Child Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, and it emphasizes a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Officer position is crucial for the effective implementation of child protection programs within the Country Programme. Reporting to the Chief of field office in Quelimane and receiving technical guidance from the Social Policy Specialist, the officer will engage in various tasks throughout the programming process, including development, planning, and delivery of results. The role involves preparing, executing, managing, and implementing technical and administrative tasks to facilitate program development and monitoring. The officer will specifically focus on operationalizing the case management component of the child grant in Zambézia and the phased implementation of the Social Action Programme (ProSAS) in Milange and Pebane districts. This position requires a proactive approach to program management, monitoring, and networking, ensuring that child protection initiatives are effectively delivered and aligned with UNICEF's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection Officer will be responsible for a range of duties including:

• Supporting program development and planning by contributing to the design and implementation of child protection initiatives.
• Managing and monitoring program delivery to ensure results are achieved in line with UNICEF's objectives.
• Providing technical and operational support for program implementation, ensuring adherence to best practices and standards.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with government counterparts and other stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness.
• Engaging in innovation and knowledge management to improve child protection strategies and practices.
• Facilitating capacity building initiatives to strengthen the skills of local partners and stakeholders involved in child protection.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or a relevant social science field. A minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management, particularly in child protection areas, is required. Field experience in program implementation and collaboration with government counterparts is essential. Familiarity with Mozambique’s social protection and child protection systems is also necessary. Strong coordination and communication skills are considered a significant asset, along with relevant experience in development and humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law, or another relevant social science field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complexities involved in child protection and social development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management, specifically in child protection-related areas. Candidates should have field experience in program implementation and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with government counterparts. Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is highly desirable, as it equips the candidate with the skills needed to navigate complex environments and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in diverse settings.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment, including potential criminal background checks. UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. UNICEF provides a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The appointment is subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.