Protection Officer at GOALPrime Organization Nigeria (GPON)

Job Summary: 

• The Child Protection Officer is responsible for implementing and managing child protection activities within GOALPrime’s programs. The role involves working closely with children, families, communities, and stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of children, prevent and respond to child protection issues, and promote a protective environment. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Program Implementation: 

• Implement child protection activities in accordance with project plans, organizational policies, and donor requirements. 
• Provide case management services to vulnerable children, including assessment, planning, referral, and follow-up. 
• Facilitate access to appropriate services such as health care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance for children in need. 
• Support the provision of PFA and basic counselling, also support community-based reintegration activities.

Community Engagement and Awareness: 

• Conduct community outreach and sensitization sessions to raise awareness about child protection issues and promote child rights. 
• Develop and distribute informational materials on child protection and child rights. 
• Engage with community leaders, parents, and children to foster a protective environment and prevent child protection issues. 

Capacity Building: 

• Provide training and support to staff, volunteers, and partners on child protection principles, policies, and practices. 
• Build the capacity of community members and stakeholders to recognize, prevent, and respond to child protection issues. 
• Develop training materials and tools to support capacity-building efforts. 

Monitoring and Reporting: 

• Monitor child protection activities to ensure they are implemented effectively and meet quality standards. 
• Collect and analyze data on child protection cases and program outcomes to inform program planning and improvement. 
• Prepare regular reports on child protection activities, challenges, and achievements for internal and external stakeholders. 

Coordination and Collaboration: 

• Collaborate with other NGOs, government agencies, and stakeholders to coordinate child protection activities and referrals. 
• Participate in coordination meetings and forums to share information and promote best practices in child protection. 
• Advocate for the needs and rights of children at local, national, and international levels. 

Compliance and Ethics: 

• Ensure all child protection activities are conducted in compliance with organizational policies, donor regulations, and ethical standards. 
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the rights and dignity of children and their families. 
• Identify and mitigate potential risks related to child protection programming. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development, or a related field. 
• At least 3 years of experience in child protection programming, case management, or a related area, preferably in a humanitarian or development context. 
• Strong knowledge of child protection principles, policies, and practices. 
• Experience in providing psychosocial support and case management services to children and families. 
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis tools. 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to speak the local language (Hausa and/or Kanuri) is an advantage. 

Key Competencies: 

• Strong commitment to child rights and child protection. 
• Sensitivity to cultural and gender issues. 
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. 
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing project needs and priorities. 

Method of Application

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than three pages). Both must be in English.
• GPON provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.
• GPON encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.