Protection Assistant at Grow Strong Foundation (GSF)

Purpose

• The Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of child protection and safeguarding activities, ensuring that children are protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This role is essential in creating a safe and supportive environment for children to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

•  Community Awareness and Mobilization: Conduct community awareness sessions on child protection, GBV, and children’s rights, promoting behavioral change and encouraging community members to take an active role in protecting children. This involves working with local leaders, community groups, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of child protection and the resources available to support children and families.
• Case Identification and Referral: Identify and refer cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the appropriate services, such as social services, law enforcement, or healthcare providers. This requires a strong understanding of child protection principles and referral pathways, as well as the ability to work with diverse stakeholders to ensure that children receive the support they need.
• Capacity Building: Support the capacity-building of community-based child protection committees, providing training and technical assistance to enhance their skills and knowledge in child protection. This involves working with committee members to develop their ability to identify and respond to child protection concerns, as well as promoting their role in raising awareness about child protection issues in the community.
• Risk Monitoring: Monitor child protection risks within schools and learning centers, identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. This involves working with teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all children.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Facilitate linkages between education programs and child protection mechanisms, ensuring that children receive comprehensive support and services. This involves working with educators, social workers, and other stakeholders to develop and implement child protection policies and procedures that promote the well-being and safety of children.
• Conduct EiE assessment using the EiE incident reporting tools and protection monitoring

Requirements and Competencies

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, or a related field, providing a strong foundation in child development, psychology, and social work principles.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years’ experience in child protection or community-based programming, demonstrating a commitment to child protection and a understanding of the complexities of working with children and families.
• Knowledge: A strong understanding of child protection principles, GBV, CPIMS, and referral pathways, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
• Skills: Excellent interpersonal, empathy, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including children, families, and community members.

Key Skills

•  Strong Understanding of Child Protection Principles: A deep understanding of child protection principles and practices, including the ability to identify and respond to child protection concerns.
• Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including children, families, and community members.
• Ability to Work in a Team: The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Flexibility: The ability to work in a culturally diverse environment, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in responding to the needs of children and families.
• Strong Organizational and Time Management Skills: The ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain accurate records and case files..