Protection Officer

About this role

Protection Officer – Afar-Megale Woreda Dan Church Aid (DCA) is a Denmark-based international NGO registered under certificate # 1083 by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations and working to improve the wellbeing of particularly the rural and pre-urban people in Ethiopia. DCA’s Programme mainly focus on save live, building resilience and fighting inequality targeting highly disaster-prone areas in Oromia, Amhara, Afar, and Gambella regions.DCA Ethiopia Office is looking for a competent Emergency Protection Officer for ET-RRM Tier2 conflict response. Vacancy Number : DCA-Eth/VA-023/2026 Vacancy Date: October 28,2026 Post Title: Protection Officer Required number: One Type of Contract: Upto January 07,2027 Duty Station: Afar, Megale Woreda Reporting to: Emergency Food Security and Livelihood Coordinator Expected Start Date: As soon as possible Application Deadline: November 04,2026 Salary Range: As per DCA salary Scale Purpose The Protection Officer will lead the implementation of protection interventions under the ET-RRM Tier 2 response for conflict-affected communities in Megale and Erebti Woreda. The role focuses on improving the safety, dignity, and psychosocial wellbeing of women, girls, and children through community-based protection systems, psychosocial services, and awareness-raising activities. The officer will work closely with local authorities, community structures, and DCA field teams to ensure protection principles and accountability are integrated across all project activities . Key Responsibilities Psychosocial Support Services Facilitate group counselling sessions and recreational activities to foster resilience and healing. Provide individual counselling for women and girls who have experienced GBV or other forms of abuse. Support caregivers experiencing stress or trauma symptoms. Conduct service mapping and update referral pathways for severe cases requiring specialized services (e.g., MHPSS). Safe Space Management Oversee the operation of safe spaces for women and girls, ensuring they are accessible and equipped for psychosocial support, awareness sessions, and recreational activities. Coordinate with community leaders and local authorities to maintain safe and inclusive environments. Community-Based Protection Mechanisms Establish and/or strengthen community-based protection committees with inclusive representation. Organize training for committee members on protection principles, safe reporting, and referral practices. Monitor and support committees in identifying protection concerns and implementing mitigation strategies. Awareness and Capacity Building Organize regular awareness sessions on GBV, child protection, and reporting mechanisms. Facilitate community dialogues to promote accountability and knowledge of available services. Distribution of Dignity Kits Coordinate safe distribution of dignity kits to women and girls of reproductive age. Ensure distributions are conducted privately and respectfully, accompanied by menstrual health and hygiene sessions. Document and monitor distributions for fairness and transparency.