Project Manager Child Protection

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Project Manager Child Protection.

About the job

The Project Manager – Child Protection will oversee the implementation of the UNICEF funded project and help raise DRC’s profile in Child Protection programming. The position is expected to fully manage the project’s life cycle in close collaboration with local partners, from proposal writing to implementation and closure, including budget management, project reporting, staff technical support and management, external representation, and advocacy.

The position is expected to mentor and/or build capacities of national program staff and partners, share latest research and evaluate child protection mechanisms. Child protection issues include, but are not limited to children in armed conflict, birth registration, children with disabilities, gender-based violence in emergencies, unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). The Project Manager is also expected to help expand the Child Protection portfolio of DRC working closely with the Protection Manager and other Protection country staff. 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Responsibilities:

Program management and Technical Quality

• Document and implement methodologies to strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance for the implementation of CP interventions in accordance with international standards, best practices, and DRC Protection Strategy. 
• Provide CP teams with relevant, up-to-date resources and tools for implementation CP interventions.
• Map out child protection systems and develop a child protection strategy.
• Ensure child protection risks are assessed and documented on a regular basis.
• Stimulate constructive debates and maintain active information exchange within on useful CP interventions, publications, tools and lessons learned.
• Contribute to the development of country strategic direction and plans on Protection Programming Focal person on Child Protection (CP) interventions for DRC Somalia Program.
• Focal person on Child Protection (CP) interventions for DRC Somalia Program.

Project Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Directly manage the UNICEF funded staff.
• Ensure that relevant project activities are implemented within the assigned budget parameters and set workplan in consultation with the project team, Finance, and Partnerships Units.
• Prepare and submit quality donor reports as well as other documentation related to child protection.
• Regular field visits to monitor implementation of activities and to provide technical guidance in line with international best practices and policies on CP and ensure that they are reflected in DRC programming.
• Ensure regular communication with donors and co-chairs on the project progress and findings.

 Representation, Coordination, and Advocacy

• Develop and maintain effective coordination and strong work relationships with relevant CP stakeholders including NGOs, UN agencies, and local partners, key local government and Ministry officials to implement common standards on CP.
• Effectively represent DRC at Protection coordination for a, such as the Child Protection Working Group (CPWG),  etc. and raise DRC’s profile externally.
• Develop advocacy products for quality child protection programming in emergency interventions in line with project findings and discussions.
• Monitor and identify fundraising opportunities and design appropriate child protection interventions.
• Take proactive steps to keep staff well informed about the ongoing CP initiatives, trends and gaps at global, regional and national levels.
• Work closely and coordinate with other DRC sectors for successful implementation of projects and mainstreaming of CP in all other sectors.
• Any other duties may be assigned by the line manager.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise program staff, including staff performance management in line with DRC HR guidelines.
• Maintain open and professional relations with staff, promote a strong team spirit and provide oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Support of capacity building for Child Protection staff and partner agencies, ensure they access training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.

The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have: -

Required

• At least 5 years of experience in Child Protection programming in humanitarian response, , working with CSOs/local partners.
• Advanced university degree, preferably in Law, Sociology, Social work, Human Rights, or related field. 
• Post graduate qualifications in the same field are desirable.
• Ability to advocate for and raise awareness on children’s rights, promoting respect for international law and help people obtain access to humanitarian assistance across various levels.
• Ability to generate quantitative and qualitative data analysis and write advocacy products.
• Experience in capacity building, including as a trainer in human rights.
• Experience in remote management and working with local organizations, CSOs, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of and experience of working on children associated with armed conflict.
• Experience in designing strategic documents to guide implementation, assessments, and standard operating procedures on Child Protection.
• Demonstrated understanding of general protection programming in humanitarian response.
• Experience in mediation, conflict management, and negotiations, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of the complexity related to Refugee, Asylum seekers, and IDP situations.
• Intellectually flexible with ability to deliver results in a short period of time. 
• Proven commitment to accountability and quality assurance.
• Excellent analytical skills in report writing and proposal development.
• Experience living and working in a cross-cultural, conflict-affected environment, under team conditions;

• Ability to work well under pressure and in adverse conditions.
• Ability to work in a large organization with complex systems.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to funding.

Band: Employment band Management F2

Work location: Mogadishu with travel to field locations

Start date: February 2025

Reporting to: Protection Manager

Direct Reports: Child Protection Officers

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contract.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 31st December 2024

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.