Child Protection Officers at Save The Children

Slot: 2 Openings

ROLE PURPOSE: 

The CP Officer, under the direct supervision of the CP Coordinator, will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the BHA-funded Integrated Multi-Sectoral Lifesaving Assistance Project in Yobe State, within Save the Children Nigeria Country Program. The CP Officer will be responsible for ensuring that vulnerable children especially those exposed to or at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence receive timely, safe, and quality protection services.

In this role, the Officer will support the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of child protection activities, with a focus on case management and community-based child protection mechanisms. The CP Officer will also contribute to needs assessments, data collection, and analysis to inform child protection interventions and advocate for the best interests of the child.

Reports directly to: CP Coordinator 
Staff directly reporting to this post: N/A

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Support the implementation of child protection activities in line with international standards, national policies, and Save the Children’s CP minimum standards.
• Ensure case management services to vulnerable children, including unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), survivors of violence, and children at risk.
• Monitor and document protection trends and incidents; contribute to protection needs assessments and situation analyses.
• Support the identification and strengthening of appropriate community-based child protection mechanisms.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor program activities, provide technical support, and ensure quality and accountability
• Coordinate with other sectors (Health, Nutrition, WASH, CVA,) to ensure child protection is integrated into the broader program.
• Participate in child protection sub-sector coordination meetings and contribute to inter-agency referrals and joint assessments.
• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, civil society organizations, and partner NGOs to strengthen community engagement and referral pathways.
• Support training and mentoring of caseworkers, community volunteers, child protection committees, and partners on child safeguarding, case management, psychosocial support, and referral processes.
• Contribute to the development of child protection training materials and tools adapted to the local context
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of child protection cases and interventions using appropriate case management systems.
• Contribute to the development of timely progress reports, success stories, and lessons learned.
• Support accountability mechanisms by engaging children and caregivers in feedback and complaint processes.

General:

• Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or relevant field experience. 
• At least three (3) years post NYSC relevant experience in child protection programming including case management and community engagement.
• Experience in humanitarian context particularly Northeast Nigeria.
• Demonstrable commitment to a holistic vision of children’s welfare
• Excellent written and spoken English; local language skills a major advantage
• Demonstrable competence in report writing 
• Strong understanding of child protection principles, national child protection frameworks, and international standards (e.g., UNCRC, Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action).
• Experience in working with partners, community members, and children in culturally sensitive ways.
• Able to work calmly under pressure in a rapidly changing context
• Commitment to upholding Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy, and other Global Policies.