Child Protection Officer

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Mercy corps Somalia together with Care Somalia and DBG is in consortium to implement an education in emergency (EIE) project called Education in Emergency Support to Disaster Affected Children in Somalia (EESDAC) project funded by European union for humanitarian aid (ECHO). The project provides basic education in Emergencies service for boys and girls who are out of school or are at risk of dropping out of school in 16 districts of Sool, Sanaag, Bari, Nugaal, Mudug, Galgadud and Banadir regions. It also introduces innovative ways of working, particularly in the conflict-affected areas, to address the challenges identified in the needs assessment section including gaps related to safe learning space, insufficient teachers and limited oversight by the local authorities. Proposed interventions will include provision of (a) construction of temporary learning spaces and rehabilitation of existing school facilities (b) Provision of teaching/learning materials (c) teacher training (d) psychosocial support and child protection (e) School security and safety interventions and (f) WASH in schools. The three consortium members will help to increase access, particularly in the hard-to-reach areas. The capacity of the Department of Education and local communities will be enhanced to reduce long term dependency on international assistance. As much as possible, the action will foster innovations in handling education barriers. Closer links will be established between the needs assessment, monitoring and evaluation of the project that will allow a better response. Learning from the response will be captured and shared with Ministry of Education, Somalia Education Cluster and disseminated through publications and other media in consultation with ECHO

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Protection Officer will lead and coordinate the implementation and mainstreaming of protection activities in all the target areas of the ECHO funded EESDAC project in Banadir, Garowe, Galkayo, Adado, Abudwaq, Dhusamreb and Guri’el. Develop trend analysis, information dissemination and referrals according to MoE and the National Child protection standards. Guarantee the Ensure qualitative and timely planning, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation of Mercy Corps protection monitoring activities in compliance with MoE standards and National protection cluster. The responsibilities and activities of the Protection Officer will be extensive and fluid, depending on the shifting needs of the program, and are likely to include but not be limited to those described below. He/she will have to show full adherence to Mercy Corps procedures, policy and security protocols.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Encourage good practice by promoting and championing the child protection policy and procedures.
2. Implement the SGB child protection policy and procedures
3. Ensures protection of refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs and returnees by developing and maintaining close working relations with partners schools supported under the UNHCR funding, governments, legislators, NGOs, and other interested entities.
4. Promotes the understanding of protection issues ensuring the observance of internationally accepted or legally binding standards.
5. Plans and supervises the development, coordination, implementation and monitoring of protection activities.
6. Provides legal advice and guidance on protection issues to all staff and ensures implementation of policy objectives, timely and appropriate response to reporting requirements.
7. Drafts official Mercy Corps’ comments on draft laws, existing legislation or on Government policy documents; subsequently negotiates with state authorities and relevant experts about protection issues to safeguard international legal standards and secure appropriate and effective influence of Mercy Corps on legislation and state policies with regards to refugees and other persons of concern.
8. Undertakes other duties as required
9. Perform any other assigned duty by Mercy Corps Somalia.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: NONE

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:  Program Team leader,

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: 

Other program staff, finance officers, logistics officers, human resources and administration officers.

• University degree, preferably a graduate degree, in psychology, social work, education or related field of study or related field Minimum 5 years of previous relevant job experience.
• The ability to build relationships with club members, parents/careers, children and the SGB Child Protection Officer.
• An interest in the well-being and safeguarding of children and child protection matters.
• A willingness to challenge opinion, where necessary, and to drive the child protection agenda.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to deal with sensitive situations with integrity.
• The confidence and good judgment to manage situations relating to the poor conduct/behavior of others towards a child.
• Attend relevant training to fulfil the role of Club Child Protection Officer.
• Experience working with children.
• Previous experience from working in a complex and volatile context.
• Fluent in Somali & English languages (written and verbal).
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

1. Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in Child protection mainstreaming
2. Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and keeps to deadlines.
3. Knowledge and understanding of the Somali people’s culture and political set up.
4. Strong team player and effective communicator.
5. Willing to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners.
6. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this position and submit their applications (cover letter, updated CV and contacts of 3 professional referees) through https://www.mercycorps.org/careers/national   only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

“Female candidates are strongly preferred to apply, and the candidate must have a good understanding and experience for the vacant position”

Note: Please be aware that your education certificate and employment background of the last 3 years will be verified by Mercy corps during the recruitment process.

Deadline for Applications: September11,2022

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NAGUSOO BIIR ---  SOMALI JOBS

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