CARE Nigeria is seeking an experienced Gende and Protection Sector Lead to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise across its humanitarian and development programming. Based in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, this senior role is central to advancing gender equality, protection, and dignity for crisis-affected and vulnerable populations across Nigeria. The position reflects CARE’s dual mandate, operating in both humanitarian emergency contexts and long-term development settings, with a strong emphasis on women and girls’ empowerment, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and inclusive protection systems. Organizational Context CARE is a global humanitarian and development organization working to end poverty and social injustice. CARE Nigeria has been operational since 2017, with a strong presence in conflict-affected regions, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest. Its work focuses on food and nutrition security, sexual and reproductive health and rights, GBV prevention and response, and women’s economic empowerment. The Gender and Protection Sector Lead plays a critical role in ensuring that CARE’s values of dignity, equality, and accountability are embedded across all interventions. Role Overview The Gender and Protection Sector Lead is responsible for establishing, leading, and strengthening CARE Nigeria’s Gender and Protection sector. The role provides strategic direction, technical leadership, and quality assurance to ensure that all programs are gender-sensitive, protection-focused, and aligned with international humanitarian and human rights standards. Reporting to the Assistant Country Director – Programs / Program Director, the position works closely with sector leads, program teams, and support functions, while representing CARE Nigeria with government stakeholders, UN agencies, donors, and coordination platforms. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Priority Setting Lead the development and implementation of CARE Nigeria’s Gender and Protection strategy Compile and analyze contextual information on gender inequality, GBV, SEA, and protection risks Review internal systems, policies, and structures to ensure gender and protection sensitivity Establish internal and external coordination mechanisms with partners, ministries, and protection actors Ensure adherence to PSEA policies across programs and partners Assessments, Analysis, and Monitoring Lead gender- and protection-sensitive assessments using sex- and age-disaggregated data Strengthen tools and methodologies for protection mainstreaming across sectors Analyze protection risks affecting women, girls, and other vulnerable groups to inform program design Program Design and Quality Assurance Provide technical leadership for GBV and protection programming across humanitarian and development portfolios Support proposal development and resource mobilization efforts Ensure integration of protection and GBV risk mitigation across sectors such as WASH, Shelter, SRH, Livelihoods, and Food Security Guide establishment of safe referral pathways, complaints mechanisms, and survivor-centered services Review budgets and workplans to ensure adequate resourcing for gender and protection outcomes Partnerships and Capacity Building Deliver trainings and refresher sessions on gender equality, GBV, protection, and PSEA Mentor and coach focal points across program and support teams Strengthen partnerships with UN agencies, INGOs, and government ministries Represent CARE in Protection Sector and GBV Sub-Sector coordination platforms Conduct capacity gap analyses and support emergency preparedness and response strengthening Advocacy, Learning, and Representation Support advocacy and communications on gender and protection priorities Represent CARE Nigeria in technical forums and working groups Document and disseminate good practices and lessons learned Advise senior leadership on opportunities to expand Gender and Protection programming Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Provide technical guidance on MEAL frameworks for GBV and Protection programs Support development of indicators, tools, and reporting mechanisms Conduct field monitoring visits to ensure quality and compliance with standards Support evaluations, learning reviews, and evidence-based decision-making Qualifications and Experience CARE Nigeria seeks a highly qualified professional with deep expertise in Gender and Protection programming. Required qualifications include: Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Human Rights, Gender Studies, or International Humanitarian Law 8–10 years of progressive experience leading Gender and Protection programs in humanitarian contexts At least two years’ experience in Protection or GBV programming in medium- to large-scale emergencies Strong experience mainstreaming gender and protection across multiple sectors Proven ability to manage GBV and protection-specific projects Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills Experience working with INGOs and humanitarian coordination systems Additional assets include: Experience delivering training and capacity-building initiatives Knowledge of Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa, or other local languages Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and leadership in diverse environments Employment Details Contract type: Full-time Job status: Nationals only Grade: G Location: Abuja, FCT Slots available: 1 CARE is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply. Why Join CARE Nigeria This role offers the opportunity to influence national-level gender and protection programming, contribute to life-saving interventions, and shape policies that protect the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations. The Gender and Protection Sector Lead will be at the forefront of CARE Nigeria’s mission to deliver impactful, inclusive, and transformative change. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.