Project Officer Protection

Job Title: Project Officer Protection Elgeyo Marakwet

Reports to: Programme Manager Protection

Location: Chesongoch – Elgeyo Marakwet County

Classification: Fulltime-Local Hire; as such this position is not eligible for R&R and the incumbent will be responsible for their own accommodation arrangements.

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Duration: Upto Dec 2026

BACKGROUND

IsraAID is an international non-governmental organization headquartered in Israel that was founded in 2001 and works in emergency and long-term development settings in over 55 countries. IsraAID’s mission is to support people affected by humanitarian crises by partnering with local communities around the world to provide urgent aid, assist recovery, and reduce the risk of future disasters.

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership and support the implementation of quality community-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Gender-based Violence and Child Protection interventions for communities in Elgeyo Marakwet County, especially those affected by the 2025 mudslides in Chesongoch, Marakwet East Sub-County to enhance recovery and resilience. This position involves close coordination and working with the protection technical team, MEAL and WASH teams, partner agencies including County and National Governments departments within the sub-county. Additionally, the incumbent will support the Protection Manager in contributing towards Kenya Country Office localization pillar through working closely with Community-Based Organizations in Marakwet East Sub-County.

The Project Officer Protection will report to the Protection Manager and will also serve as a focal point for IsraAID and partner agencies on technical matters relating to CP, MHPSS, child protection and gender based violence service provision for community members in Marakwet East Sub-County.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Lead the implementation of CP, GBV and MHPSS programming by providing technical expertise within the sub-county.
• Provide specialized psychosocial support to referrals from health facilities, schools, community-based organizations and protection cluster groups, particularly the MHPSS cluster.
• Disseminate CP, GBV and MHPSS key messages through community awareness campaigns in collaboration with Community-Based Organizations.
• Establish and facilitate community-based psychosocial support groups to promote healing and restore well-being.
• Support school club patrons in the strengthening or formation of integrated Protection and WASH clubs, including delivering school-based protection messaging through club members.
• Co-facilitate MHPSS training sessions for first responders, protection cluster groups and Community-Based Organization representatives.
• Facilitate youth groups peer quarterly peer learning sessions including debrief sessions for first responders.
• Liaise with MHPSS cluster members to identify and support cases requiring specialized psychosocial support.
• Conduct follow-ups for clients referred for specialized care.
• Maintain a database of project participants in collaboration with the MEAL Officer and Protection Manager.
• Lead weekly and monthly planning for CP, GBV and MHPSS activities, ensuring timely, efficient and effective implementation.
• Monitor and provide participatory leadership in delivering C, GBV, MHPSS services in line with national and international standards and guiding principles.
• Support the formulation, training and coordination of the Mass Casualty Plan multisectoral team.

Administration

• Ensure all project inventories are up to date in accordance with procurement guidelines.
• Compile and submit weekly and monthly reports to the Protection Manager.
• Maintain accurate case records and share relevant information with appropriate staff and stakeholders.

Coordination with external partners

• Participate and contribute towards partners coordinated activities, especially protection-based calendar events and stakeholder coordination.
• Liaise with Community Based Organizations, NGOs/INGOs, County and National Government agencies within project locations to strengthen pathways for child protection, gender-based violence and mental health and psychosocial support.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in counselling psychology, social work, gender studies or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in community-based programming focused on GBV, MHPSS and Child Protection.
• Experience in emergency preparedness, response and recovery programming is desirable.
• Prior experience working with adolescents, women and girls in providing protection services.
• Knowledge of Group Problem Management Plus (GPM+) is an added advantage.
• Experience providing individual and group psychosocial support services preferably in similar contexts.
• Good understanding of the Elgeyo Marakwet County context and experience implementing similar programs.
• Basic understanding of community managed disaster risk reduction approaches.

SKILLS

• Must possess excellent listening and interviewing skills.
• Strong comuter literacy.
• Excellent listening and interviewing skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively lead individual and group sessions.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and adherence to deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently when necessary.
• High level of professionalism and organizational skills.
• Passion for working with vulnerable children, adolescents and caregivers.
• Commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, including children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in hardship areas (previous experience in the Elgeyo Marakwet County or similar setting is an added advantage).

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN:

High contact: Frequent interaction with Children.

LANGUAGES

• Essential: English and Kiswahili.
• Fluency in local dialect is an added advantage.

ETHICAL STANDARDS

IsraAID has zero tolerance towards any acts of misconduct and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The recruitment process will include all candidates’ declarations and reference checks focused on misconduct and SEA.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

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