Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In times of disaster and hardship, and in more than 40 countries worldwide, we partner to implement bold solutions, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, both now and for the future. Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004, working closely with the government, private sector, and civil society actors to drive transformative ideas and build a more resilient country. Our programs are designed to be responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development, ensuring improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water.

About Job

We currently operate in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara, and South Ethiopia. Working with a diverse base of donors, including USAID, European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations, JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crises, build better lives, and transform their communities for good.

Program Summary

Mercy Corps Ethiopia currently secured USAID/BHA funded multisectoral response program entitled ‘Humanitarian Assistance for Conflict-Affected Populations (HACAP)” in Oromia, Afar and Somali regions. The goal of the proposed program is to increase access to Life-saving Services for Conflict-affected IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Populations through provision of integrated Multi-Sectoral Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion (WASH), Health, Nutrition, Agriculture, Protection, and Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) support in the target regions.

General Position Summary

The Gender-Based Violence Prevention Officer is responsible for implementing risk mitigation and prevention interventions in the HACAP program, operating in Erebti and Megale Woredas of the Afar region; Adadle, Berano, and Abakorow Woredas of the Somali Region; and Gumi Eldalo and Liben Woredas of the Oromia Region. The position holder will ensure the technical quality and integration of these activities across humanitarian programs, addressing related concerns through direct service and referrals. Additionally, the officer will provide capacity-building training, lead organizational and staff transformation on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and represent Mercy Corps in relevant coordination forums and platforms.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Collaborate closely with all Mercy Corps team members to ensure effective integration of gender, protection, social inclusion, and GBV concerns across all humanitarian programs.
• Work with relevant government and non-governmental actors to respond effectively to gender, protection, GBV, and social norm issues, informing project designs and activities.

Program Management

• Support GBV prevention activities, including implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate training and workshops on gender and GBV-related issues for various groups.
• Develop and implement work plans, including quarterly, monthly, and monitoring plans.
• Provide prevention and risk mitigation services in collaboration with community and social workers.
• Conduct assessments and community meetings and develop relevant communication materials.
• Ensure the success of SASA! implementation, updating training materials and supervising community activists.
• Assist in capacity building for community workers to support GBV safety audits.
• Monitor prevention supply needs and manage procurement processes.
• Compile and submit prevention reports and support coordination meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• Promote the participation of women, adolescent girls, and children in all matters affecting their lives.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by immediate and technical supervisors.

Team Management

• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training for social workers and community volunteers.
• Support project teams with capacity building on gender mainstreaming, protection, GBV, and social inclusion.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback.
• Foster a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive for excellence.

Influence & Representation

• Coordinate with government, development, and humanitarian actors to promote gender equality, protection, social inclusion, and GBV prevention.
• Represent Mercy Corps in various platforms, networks, and coordination forums focusing on gender, GBV, and protection.
• Regularly uphold the image and values of Mercy Corps

Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion

• Support the recruitment of diverse teams and promote an inclusive and safe work environment.
• Lead by example to promote a gender-equal and inclusive workplace culture.

Program and Proposal Development

• Provide technical support, coaching, and capacity building to humanitarian teams for high-quality gender integration.
• Conduct assessments to determine community needs and document findings for future initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Provide technical support to project teams, social workers, and community volunteers for effective GBV service delivery, including psychosocial support and protection concerns.
• Conduct capacity-building training as needed.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies.
• Proactively ensure a secure environment for team members and awareness of security policies.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members support efforts toward accountability to program participants, community partners, and other stakeholders, adhering to international standards guiding relief and development work.

Ongoing Learning

Mercy Corps values learning organizations and encourages team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to building diverse teams and an inclusive environment. We strive for trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and reaches their potential.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer, seeking diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to strengthen our global impact. We provide an environment of respect and psychological safety, free from discrimination.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to respect and dignity for all, preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, and adhering to core principles and local laws. Team members must complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses annually.

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• BA degree in Gender and Social Development, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or a related social science field.
• Minimum four years’ work experience in gender, protection, and GBV-related roles in development and humanitarian settings.
• Previous experience/exposures to the location/region he/she is applying for.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English, and speaking the local language is a plus.

Success Factors

The successful GBV Response Officer will demonstrate experience managing programs in the field and the ability to adapt technical theories to meet real-world complexities. The role requires strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build and maintain productive relationships. Awareness and sensitivity to international development issues and diverse cultures are critical.