ECW at Save the Children: Child Protection Officer

Save the Children is a globally recognized independent organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in need. Operating in over 120 countries, our mission is to save children’s lives, fight for their rights, and help them reach their full potential. In Nigeria, one in five children does not survive past their fifth birthday. Additionally, 40% of children miss out on education and must work to survive, while nearly 2 million children have lost one or both parents due to AIDS-related diseases.

We are hiring for the position below:

Job Title: Child Protection Officer – ECW

Location: Adamawa

Employment Type: Full-time

Role Purpose

The Child Protection Officer, funded by ECW, will support the Education and Child Protection Project in Adamawa. The officer will be responsible for providing quality mental health and psychosocial support services. Additionally, the officer will oversee case management for children at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

The officer will work to build staff capacity, mentor and supervise team activities, and establish effective coordination within the child protection sector. Responsibilities also include conducting assessments, project planning, and working closely with other stakeholders and implementing partners.

Scope of Role

• Comply with Save the Children policies, including child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, and equal opportunities.
• Reports to: Child Protection Coordinator
• No direct reports to this position

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct child protection assessments using Save the Children’s tools and the Inter-Agency Child Protection Assessment Resource Toolkit.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to document and analyze assessment findings.
• Oversee data collection and ensure timely reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Integrate child protection initiatives into broader sector programs.
• Supervise project implementation to ensure timely execution of activities.
• Review monthly reports from partners and staff to track project progress.
• Identify program-specific supplies and coordinate procurement plans.
• Ensure timely support and counseling services for children at risk and survivors of GBV.
• Maintain effective referral pathways for affected children.
• Organize community engagement meetings, including parent forums and child protection committees.
• Provide psychosocial first aid to children and adults in distress.
• Train partner staff to uphold child protection standards.
• Develop monthly and quarterly project plans.
• Support psychosocial wellbeing initiatives for children and GBV survivors.
• Prevent and respond to cases of child exploitation, child labor, and trafficking.
• Ensure compliance with humanitarian relief standards, including the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Settings and Sphere Standards.
• Implement structured mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities.
• Engage parents and caregivers in MHPSS programs.
• Identify and establish referral pathways for children with severe mental health disorders.
• Maintain accountability mechanisms and incorporate community feedback into project planning.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Science, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of post-NYSC work experience in GBV and child protection roles.
• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s emergency context.
• Experience supervising child protection projects with a holistic and rights-based approach.

Skills and Competencies

• Previous experience in NGO or UN agency roles is preferred.
• Proficiency in English and Hausa.
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, and Internet).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexibly in a team environment.

Core Values and Behaviors

Accountability:

• Takes responsibility for decisions and resource management.
• Ensures accountability from the team and partners.

Ambition:

• Sets and pursues ambitious goals.
• Encourages team growth and professional development.
• Thinks strategically and globally.

Collaboration:

• Builds strong relationships with team members, partners, and stakeholders.
• Values diversity and inclusivity.
• Open and approachable.

Creativity:

• Encourages innovative solutions.
• Takes calculated risks for progress.

Integrity:

• Demonstrates honesty and transparency.
• Upholds the highest ethical standards.

Application Deadline: April 4, 2025