PROTECTION OFFICER (DINSOR )

Protection Officer

1 Position in Dinsor

Background

PASOS has been providing Relief, Development, Peace Building and Good Governance Services in Somalia since 1997. Using a human rights framework, the PASOS Somalia operations focus mainly on people who are affected by displacement and host communities with natural and man-made disasters across southern and central Somalia.

Africans & Diaspora

Overall Purpose and Role

The overall purpose of the position is to support the effective implementation of Project by strengthening protection services for vulnerable women, girls, and children in Dinsor District. The position will contribute to the delivery of innovative, community-centered protection interventions, including digital GBV case management, safe spaces for children, psychosocial support services, and community-based protection systems. The role will ensure that project activities are implemented in accordance with survivor-centered principles, international protection standards, and national GBV coordination frameworks, while supporting the integration of digital tools such as GBVIMS+/Primero, community accountability systems, and inclusive child protection approaches. Through close collaboration with community protection committees, the Ministry of Women and Human Rights, protection cluster partners, and local stakeholders, the position will strengthen community resilience, survivor access to services, and the protection environment for displaced and vulnerable populations in Southwest State.

Role

The position holder will play a key role in coordinating and implementing field-level protection activities in Dinsor. The role involves facilitating safe and confidential services for GBV survivors, supporting the operation of Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS), promoting community awareness on protection issues, and ensuring effective use of digital systems for case management and monitoring. The staff member will support the delivery of quality protection programming, including survivor referrals, psychosocial support activities, child protection services, and community engagement initiatives. They will also contribute to data collection, reporting, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms, ensuring that community feedback and protection concerns inform project decisions. Additionally, the role will strengthen collaboration with local authorities, humanitarian partners, and community structures, helping to improve coordination within the Protection Cluster and ensuring alignment with national GBV and child protection strategies. By combining technical protection expertise, digital innovation, and community engagement, the position will contribute to improving safe access to services, protection outcomes for women and children, and evidence generation for innovative locally led protection models in Somalia.

Key Responsibilities 1. Project Implementation and Coordination

·         Support the implementation of project activities in Dinsor District in line with the approved project workplan, budget, and protection standards.

·         Coordinate closely with PASOS program management, project partners, and local stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of protection interventions.

·         Assist in organizing and facilitating project activities including trainings, community outreach, and protection awareness sessions.

·         Ensure project activities are delivered in a timely, efficient, and accountable manner.

2. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response

·         Support the provision of confidential and survivor-centered services for GBV survivors in accordance with international protection principles.

·         Facilitate safe referrals to relevant services including health, legal, psychosocial, and protection services through established referral pathways.

·         Assist in the implementation and use of digital case management systems such as GBVIMS+/Primero, ensuring confidentiality and ethical data management.

·         Support community sensitization activities aimed at preventing gender-based violence and promoting protection awareness.

3. Child Protection and Safe Spaces

·         Assist in the establishment, management, and monitoring of Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) in Dinsor.

·         Facilitate psychosocial support and structured activities for children, including play-based learning, trauma-informed activities, and inclusive engagement for children with disabilities.

·         Work closely with facilitators and volunteers to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for children aged 4 –17 years.

·         Monitor child protection risks and ensure appropriate referral and follow-up mechanisms are in place.

4. Community Engagement and Accountability

·         Engage with Community Protection Committees (CPCs) to strengthen community-led protection initiatives and feedback mechanisms.

·         Support community awareness campaigns on GBV prevention, child protection, and safeguarding.

·         Facilitate community consultations to ensure services respond to the needs and priorities of affected populations.

·         Support the operation of community feedback mechanisms, including SMS feedback and community dashboards, to ensure accountability to affected populations.

5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation

·         Collect and maintain accurate project data in line with monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and reporting requirements.

·         Assist in preparing weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on project activities, achievements, and challenges.

·         Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from project implementation.

·         Ensure proper documentation and secure management of protection-related information.

6. Coordination and Partnership Support

·         Collaborate with government authorities, particularly the Ministry of Women and Human Rights, to strengthen institutional engagement in protection initiatives.

·         Participate in relevant Protection Cluster and GBV Sub-Cluster coordination meetings when required.

·         Maintain strong relationships with humanitarian partners, local organizations, and community leaders.

·         Contribute to coordination efforts aimed at improving protection services and referral systems.

7. Capacity Building

·         Support training activities for caseworkers, facilitators, volunteers, and community protection committees on protection principles, digital tools, and safeguarding.

·         Assist in strengthening the capacity of community actors to respond to protection risks and support vulnerable individuals.

·         Contribute to learning and knowledge sharing related to innovative protection approaches and digital systems.

8. Safeguarding and Ethical Compliance

·         Ensure strict adherence to protection principles, safeguarding policies, and confidentiality standards.

·         Promote safe, respectful, and inclusive programming that prioritizes the dignity and rights of beneficiaries.

·         Immediately report protection concerns, safeguarding incidents, or risks according to organizational procedures.

Skills and qualifications

Education, Experience & Technical Competencies

• University degree in law, Social Science, Anthropology, development studies, gender studies, international development, or other relevant field from a recognized institution.

• Minimum 3 years work experience in Protection, GBV, child protection with a demonstrated focus on protection program design and implementation.
• protection in working an international NGO, UN agency or in humanitarian response setting.
• Experience in working with displaced and/or conflict affected populations, such as refugees or IDP
• Knowledge of community-based protection approaches, preferably including experience in working with IDP’s and Host Community
• Basic familiarity with MS application packages (Word, Excel and database software) and willingness to develop further.
• Good cooperation skills, ability to work well independently and in a team;
• Experience working with International NGO’s, UN agencies and/or local authorities in complex emergencies.
• Strong self-starter, able to take initiative and adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Strong listening and empathy skills, as well as commitment to supporting women and children’s survivors/ at risk;
• Strong planning, organization and problem-solving skills with ability to work both independently and within a team in a demanding work environment.
• Proven record of providing trainings and workshops on protection needs and concerns.
• Excellent knowledge laws, policies at this context.

About the position

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate PASOS’s five core competencies:

·         Striving for Excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

• Collaborating: You are a strong networker and enjoy working with many different types of stakeholders, you involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the Lead: You take ownership and initiative while balancing the role of advisor and taking leadership
• Communicating: You write and speak effectively and honestly and display political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures
• Demonstrating Integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Conditions

Availability: 15 March 2026

Duty Station: Dinsor

Duration: 8 Months

The Position is open to nationals only

Gender Equality

PASOS is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities

PASOS is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.

Commitments

PASOS adheres to the Core Humanitarian Standards. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of these standards.

PASOS has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework. ​

For general information about Peace Action Society Organization for Somalia - PASOS, please visit www.pasosom.org

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post. We only accept applications through [email protected] not after 15 March 2025