Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Protection Assistant – Legal for our operations in East Borena Field Office.

Overall purpose of the role

The Protection Assistant-Legal, under the supervision of the Protection Officer, will be responsible for carrying out protection and legal activities in accordance with DRC's legal aid policy and standards. The assistant will provide legal aid services to IDPs, host communities, and IDPs, returnees which includes identifying and targeting beneficiaries, providing legal information, counseling, assistance, and facilitating representation. Additionally, the assistant will perform any other protection activity required by their line manager and supervisor to achieve the project objective.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Provide one-on-one legal counselling and assistance to IDPs and other conflict-affected populations to help them claim their legal rights from responsible authorities.
• Facilitate access to information on legal issues for IDPs and other conflict-affected populations, including support with restoring civil documentation, identification documents, and other pertinent paperwork crucial for protecting their rights and achieving lasting solutions.
• Organize and conduct awareness-raising sessions on recent legal developments, addressing the information and legal requirements of IDPs and others affected by conflict.
• Assist the protection legal officer in conducting legal and protection assessments using DRC assessment tools.
• Facilitate and monitor incoming and outgoing protection referral cases.
• Provide administrative and paralegal assistance to help IDPs and other conflict-affected populations access government and non-governmental services.
• Support the organization of public events such as meetings, roundtables, and technical working groups, and participate in these events on behalf of DRC.
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Protection officer or managers

Reporting and administrative responsibilities

• Develop a weekly work plan in coordination with the Protection Officer.
• Track manage cases and regularly upload them into the information management system.
• Provide input for the monthly report.
• Document findings of needs assessments; including reports and other relevant documents

Experience and technical competencies:

• Excellent Knowledge of federal and regional laws
• Minimum of 1-year experience in humanitarian protection or law enforcement offices
• Technical understanding of core protection concepts, prevention, and response strategies in line with best practices and ethical data collection and data protection protocols;
• Experience in identifying and responding to the needs of particularly vulnerable individuals or people of concern based on protection risks, age, gender, and diversity criteria;
• Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to consistently meet deadlines under pressure;
• Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel; proficiency in Kobo and other data collection/analysis tools desirable.

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• University degree in social work, social science, law or other relevant field from a recognized institution.

LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)

• Excellent skills in speaking, reading and writing English
• Proficiency in Affan oromo and Somali is required

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 7 Months

Contract Type: National Contract

Band: I2 – Non-Management

Designation of Duty Station: East Borena

Start date: ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: Dec 16, 2025

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gendergap.
Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics

We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.