Child Protection Officer - Mental Health and Psychosocial (MHPSS)

Organizational Context

UNICEF is dedicated to realizing the rights of every child, viewing their nurturing and care as fundamental to human progress. Established in 1946, UNICEF works globally to overcome obstacles like poverty, violence, and discrimination that hinder children's development. In Zambia, children and adolescents face significant protection risks, including violence, abuse, neglect, and psychosocial distress, compounded by limited access to mental health services and weak community protection systems. UNICEF Zambia, through the EU-supported Equal Chances for Human Development (EC4HD) program, aims to enhance protective environments by strengthening case management, protection systems, and MHPSS.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF Zambia's efforts to integrate child protection and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within the Equal Chances for Human Development (EC4HD) program. The Child Protection Officer will provide crucial technical assistance, coordination, and field-level monitoring to strengthen community-based child protection systems and referral pathways. The objective is to enhance preventive and response services for adolescents, particularly those affected by violence, abuse, neglect, and psychosocial distress. By building the capacity of duty bearers and service providers, the role aims to improve access to integrated MHPSS services, foster community awareness, and ensure effective case management, ultimately contributing to a safer and more supportive environment for children and adolescents in Zambia.

Responsibilities

The Child Protection Officer-MHPSS will lead the implementation of child protection programs focused on MHPSS, enhancing the capacity of duty bearers within district and community-based systems. This involves supporting the development, coordination, and execution of MHPSS interventions within the child protection portfolio, collaborating with government ministries, CSOs, schools, health facilities, and community structures to strengthen integrated MHPSS services for children, adolescents, and caregivers. Key tasks include capacity building for service providers (health, education, social welfare, community volunteers) on adolescent mental health and strengthening referral systems. The role also involves supporting awareness campaigns to promote MHPSS demand, providing technical support for children in conflict with the law, and facilitating multi-sectoral coordination across child protection, justice, health, education, and social welfare sectors. Additionally, the officer will support the rollout of harmonized case management systems and establish mechanisms for tracking progress and outcomes.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of professional experience is required in child protection, with a specific focus on mental health and psychosocial support services, social development planning, adolescent programming, or Gender-Based Violence. Experience working with government or NGOs on child protection and child rights is advantageous. Proficiency in computer skills and experience in system strengthening for the prevention and response to Violence Against Children (VAC) are necessary. Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills are essential.

Skills

Key competencies include building and maintaining partnerships, demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness, driving results, innovating and embracing change, managing ambiguity and complexity, strategic thinking, and collaborative work. Commitment to volunteerism and UN values such as solidarity, compassion, and integrity is crucial. Specific skills in communication, community development, and health are also highlighted.

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