Child Protection Officer

Organizational Context

UNICEF's core mission is to champion the rights of every child globally, ensuring their survival, development, and full potential realization without discrimination. Its equity strategy prioritizes the most disadvantaged children and families. In India, the Child Protection (CP) Programme works to safeguard children from violence, exploitation, and abuse, supporting government initiatives and legislation. The programme aims to enhance services for children in need and those in conflict with the law, focusing on prevention and adolescent empowerment.

Job Purpose

The Child Protection Officer will support UNICEF's Child Protection Programme in India, contributing to the promotion of child rights and protection from violence, exploitation, and abuse. The role involves supporting the implementation of national child protection laws and schemes, and enhancing services for children in need and those in conflict with the law. Key contributions include strengthening child protection systems, empowering adolescents with life skills for a successful transition to higher education and employment, and preventing child abuse and child marriage through inter-sectoral partnerships. The officer will also facilitate adolescent participation in decision-making processes.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the Child Protection Specialist in programme management and knowledge management. Responsibilities include contributing to annual work plan development and review, preparing programme documentation, and monitoring programme progress with partners. The role involves conducting field visits to assess progress, provide technical support, and resolve bottlenecks. The officer will coordinate stakeholder meetings, prepare progress reports for management, donors, and partners, and contribute to concept notes, strategy briefs, and funding proposals. Additionally, the volunteer will identify, synthesize, and share lessons learned and promising practices, manage the child protection document library, and ensure updated repositories for institutional learning.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of professional experience in Child Rights, Child Protection, or related programmes, with experience in programme implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Experience in a developing country or field setting is desirable. Knowledge of child protection, human rights, and gender is essential. Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills are also required.

Skills

Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organizing, and strong communication skills. The role requires adaptability, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to volunteerism and UNICEF's mission. Specific expertise areas include community development, gender and women's rights, project management, programme development, and strategy.

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