Women Protection and Empowerment Officer

Background: - 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview: 

Under the supervision of the Senior WPE/CP Officer the WPE officer will supervise GBV prevention and response activities. The WPE officer will train and supervise WPE assistants and social workers to respond   and ensure effective WPE activities in IDPs. This includes providing ongoing training and mentorship for WPE assistants and utilizing monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure high quality services. WPE officer will support WPE assistant officer to manage survivors of gender-based violence tend to have multiple needs with the support of WOWCA case worker, the WPE officer will continuously attend coordination with partners from the protection, health, legal, and psychosocial sectors committed to reducing the incidence of violence against women.   The WPE officer will also establish and maintain networks with community leaders, women leaders, service providers and camp management to ensure that women and girls receive compassionate support from the community.

Major Responsibilities: 

• Raise PRs for program materials and closely follow up with Supply Chain to ensure delivery of the materials on time.

• Carry out skills-building sessions including handicraft activities, PSS activities and information dissemination sessions at Women and Girls safe spaces.

• Strengthen case management capacity through mentoring on CM and providing basic supplies including suspension files and file cabinets to WoWCA.

• Organize age-gender and culturally appropriate psychosocial support programming for children and women in a safe space.

• Mini campaign on consequences of FGM and child marriage

• Establish and strengthen community dialogue groups with influential local figures on harmful practices, referral pathways, and timely reporting mechanisms!

• Conduct monthly coordination meetings with the WoWCA Woreda administration officials, Disaster Risk Management Commission

• Lead GBV prevention activities including community dialogue sessions on GBV, EMAP, Girl Shine and SASA together adaptation.

• Conduct a field visit to targeted IDP sites and initiate discussions with the relevant government actors and community leaders on the selection criteria of beneficiaries and strategies for distribution. 

Safeguarding Responsibilities:- 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Job Requirements: 

Educational Requirements:

• Diploma and BA degree in Social Work, Sociology, Public Health, Women’s Studies, or any other social science-related field

 Preferred experience & skills: 

• A minimum of 2 years of working experience (2 years for first degree or 1 year for postgraduate degree) and 5 years for diploma holders.

• Demonstrated confidence in discussing intimate gender and sexuality issues.

• Able to always maintain GBV and protection principles – including knowledge and practical application of the GBV Guiding Principles and PSEA.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, coordination, and diplomatic skills required.
• Able to organize, maintain composure, and prioritize work under pressure, able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to details.
• Willing to travel to potentially insecure sites with an IRC vehicle or rental vehicle, with security assessment and travel approval by the field coordinator.
• Familiarity working in the Somali region.

• Ability to use MS Office, word, excel, and Outlook email applications very well.

   

Language Skills:  Fluency in English (written and speaking) is mandatory. The ability to speak the local language is advantageous.

How To Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: 

IRC Career Site: - https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/job/req52481/Women-Protection-and-Empowerment-Officer

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for
• Date of application
• Summary of your qualifications and experience
• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job
• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address
• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.