Job Opening: Protection Assistant
Location: Rabah Local Government Area, Sokoto State
Organization: COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale
Employment Type: Full-time
Project: Integrated Emergency Response to Displaced Populations in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Contract Duration: Three months with the possibility of extension
Work Condition: Full-time, field-based role
COOPI is an Italian humanitarian organization with a longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable communities affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty. Since 1965, COOPI has implemented projects across various sectors, including public health, food security, education, protection, and emergency response. In Nigeria, COOPI continues to deliver timely humanitarian assistance to populations in need, with a focus on the northwest region.
COOPI is recruiting for the position of Protection Assistant. The successful candidate will be based in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State and will report to the Child Protection Officer. This role is part of a larger USAID-funded project aimed at addressing the urgent needs of displaced populations in collaboration with partner organizations.
The Protection Assistant will support the implementation of child protection and gender-based violence services in the community. This includes direct case management for children at risk and survivors of gender-based violence, as well as supporting psychosocial activities and awareness sessions in safe spaces. The role requires strong communication skills, empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.
Key responsibilities include identifying and supporting at-risk children, including unaccompanied and separated children, designing and implementing case plans, documenting case activities, conducting follow-up visits, and working closely with service providers to ensure quality and confidential assistance. The Protection Assistant will also lead or support group activities such as counseling sessions, skills training, and recreational events tailored for women and girls in the community.
The role further involves conducting awareness sessions to promote knowledge of available protection services, advocating for survivors’ access to medical, legal, and psychosocial support, and ensuring proper documentation of all protection cases using established tools. The Assistant will support the implementation of protection principles, including confidentiality, safety, dignity, and non-discrimination.
Candidates should hold a university degree in psychology, sociology, health sciences, or a related field and have at least two years of relevant experience in child protection, gender-based violence programming, or general protection in humanitarian settings. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a passion for community service are essential. Previous experience working with women and children, especially in rural or displaced communities, will be an added advantage.
Applicants must be fluent in English and at least one local language such as Hausa or Kanuri. They should also be based in Rabah Local Government Area and be comfortable working as part of a field team. COOPI strongly encourages applications from women and residents of the local community.
To apply, interested candidates should send a cover letter and an updated CV to the recruitment email: recruitment.nigeria@coopi.org. The subject line of the email must state the job title and location: Protection Assistant – Rabah, Sokoto.
The deadline for applications is 30 May 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
