Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to advocate for the protection of children's rights. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and develop to their full potential. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members globally and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities it serves. The organization focuses on various areas including child protection, education, health, and nutrition, and works closely with governments and partners to implement programs that benefit children and families. UNICEF's mission is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it aims to create a world where every child is safe, healthy, and educated. The organization prides itself on its culture of support and professional development, offering its employees opportunities for growth and advancement while delivering on its mission to protect children's rights.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer position at UNICEF involves supporting the implementation of the organization's PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) and safeguarding commitments in Rwanda. The officer will work under the supervision of the NO-3 Child Protection/PSEA Specialist and will be responsible for mainstreaming PSEA and safeguarding into UNICEF's programs and operations. This role is crucial in ensuring that all interventions are safe and free from sexual exploitation and abuse. The officer will engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to enhance child protection measures and promote a safer environment for children. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks associated with safeguarding and PSEA, as well as providing technical support and training to partners. The officer will also be involved in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of child protection programs and ensuring compliance with UNICEF's policies and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting and updating situation analyses for child protection, safeguarding, and PSEA-related programs.
• Supporting the development and establishment of program goals, objectives, and strategies through research and analysis.
• Integrating PSEA and safeguarding into UNICEF's development programming and emergency response plans.
• Providing technical support to government counterparts, NGO partners, and other stakeholders on UNICEF policies and best practices in child protection.
• Developing and implementing safeguarding and PSEA training sessions for UNICEF staff and partners.
• Supporting the rollout of child protection case management frameworks and community-based child protection structures.
• Monitoring and reporting on the use of program resources and ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
• Participating in inter-agency meetings and collaborating with partners to enhance child protection efforts.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices for knowledge management and capacity building. 1
• Being available for short-term deployments to support emergency responses as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer position must possess an advanced university degree in social work, psychology, law, human rights, international development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection areas is required. Relevant experience in program development within a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, as is experience working in both development and humanitarian contexts. Candidates should also demonstrate specific skills in social work and familiarity with UNICEF's child protection programming and safeguarding policies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as social work, psychology, law, human rights, international development, or any related discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of child protection and safeguarding issues and for effectively implementing UNICEF's programs and policies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management, specifically in child protection-related areas. Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset, as is relevant experience in program development within a UN agency or organization. Candidates with experience in both development and humanitarian contexts will have an advantage in this role, as they will be better equipped to address the diverse challenges faced in child protection and safeguarding efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both verbal and written) is required for this position, as well as fluency in Kinyarwanda. Knowledge of another language relevant to the humanitarian operation or a UN language, particularly French, is considered an asset. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for delivering training and support in both languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and is subject to UNICEF's policies and procedures regarding child safeguarding and protection. Candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. The role may involve short-term deployments to support emergency responses, and candidates must be prepared to meet any medical clearance and vaccination requirements as stipulated by UNICEF. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.