Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Protection Officer – CPB & HDP for our operations in East Borena Filed Office.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Protection Officer will be directly responsible for delivering quality protection and peacebuilding interventions as part of our emergency response, in accordance with minimum standards and DRC Ethiopia's protection strategy, under the supervision and guidance of the Protection Team Leader. The Officer will be further responsible for conducting/overlooking Psychosocial support (PSS), conflict sensitisation, Rapid Protection Assessment (RPA), and other activities as assigned by the supervisor. The Officer is also expected to work in close coordination with the protection team leader, assistant, community mobilizers, and other sector teams to strengthen DRC’s protection and HDP programming the project locations.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Technical Responsibilities:

• Conducting Rapid Protections Assessment along with other team members and ensuring ethical data collection.
• Contribute during targeting, beneficiary selection, and distribution of multi-purpose cash and dignity kits for communities affected by displacement
• Support the establishment of mobile protection centres to provide accessible protection services in underserved areas.
• Facilitate the development of service mapping, update referral pathways regularly, manage referrals to and from other partners/sectors, and coordinate with authorities/partners to ensure effective service delivery and avoid duplication.
• Deliver individual and group PSS sessions and support the facilitation of capacity-building initiatives on PSS/PFA.
• Form and train inclusive peacebuilding committees, support participatory peacebuilding planning, conduct conflict sensitization, and awareness sessions.
• Follow all protection guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ensure effective monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of activities.
• Carry out any additional protection activities as assigned by the protection team leader.

Reporting and administrative responsibilities

• Support provision of regular contextual/situational updates on project implementation, challenges or barriers to implementation;
• Prepare and submit a weekly progress report on protection activities to the protection team leader;
• Ensure that project activities are properly documented along with their respective means of verification.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an entry to mid-level position in humanitarian protection or a relevant social service field;
• Experience in the Somali region is strongly preferred;
• Experience in the direct implementation of Community-Based protection and peace-building activities
• Proven record of community engagement and consultation, such as assessments, trainings, workshops, or awareness sessions
• 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 particular vulnerable individuals of people of concern based on protection risks, age, gender, and diversity analysis, and/ or other criteria;
• Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and within a team;
• Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to consistently meet deadlines under pressure;
• Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures;
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel; proficiency in Kobo and other data collection/analysis tools is desirable

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

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

LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)

• Excellent skills in speaking, reading, and writing English,
• Fluency in the Affan Oromo language is strongly preferred.

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: H2 – 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.