Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is the aid organization of the Swiss Protestant Churches which champions the cause of a more humane and just world. Its projects, implemented in over 30 countries, combat the causes of hunger, injustice, and social distress. The dignity of every human being is central to our commitment. 

HEKS/EPER started supporting projects in Ethiopia in 1972 and is currently a key humanitarian and development partner for the Ethiopian government across five regions. HEKS/EPER works with vulnerable communities including female-headed households, internally displaced persons and pastoralists. Thematic areas of intervention include: water, hygiene, sanitation, food security, protection, emergency shelter, natural resource management, agroecology, market system development, and institutional engagement. 

Our Values

Based on the dignity of every human being, the following are HEKS/EPER core values: justice, self-determination, solidarity, help without ethnic, social, religious or other barriers, responsibility, participation, closeness to people and effective action. These values should be perceptible in all spheres: in programmes and projects, in fundraising and communications, and in dealings with employees and partners. 

Our Priorities

HEKS/EPER focuses on the four priorities of climate justice, the right to land and food, flight and migration, and inclusion/integration. 

Why Work with Us

HEKS/EPER offers an attractive work environment for a range of different professions. There are numerous technical specialists working together on over 250 projects in an interdisciplinary and cross-sectional manner at the HEKS/EPER headquarters in Zurich, in the six Branch offices and in more than 30 countries on four continents. We set great store by a stimulating work environment and the ongoing professional development of our staff. At HEKS/EPER, there are people all around the world working for people from all over the world – with commitment and competence.  

About the Job

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is seeking a qualified and committed Protection Officer for an integrated emergency response project serving conflict-affected communities in Amuru Woreda (Horro Guduru Wollega Zone) in the Oromia region. The project delivers protection interventions in both locations. The Protection officer are responsible for overseeing implementation of protection activities according to work plan and allocated budget in accordance with protection standards.

Location: Amuru Woreda (Horro Guduru Wollega Zone) in the Oromia region

Duration: 6 months fixed-term contract

Key Responsibilities

• Support the establishment or strengthening of Women and Girl-Friendly Spaces (WGFS) at IDP sites to provide safe spaces for women and girls.

• Supervise, train, and support volunteers and community workers to ensure effective WGFS management.

• Facilitate WGFS-based activities tailored to community needs, including discussion sessions, awareness campaigns, skill-sharing, and cultural programs, with support of trained volunteers and community workers

• Support government and NGO actors on GBV case management, including identification, documentation, and referrals.

• Organize trainings on PSEAH and GBV for woreda and kebele level officials as well as other key stakeholders in the woreda of operation.

• Ensure the adherence to ethical data collection and data protection and data sharing protocols throughout protection activities.

• Provide regular updates on project implementation, including weekly reports, monthly PIM products, and M&E reporting, including early identification of any challenges or barriers to implementation.

• Conduct regular protection monitoring through standard checklists and tools to identify protection threats and risks and prepare and submit periodic reports to supervisor.

• Establish and maintain coordination with local stakeholders such as the Women and Children Affairs Office, Justice Office, Police and Courts, Busa Gonofa, and Woreda Administration.

• Ensure availability and proper functioning of safe and reliable complaint mechanisms for safeguarding, PSEA and program-related complaints.

• Represent Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) in zonal protection cluster meetings and other coordination platforms as needed.

• Carry out any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Sociology, or Social Work from a recognized institution.

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree, or two (2) years with a postgraduate degree.

• Experience in implementing or leading protection, sexual and reproductive health, gender-focused emergency projects, or GBV case management and survivor services.

• Experience working with internally displaced people.

• Demonstrated technical expertise in protection monitoring and responses for IDPs, and host communities.

• Fluency in Afan Oromo and English is required.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Understanding of financial requirements of projects and ability to prepare and manage budgets.

• Good level IT skills and computer literacy; proficiency in Kobo and other data collection/analysis tools

• Ability to generate timely and quality reports.

• Gender sensitivity and inclusive practices, especially for people with disabilities and marginalized groups.

• Ability to engage effectively with rural communities and incorporate cultural understanding into programming.

• Excellent communication and coordination skills, particularly at the community and woreda levels.

• Willingness to work in remote and insecure environments with minimal supervision.

• Strong commitment to Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) ’s values and mission.

• Dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through THIS LINK

A cover letter An updated CV (maximum three pages with contact details of three professional referees)

Note:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Phone inquiries are not permitted.

• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.