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 large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, with a strong focus on humanitarian assistance and child protection.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Officer will provide strategic leadership and representation for the Child Protection Technical Working Group (CP TWG) at the sub-national level in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The role involves coordinating a range of stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and effective child protection response. The officer will be responsible for building relationships with partners, overseeing child protection interventions, and ensuring collaboration across sectors. This position is crucial in addressing the urgent needs of children and families affected by complex emergencies in the region, including conflict and drought. The officer will also support the development of technical standards and best practices in child protection, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and aligned with national and international guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strengthen CP Technical Working Group Coordination: Maintain an effective CP TWG coordination platform, ensuring alignment with area-based coordination structures and facilitating communication between various working groups.
• Support Harmonized and Evidence-Based Child Protection Response: Align partners on technical standards and facilitate joint assessments to identify gaps in child protection services.
• Promote Multi-Sectoral Integration: Represent child protection interests in various working groups and advocate for the inclusion of child protection concerns in multi-sectoral planning.
• Strengthening Government and CSOs Leadership & Capacities: Provide technical support to government bodies and local civil society organizations to enhance their leadership roles in child protection.
• Ensure Accountability, Communication, and Documentation: Document meetings, produce reports, and ensure adherence to child safeguarding principles.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills. A university degree in social work, human rights, child protection, psychology, social sciences, international development, or a related field is required. Practical experience in child protection in emergencies, particularly in humanitarian coordination, is essential. Familiarity with the operational context in Ethiopia, especially in the Amhara Region, is advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's core values and competencies.

Educational Background:
A university degree in relevant fields such as social work, human rights, child protection, psychology, social sciences, or international development is mandatory. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of child protection and the various frameworks that govern humanitarian responses.

Experience:
At least one year of relevant work experience in Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) is required. Experience in humanitarian coordination within technical working groups, clusters, or inter-agency settings is essential. Field experience in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara Region, is highly desirable, along with practical experience in case management and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station is desired, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in complex and challenging environments. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and persons with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates may be subject to background checks and medical clearance as part of the recruitment process. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.