Gender, Protection and Accountability (GPA) Officer at ZOA International – Full Job Details, Requirements, Responsibilities, and Application Guide

 



ZOA International is currently recruiting for the position of Gender, Protection and Accountability (GPA) Officer in Nigeria. This humanitarian role offers an excellent opportunity for professionals passionate about gender equality, safeguarding, protection programming, and accountability to affected populations.

The position is initially for two months with the possibility of extension, making it suitable for experienced NGO professionals seeking impactful humanitarian work in Northeast Nigeria.

If you have experience in protection, safeguarding, gender programming, or accountability systems within humanitarian settings, this opportunity could be the next major step in your career.


About ZOA International

ZOA International is a global humanitarian and recovery organization that supports vulnerable communities affected by conflict, disasters, and displacement.

The organization operates in multiple countries across:

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Middle East

ZOA focuses on:

  • Emergency relief
  • Early recovery
  • Livelihood support
  • Education
  • Food security
  • Protection and safeguarding

In Nigeria, ZOA has been active in Northeast Nigeria since 2016, supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities affected by insecurity and humanitarian crises.


Job Overview: Gender, Protection and Accountability (GPA) Officer

The Gender, Protection and Accountability Officer is responsible for strengthening gender equality, accountability systems, safeguarding measures, and protection mainstreaming across ZOA programs.

The role ensures that vulnerable populations — especially women, girls, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups — can safely access services, report concerns, and participate in programme decisions.


Contract Duration

  • Initial contract: Two months
  • Possibility of extension based on performance and project needs

Job Location

  • Bama LGA, Borno State, Nigeria

This is a field-based humanitarian role requiring work in challenging environments.


Job Purpose

The main objective of the role is to:

  • Strengthen protection systems
  • Support accountability mechanisms
  • Promote gender-responsive programming
  • Implement safeguarding standards
  • Ensure effective complaint and feedback systems

Key Responsibilities

The GPA Officer will carry out a wide range of humanitarian protection and accountability activities:


1. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

  • Manage Community Feedback and Complaints Mechanisms (CFM/CRM)
  • Operate help desks, hotlines, and suggestion boxes
  • Ensure complaints are documented and resolved properly
  • Track and analyze complaints trends
  • Support inclusive feedback systems for vulnerable groups

Effective accountability systems help communities safely voice concerns.


2. Protection Mainstreaming and Safeguarding

  • Integrate protection principles into project activities
  • Promote dignity, safety, confidentiality, and inclusion
  • Support safeguarding and PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) activities
  • Handle sensitive complaints professionally
  • Support referral pathways for survivors and vulnerable persons

Protection mainstreaming ensures humanitarian interventions do not expose beneficiaries to additional harm.


3. Gender Equality and Inclusion

  • Conduct gender and protection analysis
  • Promote inclusive programming for women, men, girls, boys, and persons with disabilities
  • Support integration of gender indicators into project plans
  • Encourage participation of marginalized groups in community structures

ZOA emphasizes gender-responsive programming as part of its humanitarian strategy.


4. Capacity Building and Training

  • Train staff and partners on:
    • Accountability
    • PSEA
    • Code of Conduct
    • Gender and protection principles
  • Strengthen staff safeguarding knowledge
  • Support onboarding activities related to accountability systems

Capacity building improves humanitarian quality standards.


5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

  • Work with MEAL teams to maintain CRM databases
  • Support monitoring and reporting activities
  • Participate in assessments and evaluations
  • Contribute to lessons learned and learning events

Data and learning systems help improve programme quality.


6. Coordination and Representation

  • Represent ZOA in:
    • Protection working groups
    • PSEA forums
    • Accountability meetings
  • Maintain relationships with service providers and community leaders
  • Coordinate with referral partners

7. Technical Supervision

  • Provide technical support to:
    • CRM focal persons
    • Volunteers
    • Enumerators
    • Assistants and interns

Required Qualifications

To be eligible for this role, applicants should have:

  • University degree in:
    • Social Sciences
    • Gender Studies
    • Development Studies
    • Humanitarian Affairs
    • Or related field

Required Experience

Applicants should have:

  • At least 2–3 years of experience in:
    • Protection programming
    • Accountability systems
    • Gender or safeguarding roles
  • Experience working in humanitarian or development settings
  • Experience handling sensitive complaints and referral systems

Experience in Northeast Nigeria humanitarian operations is an advantage.


Required Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Technical Skills

  • Knowledge of:
    • CHS standards
    • AAP principles
    • PSEA
    • Protection mainstreaming
  • Experience with CRM systems
  • Data analysis and reporting skills
  • Knowledge of Kobo and Microsoft Excel

Communication Skills

  • Strong interpersonal communication
  • Facilitation and training skills
  • Community engagement ability

Analytical Skills

  • Data trend analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Report writing

Soft Skills

  • Confidentiality and professionalism
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Teamwork
  • Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge of Hausa and/or Kanuri is an added advantage.


Work Environment

The GPA Officer role involves:

  • Extensive fieldwork
  • Working in humanitarian emergency settings
  • Engagement with vulnerable populations
  • Travel within ZOA operational areas

Candidates must be adaptable and resilient.


Why This Role Is Important

The GPA Officer plays a critical role in:

  • Protecting vulnerable populations
  • Ensuring safe humanitarian programming
  • Preventing exploitation and abuse
  • Strengthening accountability systems
  • Promoting gender equality and inclusion

Without strong accountability and protection systems, humanitarian interventions may fail to protect beneficiaries adequately.


Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

  • Protection officers
  • Gender officers
  • Safeguarding specialists
  • Accountability officers
  • Humanitarian field workers
  • NGO professionals

If you are passionate about humanitarian protection and gender equality, this role is a strong fit.


How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official job page:

👉 Click Here To Apply 

Applicants should carefully follow all instructions and submit complete application documents before the deadline.


Required Documents

Applicants typically need:

  • Updated CV
  • Cover letter
  • Academic certificates
  • Relevant professional experience documents

Application Tips

To improve your chances:

  • Highlight protection and safeguarding experience
  • Demonstrate experience with accountability systems
  • Show understanding of PSEA and CHS standards
  • Mention field experience in humanitarian settings
  • Tailor your CV to the role requirements

Career Benefits

Working with ZOA International offers:

  • Experience in international humanitarian programming
  • Exposure to protection and safeguarding systems
  • Career growth in gender and accountability programming
  • Opportunity to work with international humanitarian professionals

Final Thoughts

The Gender, Protection and Accountability (GPA) Officer role at ZOA International is a meaningful opportunity for professionals committed to humanitarian protection, safeguarding, and inclusion.

The position provides hands-on experience in accountability systems, gender-responsive programming, and protection mainstreaming within one of the world’s recognized humanitarian organizations.

If you meet the requirements and are passionate about supporting vulnerable populations, this opportunity is worth applying for.

Take the next step and apply today.



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