Protection Officer (Gender, GBV & Safeguarding) at Bakhita Initiative JDPC

The Bakhita Initiative (TBI-JDPC) Sokoto is a Catholic faith-based non-governmental organization committed to promoting human dignity, social justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. The organization implements humanitarian and development interventions across Northwest Nigeria, focusing on vulnerable and crisis-affected populations.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Protection Officer (Gender, GBV & Safeguarding)

Location: Daura, Katsina
Contract Duration: 12 Months
Organization: The Bakhita Initiative (TBI-JDPC) Sokoto
Project: ECHO SAHARA Project

About TBI-JDPC Sokoto

• The Bakhita Initiative (TBI-JDPC) Sokoto is a faith-based non-governmental organization committed to promoting human dignity, social justice, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. The organization implements humanitarian and development interventions across Northwest Nigeria, focusing on vulnerable and crisis-affected populations.
• Under the ECHO SAHARA Project, TBI-JDPC Sokoto delivers life-saving assistance through integrated programming, including Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), and Nutrition interventions.

Position Summary

• The Protection Officer will provide technical leadership for the integration of gender equality, protection, and safeguarding across all project interventions. The role ensures that all activities are implemented in a manner that upholds dignity, promotes inclusion, and prevents harm to affected populations.
• The post holder will work closely with vulnerable groups including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities, and persons with specific protection needs, while ensuring adherence to international humanitarian and human rights standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the mainstreaming of gender, protection, and safeguarding across all project sectors (MPCA, FSL, and Nutrition).
• Conduct regular protection risk assessments and safety audits to inform program design and implementation.
• Ensure application of “Do No Harm” principles and promote safe, dignified, and inclusive access to services.
• Establish and strengthen referral pathways for protection and GBV cases, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate follow-up.
• Support and monitor Feedback and Complaint Response Mechanisms (FCRM) with a protection lens.
• Conduct community sensitization and awareness sessions on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and available services.
• Build the capacity of staff, community mobilizers, vendors, and partners on protection mainstreaming, safeguarding, and gender inclusion.
• Support data collection, ensuring all data is disaggregated by age, sex, and vulnerability.
• Produce timely weekly and monthly reports, including protection analysis and indicator tracking.
• Participate in coordination platforms (e.g., GBV sub-cluster, protection working groups) and represent the organization at local level.
• Ensure adherence to safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct by staff and partners.
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to ensure compliance with protection principles.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Law, or related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in protection, GBV, gender, or humanitarian programming.
• Strong knowledge of protection principles, GBV prevention and response, and safeguarding standards.
• Experience working in humanitarian settings, particularly in Northwest Nigeria, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with donor-funded programs (ECHO experience is an added advantage).
• Fluency in English and Hausa is required.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical, reporting, and documentation skills
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and training skills
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse and vulnerable communities
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles and protection standards
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Ability to work in challenging and security-sensitive environments
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills

Safeguarding and Ethics:

• The Bakhita Initiative (TBI-JDPC) Sokoto has zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), fraud, and any form of misconduct. All staff are required to adhere strictly to safeguarding policies, including PSEA and Child Protection.

Application Closing Date
Wednesday, 1st April 2026. 

How to Apply 
Interested and qualified candidates should send their cover letter and an updated CV to: joellinus.loesun@bakhitainitiativejdpc.org using "Application for Protection Officer – ECHO SAHARA Project" as the subject of the email.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The Bakhita Initiative (TBI-JDPC) Sokoto is an equal opportunity employer. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Disclaimer: This job description is not exhaustive and may be adjusted as required by the project.