Project officer

About NEWA

NEWA is a pioneer, national coalition of women associations that share the goal of advancing women’s rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment and the fight against GBV. NEWA is strategically positioned to advocate for the rights of women, to respect and promotion of women’s rights, and ensure the proper implementation of gender- sensitive policies, laws and programs at national and regional levels. NEWA has 50 member associations and organizations that strives to ensure the interests of women is factored in the national plans and policies and to see women’s social, economic, political and legal entitlements realized at all levels as enshrined in the national and international instruments.

1. Job Summary

The Project Officer – GBV is responsible for contributing to the effective and efficient implementation of the ARISE GBV project in one woreda of the South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region. Working under the supervision of the GBV Program Officer and in coordination with the Program Manager and Program Coordinator, the Project Officer supports and coordinates project activities at woreda level in line with approved work plans, budgets, NEWA policies, donor requirements, and GBV guiding principles.

She/He coordinates and supports project implementation at woreda level, supervises Social Workers and other field staff in the execution of assigned activities, supports coordination with local stakeholders as delegated, and ensures timely and quality implementation, documentation, and reporting of project activities. The role focuses on implementation support, coordination, supervision, and follow-up rather than institutional representation or strategic decision-making.

III. Duties and Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination and Implementation (Woreda Level)

• Assist the Program Coordinator and program officer in planning, monitoring, and documenting project activities.
• Support the design of new initiatives and contribute to the development of strategic plans and technical documents.
• Support planning and scheduling and implementation of capacity building, community engagement and service strengthening field activities in coordination with field program staff.
• Manage project activities of ARISE as assigned at woreda level and ensure timely implementation.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate trainings, workshops, advocacy campaigns, and other project events.
• Follow up on commissioned professional/consultancy services, review deliverables, and ensure they meet TOR and organizational expectations.
• Ensure activities are implemented on time, within scope, quality standard of NEWA and in accordance with national GBV case management and national GBV SOP.
• Monitor project progress, document achievements, and report on activities and impacts.
• Prepare quarterly and annual progress and performance reports for donors, management, and stakeholders.

B. Supervision and technical support

• supervises Social Workers and other field staff, providing guidance and follow-up on assigned task regarding GBV case management, referral pathways, survivor-centered approaches, and ethical standards.
• Ensure adherence to survivor-centered, safeguarding, confidentiality and code of conduct in all project activities.
• Provide on-the-job support to improve quality of service delivery and community interventions.
• Organize regular team meetings and ensure clear task allocation and follow-up.
• Monitor staff performance and provide feedback, escalating HR-related matters to HQ as required.

C. Capacity Building & Training Coordination

• The Project Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all training and capacity-building activities
• Liaise with technical partners (e.g. Wollo University, TVET institutions, legal bodies, health offices) to ensure quality content and facilitation.
• Ensure training materials align with national strategies, GBV SOPs, and donor requirements.
• Oversee logistics, participant selection, attendance tracking, and reporting for all trainings.

D. Coordination, Referral Mechanisms & Systems Strengthening

• Support establishment and strengthening of referral mechanisms from kebele to zonal level.
• Contribute to strengthening referral pathways and coordination mechanisms among GBV response actors.
• Coordinate and facilitate interface meetings among service providers to improve GBV response and prevention.
• Support strengthening of Anti-HTP Committees, community committees, and VESA structures.
• Ensure alignment with OSCs, safe houses, safe spaces, and formal service providers

E. Community Engagement, Norms Change & Advocacy

• Support and coordinate community-based GBV awareness, prevention, and advocacy activities, including dialogues, sensitization sessions, youth initiatives, and outreach events.
• Assist in the production and dissemination of IEC materials and media campaigns (radio, TV, social media) to promote GBV prevention and survivor-centered messaging.
• Ensure all activities align with national GBV strategies, SOPs, and ethical principles.

F. Economic Empowerment & VESA Oversight

• Coordinate community mobilization for establishment of VESA groups.
• Oversee monthly VESA facilitators’ meetings and provide technical follow-up.
• Coordinate with TVET institutions for vocational training for GBV survivors and conflict-affected women.
• Monitor integration of protection and GBV risk mitigation into economic empowerment activities.

G. Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting

• Review and consolidate field reports, activity documentation, and data submitted by Social Workers.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping, participant tracking, and activity reporting.
• Ensure proper data management, security, and confidentiality.
• Oversee budget tracking and follow-up on asset management at woreda level
• Contribute to donor reports, good practice, success stories, and learning documentation.

H. Administrative and Compliance Support

• Support basic administrative processes related to project implementation, logistics, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with NEWA policies, donor requirements, safeguarding standards, and GBV guiding principles.
• Promote gender equality, survivor-centered approaches, and ethical conduct in all project activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the GBV Program Officer or Program Manager.
  1. Accountability
• Works independently and in collaboration with other officers, reporting regularly to the Program officer
• Responsible for accurate, timely, and confidential handling of field-level project data and documentation.
• Responsible for proper management and security of project data, documents, and assigned assets.

Department: Program

Report to: Program Officer

Job Location: In one of the below mentioned woredas of Soth Wollo Zone, Dessie Zuria, Kalu, Kutaber and Worebabo

1. Professional Qualifications

• Minimal: A Bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies and Development, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Law, or a related field.
• Desirable: A Master’s degree in any of the above-mentioned fields.

2. Relevant Experience

• Coordination & Supervision: Proven experience coordinating project activities and supervising field staff at the community or woreda level.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working directly with government offices and various community stakeholders.

3. Length of Experience

• Core Requirement: A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in GBV (Gender-Based Violence), protection, or humanitarian/development programming.
• Specific Context: At least 2 years of work experience specifically as a Project Officer within an NGO setting.

4. Key Skills

• Management: Strong coordination, organizational, and follow-up skills.
• Communication: Proficiency in reporting and documentation.
• Leadership: The ability to effectively supervise and provide support to field teams.
• Technical: High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

5. Personal Attributes

• Ethics: High ethical standards and professional conduct.
• Commitment: A strong dedication to women’s rights and the prevention of GBV.
• Work Style: The ability to work independently with regular supervision, while remaining team-oriented and culturally sensitive.