Child Protection Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Child Protection Assistant
Location: Lusaka
Country: Zambia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child globally. With a mission to overcome obstacles such as poverty, violence, disease, and discrimination, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories. The organization is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, emphasizing its commitment to children's rights and welfare.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's mission to promote children's rights and ensure their protection. This position involves working under the direct supervision of the Child Protection Officer for Social Behavior Change (SBC) and will contribute to the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of child protection programs. The assistant will focus on critical issues such as ending child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, promoting child safeguarding, and ensuring that children who experience violence have access to appropriate services. The role requires collaboration with civil society organizations and community partners to strengthen child protection systems and promote behavioral change initiatives. The assistant will also be involved in advocacy efforts to engage key influencers and promote peer support among adolescents, thereby fostering a community-driven approach to child protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection Assistant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the Child Protection Section's annual workplan and contributing to the planning of child protection programs.
• Assisting civil society organization (CSO) partners in executing activities outlined in approved program agreements.
• Monitoring programs/projects through field visits and information exchange with partners to assess progress and identify challenges.
• Contributing to the formulation and preparation of program/project proposals and ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic plans.
• Supporting program districts in timely reporting and liquidation of funds advanced to implementing partners.
• Implementing the Child Protection Social Behavior Change Plan to prevent violence against children.
• Organizing community engagement events to maximize outreach and impact.
• Monitoring the production of SBC materials for technical quality and relevance.
• Supporting advocacy efforts to end child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, including developing materials for key influencers. 1
• Building partnerships through networking and collaboration with civil society organizations and community groups. 1
• Contributing to the UN Volunteers' initiatives and promoting local forms of volunteerism.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Child Protection Assistant position should possess strong analytical and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. They should have a solid understanding of child protection issues and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and civil society organizations. Proficiency in project management and monitoring and evaluation techniques is essential, along with a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international development, public health, or a related field is required for this position. Additional training or certifications in child protection, social work, or community development would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in child protection, social work, or community development. Experience working with children and adolescents, particularly in vulnerable communities, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's programs and policies, as well as experience in monitoring and evaluation, will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zambia would be an advantage, as it would facilitate better communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Lusaka, Zambia. The contract duration and specific terms will be discussed during the recruitment process. UNICEF encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and offers reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process and throughout the assignment. Candidates are expected to be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) prior to taking up the appointment, except for those working remotely.