Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Safeguarding Officer

Job summary

The GESI and Safeguarding Officer ensures that gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding principles are integrated across organizational policies, programs, and activities. The role strengthens inclusive participation of vulnerable groups while ensuring safeguarding systems prevent exploitation, abuse, or harm

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of GESI principles into project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Conduct gender and social inclusion assessments to identify barriers and opportunities.
• Provide training, mentoring, and technical support to staff and partners on gender-responsive and inclusive programming.
• Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in all program activities.
• Develop tools, guidelines, and strategies to strengthen GESI mainstreaming.
• Ensure organizational safeguarding policies (child protection, PSEA – Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and other safeguarding standards) are implemented and regularly updated.
• Act as a safeguarding focal point, receiving, documenting, and escalating safeguarding concerns in line with policy.
• Organize safeguarding awareness sessions for staff, partners, and community members.
• Ensure safe, accessible, and confidential reporting channels for staff and beneficiaries.
• Monitor program activities to ensure they are safe and do not expose vulnerable groups to risks of abuse or exploitation.
• Contribute to donor reports, proposals, and project reviews with GESI and safeguarding inputs.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and case studies on GESI and safeguarding.
• Perform other relevant tasks assigned by the immediate supervisor or the management of the organization

Reports to: Area Coordinator and GESI Coordinator

Location: DEC Jimma Area Office

Contract Type: fixed-term contract

Required No. 1

Educational background and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Gender Studies, Sociology, Law, Social Work, Human Rights, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in gender, inclusion, safeguarding, protection, or related roles (preferably with NGO/CSO).

Additional Skill

• Knowledge of local cultural and social dynamics affecting gender and inclusion.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and child rights.
• Qualified Female applicants who fulfill the requirements are appreciated