Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is the aid organization of the Swiss Protestant Churches, committed to fostering a more humane and just world. Operating in over 30 countries, Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) addresses the root causes of hunger, injustice, and social distress, with human dignity at the core of its mission.

Since initiating support in Ethiopia in 1972, Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) has become a key humanitarian and development partner to the government, working across five regions. Its work targets vulnerable populations including female-headed households, internally displaced persons, and pastoralist communities. Thematic areas include water, hygiene and sanitation, food security, protection, emergency shelter, natural resource management, agroecology, market systems development, and institutional engagement.

Our Values

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) is guided by the following core values: justice, self-determination, solidarity, impartial assistance, responsibility, participation, proximity to people, and effective action. These principles shape all areas of work from project design to fundraising and partner engagement.

Our Priorities

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) focuses on four strategic priorities: climate justice, the right to land and food, migration and displacement, and inclusion and integration.

Why Work with Us

Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary work environment across its headquarters in Zurich, six branch offices, and field operations in more than 30 countries. With over 250 projects led by passionate technical specialists, Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) emphasizes a supportive workplace and continuous professional development. We are a global team working for global communities with dedication and expertise.

About the Job

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

• Location: Gobu Sayo and Amuru Woredas, Oromia Region

• Duration: Seven (7) months fixed-term contract

• Reporting to: Project Coordinator

Duties and 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 by submitting:

• 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.

Application deadline: July 4, 2025.