Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) Officer
Organizational Context
UNICEF's mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, focusing on equity and ensuring all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential. This assignment is within UNICEF's Child Protection section in Papua New Guinea, addressing the critical need to protect children from violence, abuse, and neglect, especially amidst the current El Niño event which exacerbates existing risks like family separation, child labor, and exploitation.
Job Purpose
This UNV assignment supports UNICEF's Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) response to the drought in Papua New Guinea. The role focuses on ensuring children and adolescents, particularly vulnerable groups affected by humanitarian situations, are protected from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The objective is to strengthen the child protection system through prevention and response services that are equity-focused and gender-responsive, aligning with national child protection laws and international standards. The position will contribute to preparedness and anticipatory actions, including assessments, referral mechanisms, and capacity building for local actors.
Responsibilities
The UNV CPiE Officer will provide field-based technical and operational support for the drought response. Key responsibilities include leading child protection assessments in priority provinces, monitoring protection risks, and analyzing data to inform response strategies. The role involves strengthening referral mechanisms by updating service mappings and ensuring proper handover of identified children. Capacity building is crucial, requiring the co-facilitation of CPiE trainings for provincial and district actors, and providing ongoing coaching. The officer will also support the implementation of Child-Friendly Spaces, distribute CPiE and PSEA information materials, and contribute to risk communication and community engagement efforts. Partnership building with government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations is essential for effective coordination and program delivery.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of professional experience in child protection, humanitarian response, social services, or related development areas. Experience in child protection in emergencies, case management, community-based child protection, psychosocial support, or needs assessments is highly desirable. Familiarity with PNG's child protection legislation and tools is an asset. Strong computer literacy and excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.
Skills
UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability. Competencies include building partnerships, self-awareness, ethical awareness, driving results, innovation, managing ambiguity, strategic thinking, and collaborative work. Expertise in community development, humanitarian affairs, and protection is also valued.