Child Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on equity, aiming to address the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it emphasizes the importance of investing in health, education, and protection to foster sustainable growth and stability in nations. In the Pacific region, UNICEF engages with 14 island countries, including Samoa, to implement programs that protect children from violence and promote their rights.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Officer will play a crucial role in supporting youth sports development and engagement in Samoa. This position involves planning and delivering youth sports programs, clinics, and life-skills sessions, while also assisting sports federations and ministries in integrating drug-prevention and well-being messaging into coaching materials. The officer will facilitate youth participation and consultation processes linked to sports initiatives, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and considered in decision-making. Additionally, the role includes developing youth-friendly multimedia content that promotes healthy lifestyles and positive decision-making, as well as coordinating partnerships with government ministries, sports bodies, youth groups, and NGOs to enhance collaboration and community engagement. The officer will also focus on safeguarding, child protection, and promoting gender equality and mental health awareness among adolescents through sports-based workshops and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the planning and delivery of youth sports programs, clinics, and life-skills sessions.
• Assist sports federations and ministries in integrating drug-prevention and well-being messaging into coaching materials.
• Facilitate youth participation and consultation processes linked to sports initiatives.
• Develop youth-friendly multimedia content promoting drug-prevention, healthy lifestyles, and positive decision-making.
• Produce videos, infographics, and social media content featuring sports role models.
• Support the dissemination of awareness materials through sports networks, schools, and communities.
• Coordinate with government ministries, sports bodies, youth groups, and NGOs.
• Support the organization of youth forums, sports events, and community engagement programs.
• Contribute youth perspectives across sector discussions including education, sport, health, and child protection. 1
• Support the integration of child-safe sport principles and PSEA standards across sports organizations. 1
• Assist with training delivery on safeguarding, reporting pathways, and adult accountability. 1
• Monitor child-safety risks during youth sport activities and escalate concerns appropriately. 1
• Promote gender equality, respectful relationships, and mental-health awareness. 1
• Integrate "Seek the Ways" and "Laaha" modules into sports-based youth workshops. 1
• Facilitate sessions on emotional well-being, self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. 1
• Maintain databases of events, meetings, training, and youth consultations. 1
• Document promising practices and generate reports, briefs, and recommendations. 1
• Use digital tools and AI platforms to support documentation and communication. 1
• Promote volunteerism and youth leadership in sports and community development. 2
• Support UNV knowledge-sharing activities, including International Volunteer Day.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of child protection principles and practices, particularly in the context of sports and youth engagement. They should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and have the ability to create engaging multimedia content. The candidate should also have experience in partnership coordination and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of working collaboratively with diverse groups, including government ministries, NGOs, and youth organizations. A strong commitment to promoting gender equality and mental health awareness is essential, along with the ability to facilitate workshops and training sessions effectively. The candidate should be adaptable, resourceful, and able to work independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social work, education, sports management, public health, or a related field is required. Additional qualifications or certifications in child protection, youth development, or sports coaching would be advantageous. The candidate should have a solid understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its application in practice, particularly in the Pacific context.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience in child protection, youth development, or sports management. Experience working with marginalized communities and knowledge of the Pacific Island context will be highly regarded. Familiarity with drug prevention programs and mental health initiatives is also beneficial. The ability to engage with youth and facilitate their participation in decision-making processes is crucial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and the Pacific region. Knowledge of Samoan or other Pacific languages would be considered an asset, as it would enhance communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national volunteer assignment, meaning that the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role requires a mature level of cultural awareness and flexibility to adapt to the unique environment of Pacific Island Countries. The candidate should be prepared for the challenges of living and working in potentially remote and hazardous conditions, while also being committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and youth in Samoa.