GBV Specialist

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified GBV Specialist for our operations in Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz Field Office.

Overall purpose of the role

The GBV Specialist is responsible for strengthening local and community-level protection systems to ensure a coordinated, survivor-centered, and sustainable GBV prevention and response framework within the H.E.R. project. The role focuses on capacity-building of government authorities, local structures, and community-based networks, particularly the Women and Social Affairs Offices (BOWSA), to improve service delivery, referral mechanisms, and the integration of GBV considerations across sectors. The GBV Specialist contributes to system level planning, coordination, and technical guidance, ensuring GBV prevention and response interventions adhere to international standards, align with DRC protocols, and foster an enabling environment for women and girls.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Lead the capacity building of local authorities, Women and Social Affairs office, community-based networks, and partners to strengthen GBV response services.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to protection teams, GBV focal points, and community volunteers to ensure adherence to survivor-centered case management and referral standards.
• Support the development, dissemination, and operationalization of referral pathways linking GBV survivors to multi-sectoral services, including PSS, health, legal, and livelihoods support.
• Collaborate with local authorities and partners to assess gaps in GBV response services, conduct safety audits, and develop strategies to address systemic weaknesses.
• Promote integration of GBV prevention and response considerations into community-based protection mechanisms and cross-sector programming.
• Serve as the technical focal point for GBV system-strengthening, providing guidance to the Protection Officer and other relevant staff on standards, best practices, and tools.
• Facilitate coordination with consortium partners, local authorities, and community representatives to ensure coherent, efficient, and accountable GBV interventions.
• Support multi-sectoral planning, monitoring, and evaluation to enhance the effectiveness of GBV prevention and response initiatives.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of community sensitization, awareness, and advocacy activities aimed at promoting protective environments for women and girls.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Ensure the development and use of monitoring tools for GBV system-strengthening, including tracking referrals, service mapping, and capacity building outcomes
• Support the protection staffs and protection specialist in data analysis and reporting, ensuring quality and timely documentation in line with DRC standards and donor requirements.
• Promote adherence to confidentiality, data protection, and ethical standards, ensuring all GBV information is managed safely and responsibly.
• Provide technical input into program design, budgets, and work plans to enhance GBV system-strengthening approaches.
• Contribute to policy dialogue and advocacy efforts to improve institutional capacities and legal frameworks for GBV prevention and response.
• Support integration of accountability to affected populations (AAP) and protection mainstreaming across all GBV related interventions.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in protection, PSS, GBV, or case management in humanitarian or development settings.
• Proven experience in direct case management, survivor-centered support, and psychosocial interventions.
• Familiarity with EMAP, community-based protection, referral pathways, and multi-sectoral coordination.
• Knowledge of protection principles, safeguarding, confidentiality, and ethical standards in humanitarian programming.
• Experience engaging with government and local protection authorities, including Women and Social Affairs offices.
• Competency in monitoring, reporting, and data collection, including use of digital tools such as Microsoft Office, Kobo, or Activity Info

 EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• Bachelor degree in Psychology, sociology, social work or other related fields from recognized institution.

  LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)

• Proficient of English language
• Knowledge of local language is an advantage.

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

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

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 1 year

Contract Type: National Contract

Band: G2 – Non-Management

Designation of Duty Station: Assosa, Ethiopia

 Start date:  ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: November 24, 2025

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.

Gender Equality: DRC 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 gendergap.
Equal Opportunities: DRC 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, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics

We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.