Under the direct supervision of the CYPD Manager based in Jigjiga and in close collaboration with the Child Protection technical unit based in Addis Ababa, the Child Protection Manager will manage, coordinate and monitor the child protection programs across IDPs and refugee camps. She /he will demonstrate technical capability and support the child protection staff to ensure the program is holistic, upholding the standards, procedures and principles of child protection. She /he will be responsible to enhance the coordination of basic services and ensure their accessibility to children. The Child Protection Manager will also be responsible to build the technical capacity of child protection team through ongoing training, mentoring and coaching.

The Child Protection Manager will also be responsible to maintain highest standards in the design, planning implementation and monitoring of child protection interventions through a coordinated approach.

Specific Responsibilities:

Program Planning and Development:

• Undertake situational assessments, and ensure data compilation and analysis are to the required standard; and participate in proposal and budget development.
• Participate in the development and execution of CP strategy, approaches and contribute actively in its revision, monitoring and evaluation.
• Take primary responsibility for the design, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of Child Protection program in IDP and refugee camps (including development/ update of relevant strategies, SOPs and referral pathways, Case Management, CP IMS, PSS interventions and community-based care and support for vulnerable and at risk children including unaccompanied/ separated children).
• Contribute to the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in program management, in line with the IRC’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and the Outcomes and Evidence Framework (OEF).
• Ensure a well- coordinated and comprehensive approach to address issues concerning vulnerable and at risk children including Unaccompanied / Separated children living in the IDP and refugee camps
• Support program staff in the design and implementation of effective community mobilization and awareness raising strategies.

Program Implementation:

• Strengthen the BID panel, coordinate the BIA process by closely supporting child protection team across refugee camps
• Provide support to CP officers in the establishment of the SHLS interventions in IDP camps
• Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical and institutional capacity building measures to achieve Child Protection program goals.
• Strengthen protection mechanisms through mobilizing and involving the community in reducing risks and harm of (abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect) against children in the IDP and refugee camps.
• Identify gaps and build the capacity of the community to be able to support vulnerable children and their families including unaccompanied/ separated children living in IDP and refugee camps.
• Support and link child protection program to the different programs and social services available in the IDP and refugee camps to meet the needs of children.
• Follow-up, monitor and supervise the implementation of program activities based on the work plan, spending plan and the proper utilization of budget and program materials allocated to the project.

Program Liaison, Coordination and Networking:

• With support from the CYPD manager, lead the Child Protection Coordination Body at Jigjiga level, including preparation of the agenda, circulation of meeting minutes among relevant actors in Jigjiga field office and Country Office and follow-up on action points, on monthly basis and whenever required.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with relevant partners including community leaders and other implementing partners.
• Represent the program in all partner meetings and communicate the outcomes with program staff.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings with the community, children and Child protection actors
• Liaise with the child protection and the CWI staff hold community awareness raising campaigns and trainings on child protection and GBV concerns
• Collaborate with other Program Officers and integration of CP into Education, CWI, Sanitation, Health and Youth program activities.
• Ensure accountability and collaborate with the support staff to establish and maintain sound internal controls and coordinate financial and supply management requirements for CP.

Administrative and Manpower Development:

• Responsible for hiring and monitoring the performance of CP staff and community workers; provide ongoing supervision, leadership, training and technical guidance.
• Mentor and support staff’s professional development and foster a positive team spirit to encourage innovative and quality programming.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Ensure program efficiency and delivery through development of project monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
• Initiate/ Participate in project evaluation exercises and periodic program review meetings with partners and community members.
• Support the CP /GBV team in ensuring the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for advocacy, effective Child Protection program design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Review regularly and provide feedback on the collection, analysis, use and storage of the child protection program information management system; follow-up and report on the progress of the IA CP IMS.
• Prepare monthly progress, quarterly and annual implementation and donor reports and submit to relevant staff.

Key Working Relationships:

The Child Protection Manager will directly report to the CYPD Manager and with additional technical oversight from the CYPD Technical Unit from Addis.

Job Requirements

• University Degree in Social Science, Social Work, and psychology/Sociology with 3 years of relevant experience for post graduate, 4 years of relevant experience for BA degree holders.
• At least 1 year of management experience.
• NGO experience is a plus!
• Experience in working with harmed and/or at risk children in an NGO setting is advantageous

Skills Required:

• Proven management skills.
• Computer literate.
• Project management experience.
• Proposal and report writing skills
• Excellent representational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and facilitation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills and flexibility

How to Apply 

Candidates who meet the above qualifications; please send your CV and application letter through IRC career site.

External link

Internal link

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for
• Date of application
• Summary of your qualifications and experience
• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job
• Please include at least 2 references from current and former supervisors.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply!

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and carries out policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.