UNV Conduct Desk Research on Child Safeguarding in Football Academies in Cameroon

Job Posting Organization:
CAMAAY, or the Cameroon Association of Active Youths, is a non-political, non-religious, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community development in Cameroon. Established with the vision of creating a society where every individual can contribute to socioeconomic growth, CAMAAY engages local community members in various initiatives aimed at sustainable development. The organization operates across multiple sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, sports, and environmental protection. CAMAAY is committed to working alongside other associations, NGOs, and governmental bodies to promote quality practices that align with the United Nations' objectives for a better world. The organization emphasizes the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of the economy and recognizes the challenges posed by poverty, particularly in rural areas where a significant portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. CAMAAY's mission is rooted in respect for human rights and the law, ensuring that their activities benefit all individuals regardless of race, gender, or religious background. The organization is driven by a commitment to improving health, education, and social well-being, while also advocating for environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting desk research focused on child safeguarding within football academies in Cameroon. This role is crucial as it aims to address the alarming reports of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of children in these settings. The research will serve as a foundational step towards developing a comprehensive child protection program. The volunteer will be responsible for gathering and analyzing various sources of information, including reports, news articles, academic studies, and data from NGOs and government entities. The goal is to document the types of abuse that occur, assess the current child protection measures in place at football academies, and identify gaps in these protections. The findings will be compiled into a well-structured research brief that will inform future initiatives aimed at safeguarding children in sports. The work is entirely remote, allowing for flexibility in scheduling, and will involve regular communication with a CAMAAY coordinator who will provide guidance and support throughout the research process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough desk research on child safeguarding in football academies, focusing on Cameroon but also considering the broader African and international context.
• Gather and review a wide range of sources, including reports, news coverage, academic articles, and information from NGOs and government agencies.
• Document various forms of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking that have been reported in youth football settings.
• Map out the existing child protection measures that academies currently implement or lack, such as reporting channels, transport arrangements, staff vetting processes, and support systems for victims.
• Summarize relevant national laws and international frameworks concerning children's rights and safeguarding in sports, detailing what is required of football academies.
• Identify discrepancies between the protections that should be in place and the actual practices observed in academies.
• Compile the research findings into a clear, well-sourced research brief that will be used to inform future child protection initiatives.
• Maintain regular communication with the CAMAAY coordinator, providing weekly status updates and responding to messages in a timely manner.
• Participate in an initial video call to align on the research scope and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess the following qualifications:

• Strong research skills, with the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources.
• Familiarity with child safeguarding issues, particularly in the context of sports and youth programs.
• Excellent written communication skills, capable of producing clear and concise reports.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in using online research tools and databases.
• A background in social sciences, child protection, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
• A commitment to the principles of human rights and child welfare.

Educational Background:
Candidates should ideally have a degree in social sciences, child development, education, or a related field. However, relevant experience and demonstrated research capabilities may also be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications. A strong understanding of child rights and safeguarding practices is essential for this role.

Experience:
While specific prior experience in child safeguarding research is not mandatory, candidates should have some experience in conducting research or working in related fields. Familiarity with issues surrounding child protection in sports or youth programs will be advantageous. The ability to demonstrate previous research projects or relevant volunteer work will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all research and communication will be conducted in this language. Proficiency in French is a plus, given the bilingual nature of Cameroon, and would enhance the candidate's ability to access a wider range of resources and communicate effectively with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a remote volunteer opportunity, allowing for flexible working hours. The research brief is expected to be completed within six to eight weeks from the start date. The volunteer will receive guidance from a CAMAAY coordinator with a research background, who will assist in reviewing drafts and providing feedback. Regular communication is essential, with weekly status updates required. This role is part-time and does not offer financial compensation, but it provides valuable experience in the field of child safeguarding and community development.