ABOUT GHIV AFRICA
Global Village Healthcare Initiative for Africa (GHIV Africa) is a non-governmental, non-for-profit humanitarian/Developmental organization which started in 2014. We deliver assistance to affected populations before, during and after crisis situations.
GHIV Africa was founded to mitigate the health deficit in Africa and to provide all forms of assistance leading to improved quality of life. The organization is equally poised to support the delivery of healthcare services at the doorsteps of every African village by bridging the gap between primary health care delivery and tertiary health care services through a robust referral system.
Our Vision: Is to create an Africa where every village and community has equal access to comprehensive healthcare services, aiming to empower individuals, especially women and children, to lead healthier lives and achieve a higher quality of life, thus fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Our mission: Is to promote equitable access to comprehensive preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services in African communities by providing protection, assistance, education, and information sharing, advancing gender equality, and ending violence against women and girls with the goal of improving overall well-being.
Project Background
The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project in Nigeria, focusing on the Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP II), addresses the severe educational challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the BAY States (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe). These regions are grappling with ongoing conflict, climate-related disasters, and systemic poverty, which have significantly disrupted education access, particularly for marginalized children such as girls, children with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The project adopts an intersectional approach, aiming to increase access to quality education and improve learning outcomes for affected children. It focuses on four key thematic areas: Access, Participation, Inclusion, and Equity; Gender Equality and Empowerment; Learning, Transition, Life Skills, and Wellbeing; and System Resilience, Evidence, and Sustainability. Through a collaborative effort with various stakeholders including MYRP II Consortium comprising of UNICEF as the lead grantee, Save the Children NRC, and GHIV Africa led NNGO-consortium with CATAI and CASFOD, the MYRP will reach over 130,000 children and adolescents with formal and non-formal education, while ensuring that 80,000 children receive essential learning materials and support services like menstrual hygiene kits and life skills mentorship.
By enhancing the educational infrastructure, providing training for educators, and integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) into the learning environment, the ECW project seeks to foster resilience in communities and education systems, ultimately ensuring that all children, regardless of background, can access quality education in a safe and supportive environment.
However, in order to successfully implement this project, GHIV Africa is looking for a suitable and qualified candidate for the position of Child protection Officer
Job Title: Child Protection Officer
Location: Roving (Borno & Yobe)
Reports To: Gender and Disability Specialist
Duration: One year subject to renewal
Type: Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Child Protection Officer is responsible for ensuring that child protection policies and practices are effectively integrated into all program activities within the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) initiative. This role addresses critical issues related to gender-based violence (GBV), child safeguarding, and the provision of psychological support to children affected by crises. The Child Protection Officer will work collaboratively with program staff, community members, and stakeholders to promote a safe and supportive environment for children.
Key Responsibilities:
- Policy Integration:
- Ensure that child protection principles and policies are embedded in all aspects of program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Develop and disseminate guidelines and resources related to child protection for program staff and partners.
- Conduct regular assessments to identify gaps in child protection measures and recommend improvements.
- Training and Capacity Building:
- Provide training and support to program staff, partners, and community members on child protection policies, child safeguarding practices, and gender-based violence prevention.
- Organize workshops and training sessions to enhance awareness and skills related to child protection among educators, caregivers, and community leaders.
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Monitor program activities to ensure compliance with child protection standards and practices.
- Collect and analyze data related to child protection issues, including incidents of violence and abuse, and prepare reports for management and stakeholders.
- Ensure proper documentation of child protection cases and incidents, and maintain confidentiality in line with safeguarding protocols.
- Support and Intervention:
- Provide psychological support and counseling to children affected by violence, trauma, or other forms of abuse, in coordination with mental health professionals.
- Work with families and communities to develop supportive networks for children, ensuring their well-being and protection.
- Collaborate with relevant local authorities and organizations to facilitate referrals and access to specialized services for children in need.
- Community Engagement:
- Raise awareness about child protection issues within communities, promoting safe practices and behaviors that protect children from harm.
- Engage with community leaders, parents, and youth to foster a culture of protection and support for children.
- Establish and maintain child protection committees or networks within the community to enhance local ownership and responsiveness to child protection concerns.
- Coordination with Stakeholders:
- Collaborate with other sectors and organizations working in child protection, education, and health to ensure an integrated response to the needs of children.
- Represent the organization at relevant child protection meetings, forums, and advocacy events to promote children’s rights and protection.
- Emergency Response:
- Develop and implement child protection strategies in emergency situations, ensuring a rapid and effective response to protect children.
- Participate in needs assessments and emergency planning to identify child protection concerns and inform response strategies.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in child protection, social work, or related fields, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Proven experience in addressing issues related to gender-based violence and child safeguarding.
Core Competencies:
- Child Protection Expertise:
- Strong knowledge of child protection policies, standards, and best practices, including UN and international guidelines.
- Understanding of the psychosocial needs of children affected by violence, trauma, and crisis situations.
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, families, community members, and stakeholders.
- Strong advocacy skills to promote child protection issues and influence positive change within communities.
- Training and Facilitation Skills:
- Experience in designing and delivering training programs on child protection, safeguarding, and GBV prevention.
- Ability to facilitate discussions and workshops that promote understanding and commitment to child protection principles.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:
- Strong analytical skills to assess child protection risks and develop effective interventions.
- Ability to think critically and respond effectively to complex situations involving child protection issues.
- Cultural Sensitivity:
- Awareness of and respect for cultural differences and community dynamics in relation to child protection.
- Ability to adapt strategies to align with local customs and practices while promoting child rights.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management tools.
- Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation methodologies related to child protection programs.
- Commitment to Values:
- Strong commitment to the principles of child protection, gender equality, and social justice.
- Understanding of and dedication to safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly children.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
EMPATHY AND COMPASSION: Demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
INTEGRITY: Maintains the highest ethical standards in all professional activities.
RESILIENCE: Capable of working under challenging conditions and managing stress effectively.
PROBLEM-SOLVING: Proactive in identifying issues and implementing solutions.
GHIV AFRICA PSEA/GBV, AND CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICIES: The successful candidate shall comply and promote the PSEA/GBV, and Child safeguarding Policies at all course and all levels.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
GHIV Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Note: Women and Persons Living with Disability (PLWDs) are strongly advised to apply.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should click on the link below.
Application closing date:27/12/2024
- Due to the high volume of applications, no detailed feedback will be provided about your application; only shortlisted individuals will be contacted.
