Child Protection Officer - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

JOB PURPOSE

The CPO is accountable for identifying and supporting Child Protection investigations and legal proceedings in courts, while ensuring that all Child Protection policies and procedures adhere to international standards and guidelines, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The Officer also maintains effective case management and referral systems, including those referred through the Child Protection Helpline 1121, requiring strong networking and coordination with relevant agencies and organizations, such as District Child Protection Committees

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Following are the specific roles and responsibilities of the Child Protection Officer:

1: PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT: 

• Developing and implementing Child Protection policies and procedures for the Child Protection Unit.
• Conducting assessments to identify vulnerable children in the community and providing support and assistance to children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
• Collaborating with local authorities and community organizations to strengthen Child Protection services and raise awareness of Child Protection issues.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records of all Child Protection cases and supporting Child Protection investigations and legal proceedings as needed.
• Supervising and monitoring the Child Protection Unit's activities to ensure its proper functioning and adherence to Case Management and Referral System guidelines and SOPs.
• Developing and delivering training programs to staff and community members on Child Protection policies and procedures, including Community-based Child Protection Committees.
• Identifying referral partners and establishing formal arrangements for handling cases while maintaining close coordination with government agencies and other humanitarian organizations working in the field for the best interest of children.
• Ensuring proper and timely implementation of individual Case Plans throughout the Case Management process and keeping updated records in both hard copy and the CP-IMS system.
• Facilitating staff in Case Management and Referral System by conducting regular Case Reviews and Case Conferencing, seeking assistance from the Commission when required.
• Working with legal professionals to professionally present cases at court, when necessary, by compiling comprehensive evidence, such as psychological reports, assessment reports, and other necessary documentation about the child's situation, to ensure their rights and safety.
• Organizing and participating in district coordination meetings, including District Child Protection Committee meetings, and representing the Child Protection Unit and Commission in various forums at the district level.
• Collecting and submitting monthly work plans, as well as providing regular progress reports and updates to the Provincial Office or whenever required by the Commission.
• Coordinating with the Provincial Office and sharing updates on administrative, operational, and financial matters.
• Submitting financial invoices, bills, and supporting documents to the Provincial Office at the end of each month, and maintaining proper inventory lists of all assets.
• Arranging various events and activities related to Child Protection and coordinating with the District Social Welfare Officer and other Child Protection staff within the district as needed.
• Ensuring that all activities of the Child Protection Unit and actions taken are in accordance with the KPCPWC laws, rules, and regulations.
• Conducting regular monitoring visits, meetings, and sessions with Child Protection Committees, and maintaining updated records of media reports and news.
• Representing the Child Protection Unit by preparing and submitting quality reports to the Commission for publications, particularly for annual reports, the KPCPWC website, and social media pages.
• Performing any other tasks assigned by the Commission and reporting to the designated focal person as required, while ensuring compliance with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act 2010, as well as the rules and regulations established therein.

2: STANDARDS SETTING AND APPLICATION:

• Best interests of the child: All actions and decisions made by the Child Protection Officer should be guided by the best interests of the child, which is the primary consideration in any situation.
• Non-discrimination: The Child Protection Officer should ensure that no child is discriminated against on the basis of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other characteristic.
• Participation: Children have the right to express their views and be heard in matters that affect them. The Child Protection Officer should ensure that children\\\\\\\'s opinions and perspectives are taken into account when making decisions.
• Survival and development: The Child Protection Officer should ensure that children are protected from harm and have access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social services.
• Protection from violence, abuse, and neglect: The Child Protection Officer should take all necessary measures to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect.
• Family environment: Children have the right to live in a family environment and be cared for by their parents. The Child Protection Officer should take measures to support families and prevent the separation of children from their families except in exceptional circumstances.
• Alternative care: In cases where children cannot remain with their families, the Child Protection Officer should ensure that alternative care is provided in a family-like environment.
• Justice: Children have the right to a fair and impartial justice system that takes into account their age and maturity. The Child Protection Officer should ensure that children are treated with dignity and respect in all legal proceedings.
• Accountability: The Child Protection Officer should ensure that all actions taken are transparent and accountable to the relevant authorities, stakeholders and KPCPWC.

3: MONITORING, DOCUMENTATION, REPORTING AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: 

• Monitoring: The Child Protection Officer should monitor and evaluate Child Protection services to ensure that they meet the standards set by UNCRC and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act 2010. This includes regular meetings with children and families, and ongoing communication with community and broader stakeholders.
• Documentation: The Child Protection Officer should maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all Child Protection cases and services provided. This includes documenting assessments, referrals, and case management plans, as well as any communication with court, District Administration or any other stakeholder.
• Reporting: The Child Protection Officer should generate regular reports to monitor and assess the effectiveness of Child Protection services. Reports should include data on the number of cases handled, the types of services provided, and any challenges or gaps in service provision. The Child Protection Officer will report to the Deputy Director or Deputy Chief Protection Officer of the Provincial Office or any other person assigned or designated by the Deputy Chief Protection Officer.
• Information management: The Child Protection Officer should ensure that all information related to Child Protection cases and services is managed confidentially and securely. This includes using secure CP-MIS to store and manage data, as well as implementing appropriate access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access confidential information.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

·         At least second-class master’s degree in Social Sciences or second-class bachelor’s degree (4-year, post intermediate) in Social Sciences, from a recognized University

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• At least 3 years of experience working in Child Protection or related field

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of Child Protection policies, programmes and case management procedures
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to supervise and manage team and also work effectively in a team and in a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Willingness to travel to various locations within the province as needed.

Disclaimer:

• MicroMerger reserves the right to reject any or all applications or change the number of positions at any stage without assigning any reason or as per requirements.
• Any Candidate/Applicant who attempts to or influences the recruitment process or the Selection Panel by any means shall be disqualified immediately.
• MicroMerger will not consider applicants not fulfilling the requirements/criteria mentioned above.
• Incomplete applications will not be entertained.
• MicroMerger reserves the right to cancel the whole hiring process at any stage without mentioning any reason.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for tests and/or interviews via call or Email.
• MicroMerger provides equal opportunity to all qualified Males & Females candidates. Females are encouraged to apply. 
• All jobs are of visual nature. Visually impaired applicants cannot be entertained.
• Recruitment will be made on a contract basis, extendable based on arising needs
• Shortlisted candidates will have to bring their CVs, attested copies of CNIC, certificates, experience certificates and educational qualifications at the time of the interview
• No TA/DA or any expense would be admissible during the whole hiring process including interviews, tests etc