Graduate Assistant Technical Officer, Child Protection (Dikwa) at FHI 360

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication and social marketing - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position below:

Job Title: Assistant Technical Officer, Child Protection

Requisition: 2018200955
Location: Dikwa, Borno

Project Description

• FHI 360 has expanded its scope of coverage into humanitarian assistance with an aim to provide emergency services to populations affected by conflict in Borno state and specifically in newly liberated areas.  FHI 360 received funding from OFDA to implement life- saving health and reproductive health, Water and Sanitation (WASH) and Protection services in Dikwa, Ngala and Banki Local Government Authorities (LGAs) of Borno state, North East Nigeria. FHI 360 plans to expand its geographical coverage to Damasak and also establish program activities in the Child Protection Sub Sector.
• Under the protection sector, FHI 360 aims at improving the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals through increased access to psychosocial support services and integrated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) support and Child Protection.

Key activities under the Child Protection sub sector includes:

• Improving access to timely and quality Case Management services for children at risk
• Strengthening and Supporting Community Based Child Protection Mechanisms
• Setting up Child Friendly Spaces to meet psychosocial, development and cognitive needs of Children affected by conflict
• Protecting excluded children
• Integrating Child Protection in WASH and Health

Basic Function

• The ATO, Child Protection will be in charge of setting up and implementing child friendly spaces to meet psychosocial, development and cognitive needs of children affected by conflict
• S/He will also set up and support the operationalization of community based child protection mechanisms
• The ATO, CP will also be responsible for all child protection awareness activities at community level with an aim to raise awareness on child protection related issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• In coordination with community leaders, local government authorities, identify based on the existing criteria of selection, community based child protection committees in each community. Hold regular meetings with the community based child protection committees and follow-up on actions to improve welfare of children in the community.
• In collaboration with community leaders, local government authorities, identify based on pre -existing criteria the selection of Child Protection community volunteers who will work to disseminate child protection activities in the community.
• Train and provide overall technical support and mentorship for community volunteers in charge of conducting CP awareness activities
• In coordination with the Technical Officer, Child Protection and the Protection Coordinator select and train CFC animators to mobilize children and engage them in Child Friendly Spaces activities on a daily basis.
• In coordination with beneficiaries and community leaders, identify suitable locations for setting up Child Friendly spaces in the assigned community
• Regularly monitor and CFC activities ensuring that the activities meet age appropriate needs of children including children with special needs.
• Conduct regular feedback sessions with children to collect information on the relevance and usefulness of activities to children and make recommendations to improve such activities
• Liaise with the ATO, Case Management to ensure child in need of case management services are referred to ATO,CM for support.
• In coordination with CP community volunteers, child protection committee members, leaders and local leaders and government authorities, organize and implement CP awareness campaigns on major international campaign days such as Day of the African Child, 16 days of activism etc.
• In coordination with the local government, child protection management committees and the CP technical officer, identify children in need of alternative care placement and provide support to ensure the children have access to safe alternative care through regular monitoring.
• In coordination with the TO, CP establish a child protection LGA level coordination meetings and CP referral pathways.
• Adhere to the child protection guiding principles always.
• Compile weekly, biweekly and monthly activity reports as may be required
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• B.Sc/B.A in Sociology, Psychology, Social Sciences, Behavioral Sciences or its recognized equivalent with 1-3 years of relevant experience with NGO or CBO.
• 1 year relevant experience Child Protection programming including Case Management.
• Mandatory experience in Child protection projects.
• Familiarity with Nigerian law enforcement systems and NGOs and CBOs is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• Experience in facilitating training and mentorship of local communities to support child protection activities.
• Mandatory fluent in English and local languages – Hausa, Kanuri
• Excellent report writing skills
• Good communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Understanding and commitment to child’s rights and child protection issues
• Ability to live in the field with minimum access services
• Excellent computer skills
• Dynamic, pro-active
• Knowledge on CPIMS+ an added advantage
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online