Protection Officer (4 Required)

Introduction:

Positive Action for Development (PAD) is an indigenous, non-governmental, non-profit, secular, and legally registered Ethiopian Civil Society Organization (Registration No. 2330). PAD is committed to promoting a just, compassionate, and inclusive society where all people can thrive. Guided by the values of optimism, integrity, kindness, excellence, and impactful action, PAD works to provide effective humanitarian and development support to communities in need.

PAD is currently seeking qualified and motivated individuals for the following position(s)

Position Details:

• Position: Protection Officer
• Number required: 4 at Waghimira Zones of the Amhara Regional State.
• Duty Station:
• Position 4 required one for each woreda at Wag Hamra Zone in Dihana, Tsagbiji, Abergele and Gazgibla .
• Language: Proficiency in English and the local language(s) of the region is required.
• Employment Type: Contractual, project-based position subject to project funding and duration

Job Summary:

The Protection Officer will lead the implementation of child protection activities within the assigned woreda (district). The primary responsibility is to ensure the effective and timely delivery of project outputs related to capacity building, case management, community awareness, and coordination, contributing to the overall goal of strengthening the protection environment for children in humanitarian settings.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Program Implementation and Management

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of all child protection activities in the assigned woreda as outlined in the project document and budget.
• Organize and facilitate trainings, including:
  • Psychological First Aid (PFA) for frontline case workers.
  • Child Protection Case Management for relevant stakeholders.
  • Training for teachers and guidance counselors on PFA, case identification, and referral mechanisms.
  • Training for child-led school clubs on leadership, community mobilization, and advocacy.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of school-based structures, including Child Protection Desks and Parent-Teacher and Student Associations (PTSAs).
• Coordinate with school administrators and teachers to integrate child protection and safeguarding policies within the school environment.
• Facilitate community-level awareness campaigns on child protection risks, mental health, and available services, ensuring they are child-friendly.
• Support quarterly protection monitoring in displacement sites using standard tools.

B. Case Management and Referral

• Facilitate and strengthen child protection case management processes through coordinated referral pathways.
• Collaborate closely with the local Women and Social Affairs Offices and other relevant stakeholders to manage cases, including Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR) and alternative care for Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC).
• Ensure that children and caregivers with urgent protection needs have access to specialized services (GBV, mental health) through effective referrals and follow-up.
• Coordinate with social workers to support home-based follow-up and monitoring of cases.

C. Coordination and Networking

• Support regular review and coordination meetings among multi-sectoral stakeholders (e.g., education, health, social services) at the woreda level.
• Actively participate in relevant coordination forums to share information and harmonize approaches to child protection.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local authorities, community leaders, schools, and other humanitarian actors.

D. Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation

• Contribute to the monitoring and support of target schools to ensure they promote child safety, well-being, and social cohesion.
• Document all activities, including training reports, meeting minutes, case management records (in line with data protection protocols), and monitoring visit reports.
• Prepare regular progress reports on activities implemented, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Law, International Development, or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in child protection programming, preferably in a humanitarian context. Experience with case management, training, and community mobilization is essentialders.

Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge & Skills:
  • In-depth understanding of child protection principles, case management, and referral pathways.
  • Proven experience in facilitating training and capacity-building workshops.
  • Strong coordination, networking, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team and with diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Other Requirements:
  • Previous experience implementing ECHO-funded or similar multi-sectoral programs.
  • Fluency in English and the local language (Amharic).
  • Commitment to humanitarian principles and child safeguarding policies.
  • Willingness to travel and work in remote areas within the Waghemra Zone.

Other Considerations:

• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations, including remote areas.
• Commitment to upholding humanitarian values and the organization’s mission.

Competencies

• Action facilitations
• Communications
• Ethics & Values
• Teamwork
• Behavioral Flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Relations
• Reasonable Judgment

1. Equal Employment Opportunity

PAD promotes fairness, equity, and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other personal status.

Hiring decisions are made solely based on skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
PAD is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment where all staff can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally.

2. Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

PAD maintains zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, exploitation, or misuse of power. All staff, volunteers, and partners are expected to follow PAD’s policies and uphold our values at all times.
All successful candidates will undergo background checks and must adhere to PAD’s code of conduct and safeguarding principles.

3. Recruitment Flexibility

PAD reserves the right to:

• Recruit more than the required candidates from this announcement.
• Keep qualified applicants in our database for future similar roles.

4. Important Notice on Recruitment Fraud

If you encounter any misconduct, fraud, or corruption related to PAD’s recruitment process or operations, please report immediately via:

• Email: safeguarding@padethiopia.org
• Link: https://one-pad.org/guest_new/public_add_issue
• Toll-Free Hotline: 9135

PAD treats all reports confidentially and takes them seriously, ensuring appropriate action is taken.

1. Application Process

Candidates interested in the position should submit:

• CV with relevant documents (education certificates, experience, etc.). All documents must be combined into a single file.
• Motivation/Cover Letter– including current salary and salary expectations is recommended.

1. Submission Instructions

• All applications should be only Email: job@padethiopia.org
• Applications must specify only one Woreda. Applications mentioning multiple locations or missing clear site details may not be considered.

2. Selection Process

• Only selected candidates will be contacted.
• Fair and transparent evaluation based on qualifications, experience, and competencies, written and interview exam result.
• Hiring decisions aligned with PAD’s values of equity, integrity, and professionalism.
• Applicants who do not follow the procedures will be disqualified immediately.
• This job description provides a general overview and may change based on organizational needs.

Contact for additional Information

• Email: job@padethiopia.org
• Website: www.padethiopia.org
• Phone: 0948787677 or 0936280820

PAD is committed to upholding zero-tolerance policies against all forms of abuse and exploitation while actively protecting the rights and well-being of individuals.