Child Protection Officer at SOS Children Villages

Job Description

• The Child Protection Officer will play a vital role in supporting the implementation of comprehensive Child Protection programs. 
• This position is focused on developing and executing a robust case management system, and organizing awareness-raising activities related to child protection issues. 
• The officer will also collaborate closely with project locations to ensure that all child protection teams are adequately trained and equipped to support project participants effectively.

Key Responsibilities
Implementation of Child Protection Programs:

• Support the planning, development, and execution of Child Protection programs in accordance with organizational standards and best practices.
• Contribute to the design and formulation of strategies that address child protection concerns within the project scope.

Case Management System:

• Design, implement, and maintain an efficient case management system tailored to the needs of child protection in project areas.
• Ensure that the case management process is child-centered, evidence-based, and compliant with legal and ethical standards.

Awareness and Education:

• Organize and coordinate awareness campaigns and training sessions on child protection issues for project participants, community members, and stakeholders.
• Develop educational materials and resources to promote understanding and awareness of child protection rights and issues.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Collaborate with project locations to assess training needs and develop training programs for child protection teams.
• Facilitate training sessions to strengthen the capacity of staff and volunteers involved in child protection activities.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Foster partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to enhance the delivery of child protection initiatives.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with all project teams to ensure alignment in child protection efforts.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Collect and analyze relevant data to monitor the effectiveness of child protection programs and case management systems. - Provide regular reports on program progress, challenges, and solutions to management and stakeholders.

Policy and Advocacy:

• Stay informed about national and international child protection laws, policies, and best practices.
• Advocate for child protection issues within communities and ensure that children’s rights are upheld.

Emergency Response:

• Assist in the development and implementation of child protection measures in emergency contexts if required.
• Ensure that emergency response plans consider the specific protection needs of children.

Data Confidentiality: 

• Understanding data confidentiality principles is compulsory. Treat donor information gathered confidential and secure.

Safeguarding Policy: 

• Support in ensuring that all tasks are in compliance with the Safeguarding Policy Implementation in the Organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Proven experience in child protection, social work, or related fields, preferably in a humanitarian or development context.
• Strong knowledge of child protection principles, frameworks, and legislation.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with children,  families, and community members.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making in complex situations.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting tools.

The eligible candidate is required to possess the under listed skills in addition to role specific requirements:

• Understanding the NGO/INGO sector.
• Excellent understanding of children's rights and child protection issues.
• Awareness and basic understanding of issues affecting orphans & vulnerable children, such as the causes of vulnerability (e.g. HIV & AIDS, gender discrimination, poverty, etc.), local and national responses, etc.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English – other languages, an asset.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including ability to identify problems and possible solutions, and ability to clearly reflect these in a report.
• Good communication skills and People development skills, including facilitation, coaching and mentoring skills, to build the capacities of co-workers from partner organizations; as  well as of children and their care-givers, and other community members.
• Collaboration skills, being driven to work with others and able to build strong working relationships community members and groups.
• Fluent in at least one of the local languages spoken in the Programme’s target communities.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required within and between project/programme locations.
• Ability to work successfully in a cross-cultural, team-based environment.
• Strong use of MS Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Office 365.