: Strong adherence to confidentiality, safety, non-discrimination, and ‘Do No Harm’.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding of the social, cultural, and conflict dynamics in the target areas.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Excellent networking and partnership-building skills with a range of stakeholders.

Technical Competencies

• Protection and GBV Case Management: Thorough knowledge of GBV guiding principles, survivor-centered case management, and MHPSS support.
• Referral Coordination: Proven experience in establishing and managing inter-agency referral pathways.
• Programme Monitoring: Skilled in tracking protection indicators and using data to improve quality.
• Training and Facilitation: Ability to design and deliver training for staff, partners, and community structures on protection, GBV, and social cohesion.

6. Additional Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Law, Human Rights, Public Health, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3-4 years of experience in protection, GBV, or social cohesion programming in emergency or conflict-affected settings, including at least 1 year in a supervisory role.
• Language: Fluency in the local language(s) is mandatory; strong working proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Local Familiarity: Good understanding of the context in Tigray, Amhara, or contested areas; willingness to travel frequently to field locations.

Desirable Attributes

• Previous experience implementing ECHO-funded or similar multi-sectoral programs.
• Training in Psychological First Aid (PFA), GBV Case Management, or peacebuilding.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stress and support team wellbeing in high-pressure environments.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for diverse audiences.
• Commitment to organizational mission, values, and humanitarian principles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to structure tasks and anticipate challenges.
• Proficient in the local language (writing and speaking).
• Experience in complex and unstable settings.
• Strong interpersonal abilities for fostering positive relationships.
• Excellent at multitasking and organization.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team management abilities to empower others.
• Efficient resource management to improve outcomes.
• Skills in performance management and development.
• Capable of planning and achieving results.
• Adaptable and innovative with a solutions-focused mindset.
• Prior experience in an NGO.

Other Considerations:

• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations, including remote areas.

• Commitment to upholding humanitarian values and the organization's mission.

Competencies

• Action facilitations

• Communications

• Ethics & Values

• Teamwork

• Behavioral Flexibility

• Client Orientation

• Initiative

• Interpersonal Relations

• Reasonable Judgment

1.Equal Employment Opportunity

PAD promotes fairness, equity, and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other personal status.

Hiring decisions are made solely based on skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
PAD is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment where all staff can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally.

2.Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

PAD maintains zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, exploitation, or misuse of power. All staff, volunteers, and partners are expected to follow PAD’s policies and uphold our values at all times.
All successful candidates will undergo background checks and must adhere to PAD’s code of conduct and safeguarding principles.

3.Recruitment Flexibility

PAD reserves the right to:

• Recruit more than the required candidates from this announcement.

• Keep qualified applicants in our database for future similar roles.

4.Important Notice on Recruitment Fraud

If you encounter any misconduct, fraud, or corruption related to PAD’s recruitment process or operations, please report immediately via:

• Email: safeguarding@padethiopia.org

• Link: https://one-pad.org/guest_new/public_add_issue 

• Toll Free Hotline: 9135

PAD treats all reports confidentially and takes them seriously, ensuring appropriate action is taken. 

How To Apply

1.Application Process

Candidates interested in the position should submit:

• CV with relevant documents (education certificates, experience, etc.). All documents must be combined into a single file.

• Motivation/Cover Letter– including current salary and salary expectations is recommended.

2. Submission Instructions

• All applications should be only Email: job@padethiopia.org

• Applications must specify only one Woreda/Town. Applications mentioning multiple locations or missing clear site details may not be considered.

3. Selection Process

• Only selected candidates will be contacted.

• Fair and transparent evaluation based on qualifications, experience, and competencies, written and interview exam result.

• Hiring decisions aligned with PAD’s values of equity, integrity, and professionalism.

• Applicants who do not follow the procedures will be disqualified immediately.

• This job description provides a general overview and may change based on organizational needs.

4. Contact for additional Information

• Email: job@padethiopia.org

• Website: www.padethiopia.org

• Phone: 094877677 or 0936280820

PAD is committed to upholding zero-tolerance policies against all forms of abuse and exploitation while actively protecting the rights and well-being of individuals.