Child Protection Program Officer

Position                    Child Protection Program Officer

Location                   Baghdad, Iraq

Duration:                 9 Months (with possibility of extension)

Position Summary:

The CPP is a UNICEF led program designed to improve the well being of children and youth by decreasing their vulnerability to violence and rights abuses.  The CPP's core operational objectives are to: Conduct mapping of existing services available for children and youth affected by violence and develop referral system; Provide life skills education for children, families and community members to increase their knowledge and skills in preventing violence against children; Provide protection services to 1,200 vulnerable children and youths through establishment of 12 Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) and 12 Child Protection Committees (CPCs).

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

The UNICEF CPP Program Officer will support the implementation of the UNICEF CPP project in Kerbala, Missan, and Wassit governorates. Working closely with the UNICEF project director s/he will provide management and oversight for all aspects of the CPP program including assessments, ensuring proper transport, ensuring delivery of essential humanitarian services projects, and developing and implementing Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) in accordance with needs assessments. S/He will work in close coordination with the RI southern Iraq team to ensure the smooth running of operations and support the development and implementation of program strategies. The Program Officer will also seek training opportunities for the country team to strengthen local capacity in management, reporting, and technical areas relevant to the CPP program. To carry out his/her work successfully, the incumbent must have a thorough understanding of the objectives and components of the program, as well as a full understanding of UNICEF's core commitments and mandate in Iraq. Tasks will include:

• Provide strategic direction to the country team to achieve the overall goal and objectives of the CPP.
• Provide management oversight and guidance with planning and implementation of CPP activities by ensuring smooth functioning of all aspects of operations, including finance, procurement, logistics, security, oversight, and monitoring; including ensuring timely and accurate assessments, and guidance for the selection of appropriate target communities/responses based on assessment findings and CPP mandate.
• Monitor and provide guidance for project implementation.
• Coordinate baseline surveys and monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Review, finalize, and submit all programmatic and financial reports to UNICEF based on UNICEF reporting requirements and schedule.
• Manage relationships and coordinate activities with UNICEF Project Director in Amman (and/or Baghdad), UNICEF in-country representatives, and other implementing partners and cooperating agencies.
• Attend regular and ad-hoc coordination meetings to provide updates on RI CPP achievements and status of implementation
• Monitor and facilitate regular evaluations (in coordination with Program Assistant and Country Director) of field staff performances to ensure compliance with field procedures and operations and administration policies based on RI guidelines
• Identify training opportunities for CPP staff, particularly for the logistics and operational duties related to humanitarian assistance programs (for example, results-oriented programming, basic surveying, monitoring and evaluation methods and principles and RI/UNICEF report writing requirements).
• Ensure compliance with Relief International and donor policies and regulations in all operational and programmatic functions.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• University degree in sociology or relevant field.
• At least 5 years experience in a similar role
• Great leadership skills and ability to function as a team player.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, and Access).
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work both independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Previous experience working with an International NGO preferred. Experience in the Middle East highly preferred.
• Previous experience working on Iraq programs highly preferred. 
• Understanding of development and humanitarian initiatives in the Iraq context required.
• Excellent written and oral English skills.
• Arabic skills preferred
• Ability and willingness to travel to Iraq as needed

Salary: Salary range is $4,000- $5,000 US per month; Depending on experience.

Application Procedure: To be considered for this recruitment, please submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, 3 professional supervisory references (whom we may contact after a second interview) with the date of availability to .  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  The email subject line should include the following: Child Protection Program Officer.