GBV Specialist -Bahirdar

Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development (MSD) is a non-profit, indigenous civil society organization established in 1999 with the aim of improving the health, wellbeing, and socio-economic status of communities across Ethiopia. Since its inception, MSD has evolved into a leading development and humanitarian organization implementing evidence-based programs that address the diverse needs of vulnerable populations.

MSD’s programmatic focus spans multiple sectors, including Health and Nutrition (TB, HIV/AIDS, SRH, MNCH), Education (access to quality education, TVET, and skills development), Social Mobilization and Livelihood (economic strengthening and prevention of HTPs, GBV, and FGM), Migration and Trafficking (safe migration and rehabilitation of returnees and victims), Child Care and Development (child protection, early childhood care, and infant feeding), and Human Rights and Good Governance (democratization, peace building, and dialogue).

In addition, MSD engages in Humanitarian and Emergency Response (supporting disaster-affected and displaced communities) and Environment and Climate Change (promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation). Through these integrated interventions, MSD works closely with government institutions, community structures, and development partners to foster inclusive growth, equity, and resilience at all levels of society.

MSD is looking for qualified and competent applicants for the following position:

Reports to: CP-GBViE Program coordinator

Term of Employment: Contract/ Emergency Response

1. Job Summary

The Child Protection Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation of child protection and GBViE activities in humanitarian and emergency settings in Merrawi and Zigem Woreda its surrounding IDPs and host community. The role focuses on the prevention of and response to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children, in line with the Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS), and GBV guidelines organizational policies, and donor requirements.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Program Planning and Implementation:

Plan, lead, organize, direct, coordinate and monitor the overall planning and execution of the child protection and GBViE

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the child protection and GBV project, ensuring adherence to objectives and timelines;
• Implement and monitor Conduct intake, assessment, and case action planning with survivors of GBV and child protection activities in line with established child protection and GBViE standards and policies in the project sites;
• Follow, assist and support social workers to have updated monthly and quarterly implementation plans;
• Builds the capacity of SWs and other volunteers, stakeholders and partners by providing training on child protection and GBV interventions and all other related issues;
• Deliver child protection and GBV case management services for at-risk children and survivors of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect (VAEN), including unaccompanied and separated children (UASC).
• Ensure safe identification, registration, referral, and follow-up of child protection cases.
• Support establishment and strengthening of community-based child protection structures (CBCPS).
• Implement Mental Health, psychosocial support (MHPSS) and life skills activities for children and caregivers in safe spaces, child-friendly spaces (CFS), and community structures.
• Contribute to family tracing and reunification (FTR) processes in coordination with relevant agencies.
• Ensure that child safeguarding principles are integrated into all program activities.
• Ensure PSEA, safeguarding is implemented and children and their families in the IDP are protected from any harm.

B. Capacity Building & Community Engagement

• Provide training, coaching, and mentoring to case workers, community facilitators, and volunteers.
• Raise awareness among children, caregivers, and communities on child protection and GBV risks and available services.
• Facilitate community-led initiatives to prevent harmful practices (child marriage, child labor, recruitment by armed forces/groups).

C. Coordination & Partnership

• Represent the organization in local child protection and GBV coordination forums, case conferences, and inter-agency referral networks.
• Work closely with WCSA, Education, Health, MHPSS, and other sector teams for integrated programming.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with Bureau/Office of Women and Children Affairs, Social Workers) and NGO partners (UN agencies and other partners)

D. Monitoring, Reporting & Learning

• Maintain accurate and confidential case management records in line with data protection standards.
• Contribute to regular situation analyses, assessments, and reporting on child protection and GBV trends and needs.
• Support MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) teams in developing and tracking indicators by undertake continuous data management and quality assurance per donor requirements and organization standard and guideline;
• Document lessons learned success stories, and challenges for program improvement.
• Periodically conduct monitoring, JISS, review meeting with donor, staff, regional, and sub-regional stakeholders.
• Prepares periodic performance reports and submits to CP-Edu. Coordinator in time.
• Maintain project documents, lessons and innovations as part of knowledge management.

3. Key Deliverables

• Effective case management and referrals completed in line with CPMS standards.
• Functional child-friendly spaces and/or PSS activities established.
• Active community-based committees supported.
• Regular reports on child protection activities, risks, and response submitted.
• Evidence of collaboration with other sectors and agencies.

4. Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Child Development, and, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in child protection-GBV, preferably in humanitarian or emergency settings.
• Proven experience in case management, psychosocial support, or community-based child protection and GBViE.
• Experience working with government authorities, humanitarian clusters, and local partners.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of the CPMS, IASC GBV Guidelines, and humanitarian principles.
• Knowledge of referral pathways and protection systems in emergencies.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and community mobilization skills.
• Ability to work in stressful environments, adapt to change, and manage multiple priorities.
• Fluency in written and spoken English (knowledge of local languages is an asset).
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, data entry tools such as CPIMS+ desirable).

5. Safeguarding & Ethics

• Commitment to child safeguarding and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
• Ensure all activities adhere to humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
• Uphold confidentiality, do-no-harm, and survivor-centered approaches.

A person who has no history of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEAH) can provide evidence from his/her previous employment.