Child Protection Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF Ethiopia is part of the United Nations Children's Fund, which is dedicated to advocating for the protection of children's rights, helping meet their basic needs, and expanding their opportunities to reach their full potential. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories through country programs and National Committees. The organization focuses on various areas including child protection, education, health, and nutrition, with a mission to ensure that every child has the right to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF Ethiopia specifically implements a 5-year country program from 2020 to 2025, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Specialist position is crucial for enhancing the coordination and effectiveness of child protection services in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges such as conflict, displacement, and climate shocks that affect children's safety and well-being. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including government bodies and non-governmental organizations, to implement and monitor child protection programs that are evidence-based and aligned with national and international standards. This role requires a strong commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children through effective communication, planning, and implementation of child protection initiatives. The specialist will also be responsible for providing technical assistance and capacity building to partners, ensuring that child protection mechanisms are robust and responsive to the needs of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection Specialist will undertake a variety of responsibilities aimed at strengthening child protection systems and emergency response. Key duties include: A. Child Protection Coordination and Partnership: Participating and co-leading zonal-level Protection/Child Protection coordination forums, supporting collaboration with Women and Children Affairs Offices and implementing partners, promoting inter-sectoral integration of child protection with Health, Education, Nutrition, and WASH, and providing inputs to humanitarian planning products. B. Programme Implementation Support: Offering technical support to partners implementing child protection programs, supporting case management services for vulnerable children, strengthening family tracing and reunification systems, supporting community-based child protection mechanisms, and promoting the prevention of child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV), and child labor. C. Monitoring, Reporting and Analysis: Tracking child protection trends and service coverage, supporting routine partner reporting, contributing to situation reports and analytical briefs, and monitoring program performance to identify service gaps. D. Needs Assessment and Emergency Response: Supporting rapid child protection assessments, participating in field monitoring missions, and analyzing risks and vulnerabilities affecting children. E. Capacity Building: Supporting the training of social workers, teachers, health workers, and authorities, promoting Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS) and best practices, and strengthening referral pathways and inter-agency coordination. F. Knowledge Management: Supporting the documentation of lessons learned and good practices, maintaining reporting files and program records, and promoting information sharing and learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Child Protection Specialist position must possess a strong background in child protection, social work, or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience in program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are essential. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of child protection policies and frameworks, as well as experience in capacity building and training.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work, child development, psychology, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be considered an asset for the position. Continuous professional development and training in child protection and related areas are highly valued.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in child protection, social work, or a related field, with a focus on program implementation and monitoring. Experience working in emergency contexts and with vulnerable populations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context in Ethiopia, particularly in the Oromia Region, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Oromia Region, such as Afaan Oromo, is highly desirable and will enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Nekemte, the capital of East Wollega Zone. The selected volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The living conditions in Nekemte include access to basic health facilities, markets, and transport connections, although security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security conditions may vary by zone. The UN Volunteer must adhere to UNDSS and UNICEF security protocols, including travel advisories and movement restrictions. The role may require frequent travel to surrounding zones and woredas.