Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) Vacancy Announcement

Protection Officer!

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is a leading aid organization committed to fostering a more humane and just world.¹ Operating in over 30 countries, we address the root causes of hunger, injustice, and social distress, with human dignity at the core of our mission.² In Ethiopia, we are a key humanitarian and development partner, focusing on vulnerable populations across five regions.³

We offer a vibrant, interdisciplinary work environment with a strong emphasis on supportive workplaces and continuous professional development. If you are passionate about making a difference and align with our values of justice, self-determination, solidarity, and effective action, we invite you to apply.

About the Role: Protection Officers (2 Positions)

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is seeking two qualified and committed Protection Officers for an integrated emergency response project. This project serves conflict-affected communities in Gobu Sayo Woreda (East Wollega Zone) and Amuru Woreda (Horro Guduru Wollega Zone) in the Oromia region, delivering vital protection interventions.

As a Protection Officer, you will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of protection activities according to the work plan and allocated budget, ensuring adherence to protection standards.⁴

Location: Gobu Sayo and Amuru Woredas, Oromia Region⁵
Duration: Seven (7) months fixed-term contract⁶
Reporting to: Project Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

Support the establishment or strengthening of Women and Girl-Friendly Spaces (WGFS) at IDP sites, providing safe spaces for women and girls.
Supervise, train, and support volunteers and community workers for effective WGFS management.
Facilitate WGFS-based activities tailored to community needs (discussion sessions, awareness campaigns, skill-sharing, cultural programs) with the support of trained volunteers.⁷
Support government and NGO actors on GBV case management, including identification, documentation, and referrals.⁸
Organize trainings on PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and GBV for woreda and kebele level officials and other key stakeholders.⁹
Ensure adherence to ethical data collection, data protection, and data sharing protocols throughout protection activities.¹⁰
Provide regular updates on project implementation, including weekly reports, monthly PIM products, and M&E reporting, with early identification of any challenges.¹¹
Conduct regular protection monitoring using standard checklists and tools to identify threats and risks, and submit periodic reports.¹²
Establish and maintain coordination with local stakeholders such as the Women and Children Affairs Office, Justice Office, Police and Courts, Busa Gonofa, and Woreda Administration.
Ensure the availability and proper functioning of safe and reliable complaint mechanisms for safeguarding, PSEA, and program-related complaints.¹³
Represent Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) in zonal protection cluster meetings and other coordination platforms as needed.¹⁴
Carry out any other assigned tasks by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work from a recognized institution.
Experience:
- Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience with a postgraduate degree.
- Experience in implementing or leading protection, sexual and reproductive health, gender-focused emergency projects, or GBV case management and survivor services.¹⁵
- Experience working with internally displaced people (IDPs).¹⁶
- Demonstrated technical expertise in protection monitoring and responses for IDPs and host communities.¹⁷
Languages: Fluency in Afan Oromo and English is required.¹⁸

Desired Skills & Competencies

Understanding of financial requirements of projects and ability to prepare and manage budgets.¹⁹
Good IT skills and computer literacy; proficiency in Kobo and other data collection/analysis tools.²⁰
Ability to generate timely and quality reports.²¹
Gender sensitivity and inclusive practices, especially for people with disabilities and marginalized groups.
Ability to engage effectively with rural communities and incorporate cultural understanding into programming.²²
Excellent communication and coordination skills, particularly at the community and woreda levels.²³
Willingness to work in remote and insecure environments with minimal supervision.
Strong commitment to Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)’s values and mission.
Dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations.