Job Description

Child Protection Officer (JOB REF: SOS15/04/24)

Position title: ​​Child Protection Officer x 2
Working location: ​Shamva; Hwedza
Supervisor: ​Family Strengthening Program Coordinator

Context of the position

Established in 1949, SOS Children's Villages International (CVI) is a dynamic, international social development organization working globally to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children without parental care and those who are at the risk of losing it.

SOS Children's Villages Association of Zimbabwe is a member of SOS International - a worldwide children's social welfare organisation, providing vulnerable children without homes with a family home and educational opportunities as well as strengthening families to reduce poverty.

Mission of the position:

The Child Protection Officer is responsible for the timely and quality implementation of the Child protection interventions within the Family Strengthening programme. He/she works closely with Local Government structures and community based organizations to improve and promote the rights, safety and the wellbeing of children and youth, and capacity development for community structures and child protection committees. He / She will support affected children with access to services in time and documentation of emerging issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key performance areas and main responsibilities:
• Provides technical, operational and administrative expertise throughout the programming process for child protection (CP) programmes
• Participates in planning and budgeting processes for CP interventions in the Family Strengthening service of SOS CV programme.
• Gather, analyse and document community perspectives and needs on different CP issues to inform CP programming.
• Conducts and update the situation analysis for the development, design and management of child protection related programmes/projects.
• Facilitates the identification of opportunities and mobilization of local resources for the action plan to meet the child protection needs of each household and community.
• Facilitate the formation and development of Community Child Protection Committees (CCPC) to spearhead the implementation of the child protection action.
• Mobilize and facilitate the engagements of stakeholders during planning and development meetings, workshops and other forums
• Facilitate timely and quality implementation of Child Protection interventions in accordance to the CP guidance, approved models and approaches
• Facilitates the development of plans for emergency preparedness against potential disasters.
• Ensure families access essential services required to fulfil their children’s rights and development needs
• Facilitate and monitor children’s access to vital registration, including birth certificates, national identification.
• Ensure necessary attention is given to children through the provision of case management, referral services, material and other psychosocial supports
• Ensure that children, caregivers and members of community CP structures and community based partners are aware and have capacity to engage on CP matters with the aim of preventing and responding effectively to all forms of child abuse
• engage communities including children, caregivers, political, cultural and religious leaders, among others in liaison with community based partners
• Facilitates stakeholder analysis within the programme, maintaining and updating stakeholders’ profiles.
• Raise awareness of the principles of the SOS Child Protection Policy to all co-workers, stakeholders and SOS CV programme participants
• Carry out regular visits to CBPs, family support groups and other partners in the respective community for timely and relevant programme support.
• Facilitate sharing of best practice amongst family groups, CBPs, and other partners.

Qualifications and Experience

Requirements

Qualifications and Technical Competencies
• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Community development or related social sciences disciplines
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection related areas is required.
• Relevant experience in programme development in child protection related areas is considered as an asset.
• Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is an added advantage.
• Valid Driver’s License, Class 3 (Motor Cycle riding) Licence is a prerequisite


Skills & Knowledge
• Sound understanding of child rights, child development, family and community development, rights-based programming and management of CBPs.
• Good communication and reporting skills, computer literate, understanding and ability to apply community development participatory methodologies, self-starter
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, within and outside the organisation, develop effective working relationships to deliver outstanding results.
• Demonstrates initiative and enterprise and supports others to work more effectively
• Understands and SOS CV social, ethical and organisational standards and responsibilities in all interactions
• Willingness to travel to and be posted in any SOS program locations according to programming requirements.

How to Apply

SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe holds strict child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the workplace and program activity locations. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasize to assessing candidates value congruence and thorough background checks, police clearance reference check processes.

Candidates should be willing to work in any of the SOS Programme Locations.

How to Apply

Applications accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with at least 3 traceable references and copies of certified academic certificates should be submitted electronically not later than 22 April 2024. Please note the applications will be reviewed as they come in. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Applications that are late do not have a CV or certified certificates attached will be disqualified. E-mail applications should bear the reference number of the position in the subject line of the email.
E-mail: Applications should be sent electronically to:
[email protected]

SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe is an equal opportunities employer and encourages all eligible applicants to apply without any consideration to sex, cultural consideration, disability or creed.