Child Protection Officer

This position will be the focal person for the child protection program, which will provide a holistic response to the needs of South Sudan refugee children residing in one of the seven refugee camps in Gambella region and support the host communities residing around those camps.

The position will be under the technical and managerial support of Program Coordinator and will receive technical support from the Child Protection Program Manager.

The position will have responsibility for organizing capacity building workshops, coordination with partners for strengthening partnership approach. The Child Protection Officer will contribute and assist in the project planning, coordination and implementation of different projects supporting children and families.

Reports to :  Program Coordinator

Staff directly reporting to this post:   None

• Plan and ensure implementation of daily activities for children and their parents;
• Ensure that children harmed or at risk of being harmed are identified and receive individual case management support by direct counseling to the families or by providing the CP caseworker with guidance on conducting case management, in accordance with the SCI standard tools and procedures;
• Supervise content and ongoing awareness raising campaigns, meetings and FGDs with children and their parents;
• Coordinate with other SCI staff for referral of cases and to conduct joint activities (when relevant);
• Ensure regular communication with the Program Coordinator and CPiE Specialist for updates on achievements, challenges and any other relevant report as requested;
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing over sight and guidance to CP staff working at the camp;
• Develop monthly and weekly plans and any other reports according also to donors’ requirements;
• Directly supervise Child Protection incentives staffs and 1 intern caseworker;
• Ensure that the CFS centers have all materials needed for activities with children, monitor all distributions and provide a list of needs to the Program Coordinator
• Nurture and strengthen a good working relationship and environment with the local community;
• Provide support to the Program Coordinator as per need
• The ability to build relationships with club members, parents/carers, children and other implementing partners
• An interest in the well-being and safeguarding of children and child protection matters.
• A willingness to challenge opinion, where necessary, and to drive the child protection agenda.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to deal with sensitive situations with integrity.
• The confidence and good judgment to manage situations relating to the poor conduct/behaviour of others towards a child.
• Implement the SGBV child protection policy and procedures.
• Encourage good practice by promoting and championing the child protection policy and procedures.
• Monitor and review the child protection procedures to ensure they remain current and fit for purpose.
• Raise awareness of the incentive staffs, parent and caregivers, adults, and children
• Raise awareness of the Code of Conduct for working with children to parents/caregivers, adults and children
• Challenge behavior that breaches the Code of Conduct.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field of child protection by liaising with the protection partners,
• Organize appropriate training for all adults working/volunteering with children in the club.
• Respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns that relate to the well-being of a child.
• Maintain confidential records of reported cases and action taken.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)

• Accountability:

  ·       Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values

  ·       Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved

  Ambition:

  ·       Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same

  ·       Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others

  ·       Future orientated, thinks strategically

  Collaboration:

  ·       Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters

  ·       Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength

  ·       Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

  Creativity:

  ·       Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions

  ·       Willing to take disciplined risks

  Integrity:

  ·       Honest, encourages openness and transparency