Submit Your Application Today! ICRC Protection Field Officer (2026)

About the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Organizational Overview

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations. Established under the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the ICRC operates as an independent, neutral, and impartial institution dedicated to protecting victims of armed conflict and internal violence.

The organization works in close cooperation with:

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Government authorities
International humanitarian partners

Through coordinated efforts, the ICRC ensures timely, effective, and principled humanitarian responses in crisis situations.

Core Mandate and Mission

The ICRC’s mandate focuses on:

Protecting civilians affected by conflict
Assisting prisoners of war and detainees
Reuniting separated families
Promoting international humanitarian law
Supporting displaced populations
Providing emergency relief

The organization’s work is guided by neutrality, independence, humanity, and impartiality.

ICRC Operations and Humanitarian Work in Ethiopia

Regional Context

Ethiopia has experienced complex humanitarian challenges resulting from conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and social instability. The ICRC has maintained a strong operational presence to respond to these needs.

Through sub-delegations and field teams, the ICRC delivers protection services, emergency assistance, and community-based interventions across affected regions.

Partnership and Coordination

The ICRC works closely with:

Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS)
Government institutions
Community leaders
Civil society organizations
International agencies

This collaborative approach ensures sustainable humanitarian impact.

Purpose of the Role

The Protection Field Officer contributes to the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ICRC protection activities. The position supports operations in areas affected by conflict and insecurity, with a focus on:

Protection of civilians
Protection of Family Links (RFL)
Community engagement
Humanitarian monitoring
Stakeholder coordination

The role plays a central part in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive appropriate assistance and protection.

Key Functional Responsibilities

The Protection Field Officer’s responsibilities are structured across several core areas: protection activities, networking and security, cooperation, analysis, and administrative support.

Protection Activities (80%)

Implementation of Protection Programmes

Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the officer is responsible for implementing protection activities, including:

Monitoring civilian protection concerns
Supporting victims of conflict
Documenting humanitarian violations
Facilitating access to services
Supporting family reunification

These activities are conducted in accordance with ICRC principles and operational priorities.

Humanitarian Environment Analysis

The officer contributes to analyzing:

Security conditions
Socioeconomic dynamics
Cultural and political factors
Community vulnerabilities

This analysis supports strategic planning and risk management.

Information Collection and Reporting

Key responsibilities include:

Collecting protection-related data
Compiling field observations
Translating reports
Preparing internal documentation
Submitting post-mission reports

Accurate reporting strengthens institutional decision-making.

Community Engagement and Interviews

Protection Field Officers conduct:

Individual interviews
Group discussions
Community consultations

These engagements help identify protection risks and humanitarian needs.

Protection of Family Links (RFL)

In coordination with RFL teams and partners, the officer ensures:

Proper documentation of tracing requests
Follow-up on missing persons cases
Family reunification support
Compliance with RFL procedures

Case Management and Vulnerability Follow-Up

The officer ensures follow-up for vulnerable individuals through:

Cash assistance programmes
Health referrals
Distribution of dignity kits
Coordination with service providers

This holistic approach strengthens protection outcomes.

Administrative Preparation

Before each field mission, the officer prepares:

Travel requests
Field trip plans
Hotel bookings
Working advances
Activity schedules

Post-mission financial reporting is also required.

Networking and Security Responsibilities (10%)

Stakeholder Engagement

The Protection Field Officer supports the development of professional relationships with:

Local authorities
Police and security forces
Community leaders
NGOs
UN agencies

These relationships enhance operational access and security.

Security Information Management

The officer contributes to:

Monitoring security developments
Updating contact lists
Advising management on risks
Supporting access negotiations

Security awareness is essential for safe field operations.

Representation and Dissemination

The officer represents the ICRC during:

Operational meetings
Community sessions
Dissemination activities

These engagements promote understanding of humanitarian principles.

Cooperation Responsibilities (10%)

Collaboration with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society

The officer works closely with ERCS through:

Regular field visits
Joint activities
Coordination meetings
Capacity-building initiatives

This cooperation strengthens national humanitarian response systems.

Internal Collaboration

The role requires close coordination with:

Protection teams
Cooperation department
Logistics units
Administration staff

Strong teamwork ensures operational efficiency.

Analysis and Reporting Responsibilities

Humanitarian Situation Analysis

The Protection Field Officer contributes to institutional analysis by:

Reviewing public sources
Monitoring social media
Consulting local networks
Assessing community feedback

This supports evidence-based programming.

Documentation and Reporting

The officer prepares:

Institutional reports
Meeting minutes
Activity summaries
Briefing notes

Professional documentation supports transparency and accountability.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Field Trip Planning and Logistics

The officer supports field operations by:

Coordinating transport
Organizing materials
Managing IT resources
Booking accommodation
Ensuring equipment readiness

Compliance and Ethics

The officer is expected to:

Follow security regulations
Respect staff rules
Uphold confidentiality
Protect sensitive data
Maintain professional conduct

Understanding the Red Cross Movement

The role requires knowledge of:

Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
ICRC mandate
Humanitarian principles
Operational structure

This understanding enhances professional effectiveness.

Educational and Certification Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

A university degree
Or equivalent professional experience

Relevant fields include:

Social sciences
Political science
Development studies
Economics
International relations

Language Proficiency

Candidates must demonstrate excellent command of:

English
Amharic

Bilingual proficiency supports community engagement and reporting.

Technical Skills

Applicants must have:

Computer literacy
Proficiency in basic office software
Digital reporting skills

Professional Experience Requirements

Work Experience

Applicants must have:

3 to 5 years of professional experience
Background in social, political, or economic sectors
Experience in humanitarian or development work

Previous field experience is highly valued.

Desirable Competencies

Preferred candidates demonstrate:

Strong interpersonal skills
Cultural sensitivity
Stress management ability
Field adaptability
Conflict-resolution skills
Analytical thinking

These competencies enhance field performance.

Organizational Values and Workplace Culture

ICRC Core Values

The ICRC promotes a value-based culture centered on:

Impact
Collaboration
Respect
Compassion

Employees are expected to reflect these values in their work.

Diversity and Inclusion

The ICRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and welcomes applications regardless of:

Gender
Disability
Ethnicity
Religion
Sexual orientation
Marital status

Inclusive recruitment strengthens organizational effectiveness.

Contract Conditions and Employment Terms

Employment Status

Protection Field Officers are employed under:

Fixed-term national contracts
Performance-based renewal systems

Working Conditions

The role involves:

Extensive fieldwork (approximately 50%)
Travel to remote areas
Exposure to hardship environments
Irregular working hours

Candidates must be physically and mentally resilient.

Hardship Classification

The position is classified as H3, indicating challenging working conditions requiring adaptability and commitment.

Career Development and Professional Benefits

Skills Development

Working with the ICRC strengthens:

Humanitarian expertise
Protection programming skills
Negotiation abilities
Reporting competence
Leadership potential

International Exposure

The role provides:

Global humanitarian experience
Cross-cultural collaboration
Access to international networks
Career mobility opportunities

Social Impact

Protection Field Officers directly contribute to:

Civilian protection
Family reunification
Community resilience
Human rights promotion

This creates lasting professional fulfillment.

Application Process and Important Dates

Eligibility

This position is open exclusively to Ethiopian nationals.

Application Deadline

Closing Date: 9 February 2026

Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Selection Process

The recruitment process includes:

Application screening
Competency-based interviews
Reference checks
Background verification
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

YOU CAN CHECK OTHER JOBS HERE!

Conclusion: A Meaningful Career in Humanitarian Protection

The Protection Field Officer position with the International Committee of the Red Cross represents an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking impactful careers in humanitarian protection and international development.

This role combines field engagement, analytical work, community service, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. It offers both professional growth and the chance to contribute to global humanitarian principles.

For individuals committed to ethical service, social justice, and humanitarian excellence, this position provides a strong foundation for long-term career development.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and become part of a global movement dedicated to protecting human dignity in times of crisis.