Associate Child Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. The mission of UNHCR is to lead and coordinate international action for the protection of refugees, to seek permanent solutions for their problems, and to safeguard their rights and well-being. UNHCR also addresses issues of statelessness, as outlined in Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. The organization operates globally, with a significant presence in Uganda, which hosts over 1.9 million refugees, primarily from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. UNHCR is committed to ensuring that all protection functions are executed with integrity and transparency, enhancing confidence among persons of concern, donors, and host states. As of June 2025, Uganda's refugee operations are among the largest in Africa, with a strong focus on child protection systems and community-based initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Associate Child Protection Officer position is integral to UNHCR's mission in Uganda, focusing on providing technical guidance and support to partners and national actors on child protection standards, ethical case management, and safeguarding. The role involves conducting context-specific assessments of national and NGO/RLO capacities to manage Best Interests Procedure (BIP) responsibilities effectively. The officer will facilitate training and mentorship for NGO/RLO partners, ensuring they can manage BIP cases while upholding minimum safeguarding standards. The position emphasizes the integration of child protection into broader national systems and community-based mechanisms, particularly for children at heightened risk, including unaccompanied and separated children. The officer will also support the identification of cases that require UNHCR's direct responsibility due to protection risks and promote responsible case closure where necessary. This role is crucial in strengthening community-based child protection structures and ensuring transparent communication with communities regarding service changes and available support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Child Protection Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including: providing technical guidance to partners and national actors on child protection standards; supporting assessments of national and NGO/RLO capacity regarding BIP responsibilities; facilitating training and mentorship for NGO/RLO partners; promoting the integration of child protection into national systems; ensuring BIP focuses on children at heightened risk; identifying cases that require UNHCR's direct involvement; strengthening community-based child protection structures; and ensuring transparent communication with communities about services and support. The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Community-Based Protection Officer and will be expected to engage in ongoing reflection activities, contribute to UNV publications, and assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for new volunteers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Affairs, Social Sciences, or a relevant field. Essential qualifications include at least 1 year of progressively responsible experience in child protection or social work involving children and youth, with knowledge of child protection issues, education, gender, humanitarian and development issues, and GBV prevention and response. Candidates should demonstrate applied experience in child protection prevention and response, knowledge of protection in forced displacement settings, and familiarity with UNHCR and Interagency child protection tools. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to advancing child rights through community-based approaches are also essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Law, Political Science, International Affairs, or Social Sciences is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of child protection in humanitarian contexts and the legal frameworks surrounding refugee rights and protections.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a developing country, with at least 1 year of progressively responsible experience specifically in the field of child protection or related areas. Candidates with 2-3 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or displacement settings are preferred, particularly those with prior experience in implementing the Best Interests Procedure (BIP) and supporting national child protection systems.

Languages:
The position does not specify mandatory languages, but proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of UNHCR operations. Additional languages relevant to the local context or refugee populations may be advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is an international UN Specialist Volunteer position with a duration of 6 months, starting on November 1, 202

• The role is not eligible for extension under donor funds. The position is based in Kampala, Uganda, which is classified as a Country-2 security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security level area (low). The role is full-time and does not require functional clearance. Candidates should be prepared to engage in community-based activities and contribute to the UNV's mission of promoting volunteerism.