Protection Officer

Summary of position

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Protection and Mainstreaming Officer will be responsible for integrating protection principles into all sectors of SGDI’s programming.

This role ensures that interventions are designed and implemented in a way that upholds dignity, safety, and rights of the affected populations while minimizing risks of harm and maximizing the engagement of vulnerable groups, including persons with disability.

S/he will be responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring protection and community outreach activities, in compliance with work plans, donor regulations and SGDI policies.

S/he will play a key role in increasing community knowledge and access to services while strengthening SGDI’s knowledge and acceptance within the community

Responsibilities

Identify and support women and girl survivors of sexual violence through safe, confidential, and survivor-centered approaches.

Conduct initial assessments, develop case plans, and follow up with cases requiring multisectoral support.

Provide direct referrals to health, psychosocial, legal, and shelter services as needed.

Coordinate with service providers to ensure timely and appropriate assistance is delivered.

Work closely with community leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives to raise awareness on SGBV, rights of survivors, and available support services.

Facilitate safe space activities for women and girls to promote resilience and social cohesion.

Promote community-led protection mechanisms and monitor potential protection risks.

Conduct capacity-building and training to field staffs on thematic of protection (including CP, GBV, protection mainstreaming, confidentiality of protection data)

Conduct training sessions and workshops for WASH, and GBV staff on protection mainstreaming, social cohesion and the importance of incorporating protection principles into their daily work.

Support the development of training materials and tools to support protection mainstreaming in the field

Support effective community engagement and community input into program activities and design through close contact and structured activities

Participate in community events and meetings, and lead the organization of awareness sessions and workshops

Collaborate with program teams to identify and address potential protection risks associated with project activities.

Develop appropriate key messages and IEC materials and ensure that they are disseminated among the community

Develop and implement strategies to promote inclusivity and accessibility of services for marginalized groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Ensure protection is mainstreamed in all SGDI Programs at the field and protection cases and concerns are timely referred and addressed

Report immediately any difficulty or delay faced in the implementation of activities to the Program manager

Team Management:

Supervise Field staff under the protection team and ensure the timely implementation of their activities

Coordinate the work of Field staff: work plans, progress toward targets, and frequency of submitting collected data

Ensure that field staff have the necessary information on the referral system and provided services and properly understand the activities to be implemented in the framework of the project

Routine field visits to monitor field staff activities

Continuously collect feedback from field workers and ensure communication to the Project Manager

Logistics & Administration:

Report to the line manager the needs in materials and tools required to conduct trainings and outreach activities

Participate in the organization on training sessions: venue, attendees and support materials Ensure a proper utilization of the tablets and make sure all of it are daily charged and fully operational

Reporting & Data collection:

Collect, analyze, store in a database and report information received from field workers (households surveys, FGDs, awareness sessions…)

Collect, and analyze data related to protection mainstreaming to inform program adjustments and improvements

Collect and analyze identified protection cases and referrals

Document and report training sessions and feedback from participants

Work with the M&E Officer to develop indicators and tools for monitoring protection outcomes within health, livelihood and nutrition programs

Internal and external representation:

Build and maintain relationships with external partners, community leaders (especially Bulamas), community committees and other stakeholders

Represent SGDI at anytime and anywhere when s/he is in duty

Ensure coordination with SGDI Staff and stakeholders concerning community intervention activities

Priorities of the Department:

Strengthen the community outreach network in the assigned catchment area supported by SGDI interventions

Ensure a continuous grasp on the population needs and vulnerabilities and strengthen reactivity responding to emerging humanitarian needs

Support SGDI integrated approach through protection trainings for other departments

Strengthen referral mechanisms internally and externally

The tasks and responsibilities defined in this job description are non-exhaustive and can evolve depending on the project’s needs.

Qualifications & Experience:

Candidates should possess a minimum Degree in Psychology, Health, Gender Studies, Law, or related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).

At least 5 years of experience in protection, case management, or community-based work, especially with survivors of GBV.

Knowledge of national and international GBV protection standards and guidelines (e.g., IASC GBV Guidelines).

Fluency in Kanuri and Hausa an advantage

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with sensitivity to cultural and conflict dynamics.

Previous experience working in humanitarian settings or insecure environments.

Familiarity with the context of Borno State and ongoing protection challenges in the Northeast.

General Requirements for All Candidates:

Strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.

Team player with excellent communication and management skills.

Fluency in English, both written and oral, including the local language (Kanuri) an added advantage

SGDI is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

SGDI reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

SGDI has a PSEA Policy that the successful candidate will be expected to comply with and promote.

Minimum qualifications

BA/BSc/HND

How to apply

Interested candidates should complete and attach their CV with a cover letter following this format “Name_ Position you applied for”.

Only applicants whose competencies meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.

Interested and qualified? Go to Sahei Gender Development Initiative on docs.google.com to apply

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