Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in more than 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively involved in humanitarian efforts in regions affected by conflict, such as Tigray, Amhara, Afar, Somali, and Oromia, focusing on integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and protection projects to meet the urgent needs of affected populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer will work under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, taking charge of daily activities and collaborating with various departments. This role involves overseeing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response activities, ensuring that the protection needs of vulnerable populations are met. The officer will conduct sector needs assessments, provide technical guidance on emergency activities, and develop sector-specific response strategies that emphasize community engagement. The position requires a proactive approach to assess community-based infrastructure and service-provider capabilities, identify support needs, and ensure the delivery of quality protection services, including case management, health services, psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support, and legal assistance. The Protection Officer will also represent FHI 360 in coordination forums and advocate for the integration of protection and GBV concerns into broader humanitarian and development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will be responsible for conducting sector needs assessments and providing technical guidance on emergency activities. They will devise sector-specific response strategies focusing on community engagement in prevention activities, case management, and psychosocial support. The officer will assess community-based infrastructure and service-provider capabilities, identify support needs and gaps, and oversee the delivery of quality protection services. This includes managing case management, health services, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and referrals while ensuring the safety and dignity of survivors. The officer will develop partnerships with local service providers and government entities to strengthen networks for the protection of vulnerable individuals. They will represent FHI 360 in coordination forums, advocate for the integration of protection and GBV concerns, and work with operational staff to ensure proper management of commodities. Additionally, the officer will coordinate with stakeholders to enhance community-based mechanisms for preventing and responding to GBV, design indicators for assessing progress, and manage and mentor Protection Assistants and GBV Social Service Workers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in fields such as Humanitarian Studies, Social Work, Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, Public Administration, Political Sciences, or related disciplines. A Master’s degree is highly preferred. Applicants should have at least 2 years of working experience in GBV Protection and Counseling or Gender integration at the national or international level. Experience dealing with women's rights and Gender Equality within public institutions or international organizations is required. A solid understanding of safeguarding and accountability is essential, along with fluency in the local language and proficiency in English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Humanitarian Studies, Social Work, Gender Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, Public Administration, Political Sciences, or related disciplines. A Master’s degree is highly preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian work and gender issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience in GBV Protection and Counseling or Gender integration, preferably at both national and international levels. Candidates should have a proven track record of dealing with women's rights and Gender Equality issues, particularly within public institutions or international organizations. Experience in safeguarding and accountability practices is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in the local language is mandatory, and excellent proficiency in English is required. This ensures effective communication with local communities and stakeholders, as well as the ability to engage in international forums and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve a range of responsibilities that could evolve over time based on organizational needs and programmatic priorities. The job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment. All offers of employment will be contingent upon appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. The organization fosters a healthy work/life balance and offers a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and policies that support employee well-being.