Child Protection Officer (JPO)

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's workforce reflects the diversity of the children it serves, and it emphasizes a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Officer (JPO) will contribute to the UNICEF Ghana Child Protection Programme, focusing on Integrated Social Services delivery. The role involves providing technical and coordination support to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into national child protection systems. The JPO will work on evidence generation, systems strengthening, and preparedness efforts aimed at reducing inequalities and enhancing the resilience of social welfare and child protection services in Ghana. This position is crucial for ensuring that children are protected from violence and exploitation and have equitable opportunities to thrive.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Strengthen evidence and frameworks linking climate change and child protection by supporting the implementation of the Child Protection and Climate Change study, engaging stakeholders, and disseminating findings. 2) Provide technical support for the operationalization of the Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) Contingency Work Plan, ensuring alignment with national disaster management structures. 3) Mainstream CPiE across other sectoral humanitarian work plans and support training for relevant stakeholders. 4) Develop a national trafficking data system for law enforcement. 5) Participate in monitoring exercises and contribute to the establishment of sectoral programme goals and strategies. 6) Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes, ensuring compliance with organizational processes and management systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law, social work, or another relevant social science field. A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in social development planning and project management in child protection is required. Experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, as is experience in developing countries. An advanced university degree in a relevant field is also an asset.

Educational Background:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law, social work, or another relevant social science field. An advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field is considered an asset.

Experience:
At least two years of relevant work experience in social development planning and project management in child protection is required. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, as well as experience in developing countries, which is a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position falls under the Norwegian JPO Programme, and eligibility is limited to candidates holding Norwegian nationality. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared for background checks and medical clearance, and must meet inoculation requirements as part of the selection process. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of recruitment.