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 seven Woredas of the three regions.

General Position Summary

The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response Officer will be responsible to provide frontline services to GBV survivors and vulnerable women and girls through case management and psychosocial support (PSS) interventions in HACAP program, which is under operation in Adadle, Berano, and Abakorow Woredas of the Somali Region, and in Gumi Eldalo and Liben Woredas of the Oromia Region. S/he ensures the technical quality and integration of these activities across humanitarian programs and addresses related concerns through direct service and referral. Additionally, the GBV Response Officer contributes to capacity-building training, leads organizational and staff transformation on Gender, Equity, Social Inclusion (GESI), and represents 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.
• Partner with relevant government and non-governmental actors to address gender, protection, GBV, and social norm issues, informing project designs and activities.

Program Management

• Conduct training on GBV response and prevention for government and non-government service providers.
• Provide psychological first aid to GBV survivors and mentor social workers.
• Offer technical support on GBV case management and counseling at government institutions.
• Support the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities.
• Collaborate with GESI and prevention service providers on community awareness-raising activities.
• Develop communication materials such as brochures and leaflets.
• Establish and build the capacity of community groups on GBV response and prevention.
• Form partnerships with various actors, including schools, and provide technical support.
• Conduct monthly budget reviews and make recommendations to the protection technical specialist and Addis humanitarian team.
• Provide case management and psychosocial support services to GBV survivors and vulnerable women and girls.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation activities, including assessments and surveys.
• Assist with all aspects of project implementation in the region, providing operational support.
• Coordinate and organize workshops and trainings, preparing necessary documents and ensuring timely implementation.
• Perform any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by immediate and technical supervisors.
• Work with the protection specialist and GESI team to ensure safe and inclusive service provision and provide GBV and gender mainstreaming interventions.

Team Management

• Provide technical guidance for field-level social workers and community volunteers, including on-the-job training.
• Support project teams and provide capacity building on gender mainstreaming, protection, GBV, and social inclusion.
• Promote accountability, communicate expectations, and provide constructive feedback.
• Create and sustain 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 prevention of GBV.
• Represent Mercy Corps in various platforms, networks, and coordination forums focused on gender, GBV, and protection.
• Regularly uphold the image and values of Mercy Corps.

Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion

• Be a thought partner in recruiting diverse teams and promoting an inclusive and safe work environment.
• Lead by example to promote a gender-equal and inclusive workplace culture.

Program and Proposal Development

• Provide humanitarian teams with technical support, coaching, and capacity building to ensure high-quality gender integration in programs.
• Conduct assessments to determine community needs and document meeting minutes and GBVIMS data for new initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Provide technical support to project teams, especially social workers, and community volunteers, ensuring effective GBV service delivery and capacity-building training.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies.
• Ensure team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

• Support all efforts toward accountability to program participants, community partners, and stakeholders, adhering to international standards guiding relief and development work.
• Actively engage communities as equal partners in designing, monitoring, and evaluating projects.

Ongoing Learning

• Dedicate 5% of time to learning activities for personal and professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Strive for a culture of trust and respect, leveraging diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges.
• Commit to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Promote an environment of respect and psychological safety with equal employment opportunities for all.
• Do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group.

Safeguarding & Ethics

• Commit to ensuring respect and dignity for all individuals encountered through our work.
• Adhere to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and annually.

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• BA degree in Gender and Social Development, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or a related social science field.
• Minimum of four years of work experience in gender, protection, and GBV-related roles in both 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.