Child Protection Officer
Reports to: Country Director
Contract Type: Full-time
Location: Ado Ekiti, Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State
Desired Start Date: As soon as possible
Job Summary
GSKi is seeking a dedicated and experienced Child Protection Officer to manage and support
the implementation of child protection programmes across assigned locations. The role will
focus on strengthening case management systems, promoting child safeguarding standards,
supporting partners, and coordinating awareness activities on child protection issues.
The successful candidate will advocate with relevant authorities, communities, and partners
to improve the protection, safety, and wellbeing of vulnerable children, particularly children
in street situations.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of child protection programmes and activities.
- Conduct regular field visits to project locations and surrounding communities to monitor activities, assess needs, and support rapid assessments during emergencies.
- Prepare and submit timely field visit reports, including observations on programme progress, integration, quality, and impact on children.
- Support partners to understand and deliver child protection activities effectively, including through capacity building in reporting, proposal writing, organizational management, and compliance.
- Ensure timely liquidation and documentation of funds provided to partners in line with GSKi rules and standard operating procedures.
- Serve as the main organizational focal point for child protection and safeguarding matters.
- Ensure all child protection concerns, incidents, and complaints are properly recorded, reported, and managed in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Establish, maintain, and support the implementation of disciplinary, complaints, and child protection procedures.
- Participate in relevant safeguarding and child protection training and remain familiar with applicable child protection legislation and standards.
- Manage complaints in line with approved procedures and ensure cases are followed through to final decision and closure.
- Advise management, when required, on policies, procedures, and good practice related
to child protection. - Promote safe practices and support staff, partners, and volunteers to uphold procedures
that protect children from harm. - Maintain confidential records and ensure sensitive information is stored, accessed, and
shared only in accordance with organizational policy and applicable standards. - Ensure all persons working with children are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities
and are appropriately trained and qualified for their roles. - Contribute to the design and development of child protection programmes within GSKi’s
programme strategy. - Maintain regular follow-up with partner focal points to support quality implementation and
identify opportunities, risks, and constraints. - Support the implementation of GSKi Child Safety and Safeguarding policies internally
and with partners. - Contribute to proposal development and programme documentation as required.
Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding
- Develop, implement, and enforce child protection policies, procedures, and reporting
mechanisms. - Ensure compliance with national and international child protection standards,
safeguarding principles, and organizational requirements. - Promote a child-safe culture across GSKi, partner organizations, and programme
locations.
Risk Assessment
- Conduct child protection risk assessments to identify potential risks to children, staff, partners, and programme activities.
- Develop and support the implementation of practical mitigation strategies to reduce identified risks.
Capacity Building
- Identify staff and partner capacity-building needs and recommend appropriate training or support.
- Support awareness-raising and mentoring activities that strengthen child safeguarding knowledge and practice.
Programme Development and Management
- Oversee programme planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure effective delivery of services to children in street situations.
- Ensure programme interventions are aligned with technical best practices, organizational standards, and relevant national policies.
Other Responsibilities
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to GSKi’s vision, mission, and values.
- Adhere to all GSKi policies, procedures, and safeguarding requirements.
- Represent GSKi professionally and appropriately with internal and external stakeholders.
- Carry out other reasonable duties within the broad scope of the role.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong counselling skills, including active listening, empathy, sensitivity, and a non-judgmental approach.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Patience and the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or sensitive situations.
- Approachable, friendly, and able to build trust with children, families, communities, partners, and colleagues.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Strong understanding of confidentiality, data protection, and ethical handling of sensitive information.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, the web, and social media platforms.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application in line with GSKi’s
recruitment procedures. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.