Protection Project Officer

Protection Project Officer - National Position

Job Title: Protection Project Officer

Reports To: Protection Project Manager

Location: Dowa, Lilongwe, Malawi

Contract Type: Full-time

Starting Date: Immediate

Duration: 12-month contract, with potential for extension

About IsraAID

IsraAID is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Israel, we have assisted communities in over 60 countries affected by crises. Our mission is to empower these communities to rebuild their lives and futures, offering support in both emergency response and long-term development. We respond swiftly to emergencies such as natural disasters, refugee situations, and global health crises, working alongside communities to foster self-sufficiency and preparedness.

IsraAID commenced operations in Malawi in March 2023, initially focusing on immediate relief and access to basic services in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy. Our program has since evolved to encompass long-term development and resilience-building initiatives.

Role Summary

The Protection Project Officer will be responsible for the execution of all established project plans, ensuring alignment with IsraAID Malawi's program strategy, under the direct guidance of the Protection Project Manager. This role involves active engagement with participants in schools and communities, facilitating outreach activities and dialogue forums, and assisting in the organization of capacity-building training for Community Outreach teams and service providers. The officer will collaborate with field teams on project interventions and coordinate with WASH, Health, and DRR teams to oversee project activities.

Key Responsibilities

Management

• Achieve project targets through regular review of performance data and project management practices, including conducting periodic spot checks.


• Ensure the consistent application of standardized tools, practices, and approaches for project planning, implementation, monitoring, learning, and reporting.


• Identify key project risks and develop proactive contingency and risk management plans.


• Oversee regular data collection and management, ensuring proper documentation of impact stories and activity plans.

Planning and Development

• Liaise with various stakeholders and district officials to address critical issues concerning the safety of vulnerable adults and children, as well as community safety and resilience.


• Contribute to the development of work plans and training content for key stakeholders, including district officials, community facilitators, service providers, and community members.

Coordination

• Support the organization of field visits and meetings with all pertinent stakeholders.


• Provide assistance with training programs for service providers.


• Help coordinate community engagement workshops and training sessions.


• Lead efforts to strengthen relationships with relevant partners, including enhancing referral pathways and inter-agency Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).


• Facilitate training and awareness programs designed to build local capacity for protection initiatives.


• Promote active community participation in protection efforts and engage with relevant stakeholders and officials to advance protection policies.

Reporting, Monitoring, and Evaluation

• Monitor project plan progress and implementation, offering constructive feedback to partners.


• Collect data and case studies, and contribute to report drafting.


• Assist in developing relevant monitoring and evaluation tools and training staff on their use.


• Ensure strict adherence to all IsraAID reporting requirements.


• Prepare and submit timely reports to the supervisor on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

Advocacy

• Champion the rights of vulnerable adults and children, advocating for policies that enhance their protection and facilitate access to community support services.


• Conduct awareness training sessions for communities and staff members.

Other Duties

The Protection Project Manager or Field Coordinator may assign additional duties as needed. The core responsibilities are not exhaustive; flexibility is essential, and the jobholder will be expected to undertake any other related duties within their skills and abilities when reasonably instructed.

General Compliance

The successful candidate must adhere to all IsraAID policies, including codes of conduct, health, safety, security, communications, and policies on preventing sexual exploitation and harassment, among others.

Skills, Experience, and Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or Development Studies.


• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience, with a strong focus on Protection, safeguarding, or the prevention of gender-based violence.


• Previous experience working in challenging environments, emergency settings, fragile states, or with displaced populations is highly desirable.


• Demonstrated experience in implementing capacity-building projects in complex operational settings.


• Proven experience in project planning, development, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation.


• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and strategic planning abilities.


• Excellent report writing skills, producing clear and well-reasoned assessments.


• High level of cultural and political sensitivity.


• Proficiency in written and spoken English.


• A firm commitment to IsraAID's mission and principles.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.


• Malawian nationals are exclusively encouraged to apply.

Ethical Standards

IsraAID maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of misconduct, including Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). The recruitment process will involve comprehensive candidate declarations and reference checks specifically addressing misconduct and SEA.

Equal Opportunities

IsraAID is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

Application Deadline: 23 October 2026