The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Present in Somalia in since the 1980s, the IRC implements humanitarian and development programming across various regions in Somalia in sectors such as WASH, health, nutrition, protection and women’s empowerment. The IRC currently has headquarters in Mogadishu and field presence in Garowe, Gaalkayo, Dhusamareb and Baidoa.
Job and project overview
The IRC is seeking a qualified Gender-Based Violence Officer to support the implementation of a project to equip youth, particularly adolescent girls and women, with basic literacy, numeracy, cross-cutting socioemotional and life skills, and foundational vocational skills to enhance their livelihoods.
Scope of work
The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Officer will lead the integration of gender-responsive approaches across all program areas, ensuring that key activities are designed and implemented with sensitivity to GBV issues. The GBV Officer will be responsible for developing and maintaining GBV/SEAH (Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) reporting and response mechanisms, conducting safety assessments, and establishing survivor referral protocols. S/he will engage with stakeholders, map service providers, and deliver training to ensure a gender-sensitive approach across all program activities. Additionally, the officer will track SEAH action plan indicators, ensure confidentiality in GBV data management, and monitor gender-related impacts and outcomes. S/he will identify gender gaps in programming, provide technical guidance, and contribute to reporting and program adaptation to address community gender needs.
The position will be based in Dhusamareeb or Kismayo, with frequent travel to project sites. The GBV Officer will report to the Team Leader.
Key responsibilities
• Lead the design and implementation of gender-responsive and, where appropriate, transformative approaches across all program areas.
• Ensure key project activities are designed, implemented, and monitored with sensitivity to GBV issues.
• Develop and oversee safe, confidential, and effective reporting mechanisms for GBV/SEAH (Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment) grievances.
• Conduct safety mapping and audits to identify GBV risks and mitigation strategies.
• Establish and update GBV referral protocols, ensuring survivors have access to appropriate services.
• Identify and document existing GBV service providers, creating a comprehensive referral network.
• Develop and deliver training sessions for program staff, government partners, and community stakeholders on gender-sensitive programming, SEAH risk management, and survivor-centered responses.
• Conduct awareness-raising sessions on GBV/SEAH risk management, including ethical reporting of cases.
• Train staff and partners in safe disclosure procedures and the effective use of referral pathways.
• Track and report on SEAH prevention and response indicators, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Ensure confidentiality and safe storage of all GBV/SEAH-related data, adhering to ethical data management principles.
• Support the development, monitoring, and application of gender-sensitive indicators, ensuring consistent use of sex-disaggregated data.
• Provide timely support in tracking and analyzing gender-related indicators under the project log frame, sharing strategic findings for action.
• Conduct ongoing assessments to identify gender-related needs in target communities, ensuring program adaptation based on evolving needs.
• Identify and address gender gaps or deficiencies in program activities, recommending interventions to strengthen gender responsiveness.
• Provide regular technical feedback to program staff and the Team Leader on GBV and gender-related interventions.
• Collaborate with project team members to successfully deliver the project objectives.
Required qualifications & competencies:
• Education: University degree in Social Sciences, Law, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in supervising GBV prevention and response activities.
• At least 3 years of experience conducting awareness campaigns on women’s rights, gender equality, GBV, and/or reproductive health (considered an asset).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing GBV prevention and response mechanisms, including case management, referral systems, and survivor-centered programming.
• In-depth understanding of the ethical principles governing GBV work, including confidentiality, survivor safety, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong expertise in GBV prevention strategies, risk mitigation, and response services, particularly in post-conflict or humanitarian settings.
• Ability to develop and facilitate training for staff, partners, and community stakeholders on GBV response, SEAH prevention, and survivor support.
• Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and local service providers to strengthen GBV referral pathways.
• Ability to design and implement GBV data tracking systems, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and ethical reporting standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in gender-sensitive program design and adaptation.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and community mobilization.
• Excellent command of Somali and English (spoken and written).
• Strong ability to write reports, conduct training, and present technical findings to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation and reporting.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
