Child Protection Program Officer Job Vacancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – International Development

Job Description

Position: Child Protection Program Officer

Company: UNICEF Ethiopia

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Experience: 5+ years in child protection, program management, or related fields

Education: Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Development, or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: International Development

Department: Child Protection

Salary: SSP 250,000 – 350,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

UNICEF Ethiopia is a leading United Nations agency dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well‑being of children across the nation. With a presence in Addis Ababa and regional offices, UNICEF Ethiopia collaborates closely with the federal government, civil society, and private sector partners to deliver life‑saving services, education, health care, and protection programs. The organization’s mission aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on reducing child mortality, improving access to quality education, and ensuring every child grows up in a safe environment. As part of a global network, UNICEF Ethiopia brings international expertise, robust funding mechanisms, and innovative approaches to address the unique challenges faced by Ethiopian children, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking meaningful impact and career growth.

Job Overview

The Child Protection Program Officer will lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of child protection initiatives that aim to prevent abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Reporting to the Senior Child Protection Officer, the role involves close coordination with government ministries, local NGOs, and community leaders to strengthen child protection systems at national and sub‑national levels. The officer will be responsible for ensuring program compliance with UNICEF policies, donor requirements, and Ethiopian legislation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to large‑scale interventions, influence policy reforms, and enhance the resilience of vulnerable children across Ethiopia. For more information about UNICEF Ethiopia’s work, visit the main website.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive child protection strategies aligned with UNICEF’s global standards and Ethiopia’s national child protection framework.
• Conduct needs assessments, risk analyses, and baseline studies to inform program design and resource allocation.
• Manage a portfolio of projects, ensuring timely delivery of activities, adherence to budgets, and achievement of measurable outcomes.
• Facilitate capacity‑building workshops for government officials, NGOs, and community volunteers on child safeguarding, reporting mechanisms, and case management.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance using robust M&E tools, preparing quarterly and annual reports for donors and senior management.
• Advocate for policy reforms by preparing policy briefs, participating in national task forces, and representing UNICEF at stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate with the communications team to raise awareness about child protection issues through media campaigns and community outreach.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF’s safeguarding policies, ethical standards, and financial regulations.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of child protection laws, international conventions (e.g., CRC), and best practices.
• Excellent project management abilities, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and partnership building.
• Advanced analytical skills for data collection, analysis, and evidence‑based decision making.
• Effective communication skills in English and Amharic, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in MS Office, project management software, and UNICEF’s internal reporting systems.
• Ability to work independently in challenging environments and travel to remote locations as required.

Education

A Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Human Rights, Public Policy, or a closely related discipline is required. Relevant certifications in child protection, project management (e.g., PMP), or monitoring and evaluation are considered an asset.

Experience

Minimum of five years of professional experience in child protection, program management, or related fields, preferably within an international development or humanitarian context. Experience working with government agencies and NGOs in Ethiopia is highly desirable.

Salary

The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 250,000 to 350,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additional allowances for housing, transport, and health benefits are provided in line with UNICEF’s compensation policy.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering the employee and eligible dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday entitlements.
• Professional development budget for trainings, conferences, and certifications.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Addis Ababa.

Training

• Orientation program covering UNICEF policies, child safeguarding, and organizational culture.
• Ongoing technical training on child protection methodologies, data analysis, and advocacy.
• Leadership development workshops to prepare high‑potential staff for future managerial roles.

Working Environment

The role is based in UNICEF’s modern office in Addis Ababa, offering a collaborative and inclusive workplace. Employees benefit from a supportive team culture, flexible working arrangements, and access to state‑of‑the‑art resources. Field assignments may require travel to regional and remote sites, providing exposure to diverse communities and operational contexts.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through UNICEF’s career portal, attaching a tailored CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and motivation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For detailed application instructions, please visit the additional website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UNICEF Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.