Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children? Do you have the skills and experience to work within a global organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for children in displacement settings? The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking a qualified professional to fill the position of Associate Child Protection Officer in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to child protection programs while working in a dynamic, multicultural environment.
The UNHCR provides humanitarian assistance to refugees, stateless individuals, and forcibly displaced people worldwide. As an Associate Child Protection Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that children affected by displacement receive the care, protection, and support they need.
Job Details
- Job Title: Associate Child Protection Officer
- Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Job Type: Full-time
- Job Requisition ID: JR2553283
- Time Type: Full-time
- Grade: PR2
- Staff Member / Affiliate Type: Junior Professional Officer
- Hardship Level: B
- Family Type: Family
- Remote Work Accepted: No
- Target Start Date: February 3, 2025
- Application Deadline: March 5, 2025
- End Date for Applications: March 6, 2025 (22 days left to apply)
About the Role
The Associate Child Protection Officer will be a key member of the protection team, working directly under the supervision of a Child Protection Officer or a Protection Officer. This role involves supervising child protection staff and collaborating with information management and program staff. The officer will be responsible for strengthening child protection services, providing technical support, and engaging with communities to develop sustainable solutions for protecting children.
Key Responsibilities
Needs Identification, Strategy, and Advocacy
- Assist in formulating child protection considerations in multi-sectoral assessments.
- Provide timely support for the development and monitoring of child protection strategies.
- Ensure compliance with UNHCR’s policies on child protection, gender equality, disability, and youth empowerment.
- Support assessments of national child protection systems and advocate for the inclusion of children of concern in these systems.
- Assist in data collection, analysis, and dissemination to enhance child protection strategies.
- Promote meaningful participation of children, adolescents, and youth in program development.
- Advocate for child protection needs with authorities, UNHCR leadership, and other actors.
Program Planning and Implementation
- Support the design and implementation of child protection programs.
- Ensure the timely support and implementation of Best Interests Procedures (BIP) for children at risk.
- Develop and update Child Protection Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Implement and oversee child protection information management systems.
- Engage communities in child protection programs, understanding their structures and needs.
- Monitor the implementation of programs and recommend corrective actions.
- Provide technical support to integrate child protection across UNHCR activities.
Partnership and Coordination
- Strengthen partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations.
- Lead or contribute to inter-agency coordination of child protection efforts.
- Support mainstreaming of child protection considerations into other sectors such as education and mental health support.
- Participate in inter-agency child protection monitoring and reporting.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Management
- Identify training needs for UNHCR, government, and partner staff.
- Develop and implement training programs to enhance child protection knowledge and skills.
- Support authorities and NGOs in strengthening child protection policies and services.
- Document lessons learned and best practices to improve child protection interventions.
- Manage risks and seize opportunities impacting child protection programs.
- Provide guidance on UNHCR’s Best Interests Procedures Guidelines.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Child Protection Program Management – Experience in designing, implementing, and overseeing child protection programs.
- Multi-Stakeholder Communication – Ability to engage effectively with government agencies, partners, and communities.
- Cross-Cultural Communication – Experience working in diverse cultural settings.
- IT & Data Management – Familiarity with child protection information management systems.
- Age, Gender, and Diversity Approach (AGD) – Knowledge of protection strategies based on AGD principles.
- Case Management & Best Interests Procedures – Experience in child protection case management.
- Training & Capacity Building – Experience in developing training materials and conducting capacity-building sessions.
Work Experience and Background
- At least 1 year of experience in child protection, social work, or humanitarian fields.
- Demonstrated understanding of child protection risks, gender-based violence, and the role of education in protection.
- Experience working with refugees, asylum-seekers, and displaced populations.
- Familiarity with UNHCR and Interagency child protection tools and guidance.
- Experience in interviewing children and families for case management.
Desirable Experience
- Knowledge of international legal frameworks for refugees and asylum seekers.
- Experience implementing child protection case management and Best Interests Procedures.
- Familiarity with child protection in protracted refugee situations.
- Experience working with UNHCR partners and community-based organizations.
Language Requirements
- English (Fluency required)
- Other UN working languages or local language proficiency is an advantage.
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive salary based on UNHCR standards.
- Additional benefits include medical insurance, pension, and family allowances.
- Housing and relocation assistance may be provided.
For salary details, visit the UNHCR Salary Calculator.
How to Apply
Interested applicants who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply before March 5, 2025.
Apply Now
Join UNHCR in making a difference in the lives of displaced children. Take this opportunity to be part of a global effort to ensure the safety, well-being, and future of children in need!
