Assistant Protection Officers

Background  

HelpAge International(www.helpage.org)  is the secretariat to the HelpAge Global Network, which brings together a wide range of organizations and individuals working to promote the rights and meet the needs of older women and men, nationally and/or internationally. At the core of this network, are civil society members, a group of civil society organizations working with older people around the world. These organizations share a vision of a world in which all older people are valued, and lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. HelpAge has been operating in Ethiopia since 1992 and has been involved on thematic sectors including social protection, health and wellbeing, emergency response, capacity building of partners and advocacy efforts.  

Currently, we are responding to the conflict and drought related humanitarian crisis in central and western Tigray as well as North wollo of Amhara, responding to the most and critically affected communities in the areas of Protection. HelpAge is mandated organisation to address the specific needs of older people and PWDs in the region. These humanitarian response project will be implemented with full engagement of stakeholders and in close consultation and coordination with Community based institutions, as well as Government humanitarian actors.  

We are looking for motivated and self-driven individuals for the various positions in Woldiya (five project locations), Tigray (2 project locations). Read the below cross-cutting points applicable for all positions.  

Our Values: Everyone who works at HelpAge share our values and are committed to behaviors that demonstrate and support them:  

Overall Purpose of the Job 

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of community-based protection and rights-based programming, solid understanding of protection (General protection, Child Protection & GBV protection) issues and case management of affected individuals in conflict as well as protracted emergency setting, understanding of core humanitarian standards, principles, instruments, frameworks and protocols, and codes of conduct that govern humanitarian action. to provide guidance and develop capacity of front-line refugee incentive workers and older people groups.  Proven experience, strong communication skills. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS 

 Project Management 

• Experience in supporting teams working at site / community level and ability to think from the angle of most at risk and vulnerable individuals. 
• Ensure effective implementation of projects working in collaboration with the project team, government and other stakeholders. 
• Promote participatory approaches in assessing and addressing protection needs of most vulnerable groups. These helps to ensure inclusion of most at risk groups in programme design, implementation and monitoring, and to strengthen their engagement in promotion and advocacy work. 
• Extremely strong communication, negotiation and representational skills and ability to work at a supervision level. 
• At least 2 years’ humanitarian experience in an international or national NGO level preferably in an emergency and protracted crises. 
• Possess comprehensive knowledge and substantial experience in overseeing and managing various protection cases effectively  
• Ensure quality and compliance with reporting requirements to submit within set deadlines to the Program coordinator and the Government and others as required: 
• Develop a detail budget plan together with the program coordinator and her/his subordinates; 

 Technical/Programmatic 

• Minimum of Bachelor degree in social science, rural Development and other related fields.  
• Demonstrable experience of identifying and working with the most vulnerable and clear understanding of how they can and should be better supported. 
• Sufficient maturity to be able to work diplomatically and convincingly in remote locations and with most at risk and neglected groups, to ensure thier protection needs and risks are identified and addressed by all; 
• Technical and managerial competence in understanding inclusive humanitarian action and work to bring impact and continuously advocate for inclusive programming of vulnerable groups in program. 
• Understanding of humanitarian principles, core humanitarian standards and specific sector standards and experience in Humanitarian Advocacy and influencing 

Person specifications 

Educational background: Master or BSC/ BA degree in Social Studies, rural development, Gender and Development Studies or other related fields and at least 2 years of experience. 

Essential Experience and Skills:  

• At least 2 years’ relevant experience in INGOs. 
• Ability to set clear objectives and indicators; regularly plan project activities and implement, monitor, ensure quality of work and follow up on spending; comply to compliance requirements 
• Experience of developing collaborative partnerships with organizations;  
• Proficient in computer applications (word, spreadsheet, power points, Office 365 etc.). 

Behavioural Competencies: Team work skill; Result oriented; resilient under stressful environment; self-managed, committed, knowledgeable and confident 

How To Apply

Note that some of the positions are contingent on anticipated funding and hence recruitment process may not start immediately. Priority positions shall be filled by May 2025. 

How to apply: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, including your expected salary 
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) not more than 4 pages, with a minimum of two referees, including your most recent line manager 
• Send your application by email to hr.eth@helpage.org before the closing date. Indicate the vacancy reference No. and the post you are applying in subject line of your mail.  

Important Message: 

Please do not email any of your personal details (such as date of birth, marital status and religion or other characteristics). 

Equal Opportunities: 

HelpAge International is committed to creating an inclusive working environment, promoting and providing equal opportunities and respecting diversity in employment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We encourage and facilitate a flexible working environment. 

Safeguarding: 

Everyone has a role in creating and sustaining a safe and respectful working environment, where no one comes to any harm or is maltreated. At HelpAge we take our responsibilities very seriously and will take action against wrongdoing. We will do everything we can to ensure that we do not engage people that pose a safeguarding risk and will undertake criminal record checks as required. 

 HelpAge International is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to be inclusive in our teams.