Referral Officer - Border Security Programme

About the role

MSD, a non-profit civil society organization active in Ethiopia, is recruiting a Referral Officer for its Border Security Programme, a UK FCDO-funded initiative aimed at reducing organized immigration crime and strengthening border security. The officer facilitates timely, safe and appropriate access to protection and support services for vulnerable migrants, returnees, unaccompanied and separated children and survivors of human trafficking in Metema and surrounding border communities. The post is based in Metema, reports to the Migration/Protection Coordinator and is a contract position.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, screen and refer vulnerable migrants, trafficking survivors and others at risk of exploitation, abuse or other protection harms
• Maintain and update referral pathways and service provider directories covering protection, medical, psychosocial, legal, shelter and reintegration services
• Coordinate with government offices, immigration authorities, police, health facilities, shelters, legal aid providers and NGOs
• Follow up on referrals and document outcomes while respecting confidentiality and informed consent
• Support protection needs assessment, family tracing, reunification, safe return and reintegration
• Support community awareness on protection services, safe migration and reporting mechanisms
• Keep accurate referral records, beneficiary tracking and performance reports, and report emerging protection concerns
• Take part in coordination meetings and support capacity building for community structures and service providers
• Ensure safeguarding, child protection, PSEA, data protection and do-no-harm standards are upheld

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Development Studies, Law or another relevant social science field
• At least 2-3 years of experience in migration, protection, human trafficking, social services or humanitarian programmes
• Experience identifying vulnerable migrants, UASC and trafficking survivors and coordinating referrals to health facilities, shelters, legal aid and child protection services
• Experience with government offices, NGOs and community structures, and with confidential case records
• Excellent written and spoken Amharic is mandatory; good spoken and written English

Required skills

• Migration management, protection principles and referral mechanisms
• Basic case management, GBV prevention, child protection and psychological first aid
• Good computer skills, especially MS Word, Excel and digital referral tracking systems
• Strong coordination, communication, case documentation and reporting skills

Applications are made through the organization's online application form; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and the deadline is 7 working days after the announcement.