Position Title: Gender and Protection Officer
Reports to: Regional Program Manager
Duty Station: Afar Regional Office, Semera
Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (renewable based on performance and funding)
Role Purpose
The Regional Gender and Protection Officer will ensure that gender equality, protection, and safeguarding principles are integrated into all aspects of the Biqu Wetat Programme. The role focuses on promoting safe, inclusive, and equitable access to education, livelihood, MHPSS, WASH, and employment opportunities for conflict-affected and disadvantaged youth.
The Officer will work closely with program teams, government offices, community leaders, and partners to prevent gender-based violence (GBV), protect vulnerable youth, and strengthen inclusive program implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Gender & Protection Integration
- Ensure gender equality and protection considerations are integrated across all programmatic interventions.
- Promote youth participation, with a focus on girls, women, youth with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
- Conduct gender and protection assessments to inform program design and adaptation.
Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Monitor and ensure compliance with AISDA’s safeguarding policies, PSEA standards, and child protection guidelines.
- Provide guidance to staff on protection, GBV prevention, and inclusion practices.
- Establish and oversee safe reporting mechanisms for protection concerns.
Capacity Building & Community Engagement
- Train staff, community facilitators, and Woreda Program Officers on gender equality, child protection, and PSEA.
- Facilitate community awareness campaigns on GBV, protection, and inclusive participation.
- Support integration of protection and gender considerations in partnerships with schools, TVETs, and local government offices.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Develop protection and gender indicators and tools in collaboration with the MEL Coordinator.
- Monitor program compliance with gender and protection standards and report findings.
- Document lessons learned, case studies, and success stories for internal learning and donor reporting.
Collaboration & Advocacy
- Advocate for inclusive and safe program practices with local government, partners, and community leaders.
- Collaborate with MHPSS, education, livelihood, and WASH teams to ensure protection-sensitive approaches.
- Liaise with relevant GBV and protection networks at regional and woreda levels.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Development Studies, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in gender, protection, or safeguarding programming in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Experience with child protection, GBV prevention, PSEA, and disability inclusion.
- Familiarity with youth-focused programs in conflict-affected settings.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and training skills.
- Fluency in English; knowledge of Afarigna is an asset.
Key Competencies & Skills
- Strong understanding of gender equality, child protection, and safeguarding principles.
- Ability to work sensitively with vulnerable populations, including youth and persons with disabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and advocacy skills.
- Commitment to AISDA’s values, accountability, and ethical standards.
- Proficiency in MS Office and basic data management tools.
NB. Female Applicants are highly encouraged and will be given priority
How To Apply
