Child Protection Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need, particularly in crisis situations. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's mission is to adapt its portfolio of durable solutions to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives. DRC collaborates with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders to implement effective interventions and promote sustainable development in the regions it operates.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Specialist will play a crucial role within the Area-Based Allocation (ABA) team, focusing on the implementation of child protection projects in the Khersonska oblast. This position requires a commitment to travel, with approximately 50% of the time spent in Mykolaiv. The Specialist will work under the supervision of the Programme Fund Manager and in close collaboration with other protection technical colleagues. The primary responsibilities include providing technical assistance, guidance, and monitoring for child protection-focused projects. The Specialist will engage with CSO partners to implement various child protection activities, such as case management, establishing child-friendly spaces, and offering psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support to children and their caregivers. Additionally, the role involves supporting non-protection partners in mainstreaming child protection principles into their work, ensuring that all activities align with established protection standards and guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Grant Management and Technical Compliance: Participate in the technical review of protection proposals and budgets, ensuring alignment with protection guidance and technical standards. Review partner logframes and monitoring tools to ensure compliance with relevant protection standards.
• Project Implementation Oversight: Conduct capacity assessments of protection partners and develop tailored capacity development plans. Identify key areas where partners require guidance and support to meet national and global standards based on their ongoing and planned programming. Provide capacity development through training and mentoring to CSOs involved in child protection activities. Ensure that partners' workplans adhere to child protection technical guidance. Conduct technical monitoring visits and regular follow-up meetings with partners to assess progress and provide support.
• Representation and External Coordination: Coordinate with protection colleagues from other consortium members to ensure alignment of practices and processes. Collaborate with other protection technical specialists, including Legal Aid, GBV, and MHPSS, to develop training packages and protection partnership tools. Liaise with the Child Protection Area of Responsibility (AoR) as needed to ensure effective coordination and support.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the Child Protection Specialist position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in child protection programming, demonstrating a solid understanding of the field.
• A Bachelor's degree in international relations, social work, law, or another relevant field that provides a strong foundation for the role.
• Proven knowledge and experience in implementing protection programming, particularly in areas such as child protection case management, support for unaccompanied and separated children, establishing child-friendly spaces, and providing mental health and psychosocial support for children and their caregivers.
• Previous experience in managing child protection programs through local partners or in remote management contexts.
• Familiarity with the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS+) is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and training local partners in child protection practices.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory, enabling effective communication and documentation.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Child Protection Specialist position must possess a relevant educational background, specifically a Bachelor's degree in fields such as international relations, social work, law, or other disciplines that are pertinent to child protection and humanitarian work. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of child protection issues and effectively engaging with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Child Protection Specialist role should have a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 3-5 years in child protection programming. This experience should encompass a range of responsibilities, including project management, capacity building, and direct engagement with affected populations. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully implementing child protection initiatives, particularly in challenging humanitarian contexts, and should be adept at working collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders.

Languages:
For this position, full professional proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is essential for effective communication, documentation, and collaboration with international teams and partners. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context in Ukraine may be considered an asset, enhancing the Specialist's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Child Protection Specialist position offers a contract length that includes a three-month probationary period, with the possibility of an 11-month extension following successful completion of this initial period. The position is classified under Band G, which is a non-management designation. The designated duty station for this role is Kyiv, with an expectation of 50% travel to Mykolaiv. The start date for this position is as soon as possible, and the salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a maximum length of four pages. It is important to note that applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for February 2nd, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a suitable candidate before the vacancy closing date.