Child Protection Technical Coordinator

About the Position:

The  Child Protection  Technical Coordinator will provide technical leadership, planning, design, coordination, monitoring, resource mobilization and implementation of quality child protection in-person and remotely to field program colleagues implementing CP programs. He/ She will have the central responsibility focused on program quality and ALIGHT  representation as far as child protection programming is concerned. The CP Technical Coordinator will oversee the implementation of ALIGHT  programs across all field sites in ALIGHT Uganda program ensuring timely program delivery according to internal and donor regulations. He/ she will ensure internal and external collaboration with  partners and respective stakeholders in protection work, while prioritizing the needs of children, adolescents, and caregivers in target communities. 

Dimensions of the Role

• Maintain frequent communication with  Head of Programs, Team Leaders, protection  managers, finance coordinator and procurement /Logistics team  to ensure the coordination of programs supplies are within budgeted targets
• Responsible for managing the relationship with partners implementing child protection projects.
• The post holder will maintain regular and structured communication with key stakeholders, program and business development teams, partners, other CSOs, relevant government departments or duty bearers at local, district, national, regional and international levels on child protection programme related issues. 
• Risk management – the post is responsible for managing and mitigating all risks related to Child Protection and Child Safeguarding in close collaboration with the Head of Program, Protection Technical Lead and HR Coordinator.
• Advocacy, Influencing and Visibility – the post has a strong external dimension by representing Alight Uganda on Child Protection issues, aligning projects to the Advocacy Strategy and the SDG influencing plan. Identify major gaps between policy and practice.
• Partnership Management – mapping and meeting potential partners, collaborators and networks; support their capacity building process and manage relationship building.
• Reach/Breadth of the post – the position is mainly at national and local levels, with strong interaction at Program Unit level, and requires a strong interpersonal professional working relationships with children, parents/guardians, community leaders, local/national organizations, government officials, other professionals, other stakeholders (both state and non-state actors) to strengthen child protection systems and practices.

  

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation. The tasks listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Programme Design and Programme Quality

• Provide technical leadership in child protection program design to develop a cohesive, high-impact approach, this includes;  crafting effective technical strategies, fostering thematically integrated programming to amplify the impact of child protection initiatives, and integrating best practices, evidence-based solutions, and innovations within child protection and broader protection programs. ensure the inclusion of gender, disability, and resilience considerations, and emphasize a child rights-based approach with a strong focus on child participation.
• Additionally, promote a systems-strengthening approach as the guiding framework, facilitating collaboration with governments and local partners to achieve impact, scale, and sustainability.

Budgets and  Assets management

• The post-holder  will advise on budget allocation to child protection projects, monitor project budget performance, ensure that project activities are implemented within assigned budget parameters and review financial reports to ensure consistency with narrative reports.

Country Focal Point Responsibilities

• Undertake clear and strong advocacy on the CPP at all levels across the office and support the development of local CPP procedures in line with international Child Protection Standards.
• Collaborate with and provide advice to key teams and/or departments within the offices and deliver mandatory CPP briefings, inductions and/or workshops to staff, managers and associates.
• Support the development of country level CPP implementation action plans
• Liaise with the HR department to coordinate the annual CPP implementation standards self-assessment and incident reporting exercises, providing reports on outcomes and trends to the country management team.
• Provide a central point for the recording of collated information on child protection policy implementation activities taking place across the office and sharing information and good practice.
• Receive reports on child protection allegations and respond effectively in line with local procedures and provide support and advice in dealing with alleged cases of child abuse and child protection.

Multiple Projects Management:  

• Technical management of multiple projects with strong coordination with Programme Managers (PMs) and in different locations.
• Integration of Child Protection interventions with other technical issues and grant opportunities to overcome funding gaps.
• Develop innovative programme concepts, interventions and models that can be easily replicated and shared with local organizations.
• Mainstreaming Child Protection on the job practices and orientation of staff and partners.
• Conduct child protection investigation when requested by the Executive  Director and prepare detailed reports with recommendations.

Communications and Working Relationships:

• Communicates with tact, diplomacy and always maintain professional working relationships.
• Close collaboration and interdependence with the Programme Team and Business Development Unit, and other support departments.
• Regular working relationship with field teams.
• Ensure proper visibility and compliance to branding on Child Protection issues.
• Local, national and international Civil Society Organizations, Government institutions and UN agencies to ensure Alight’s work is well linked to other initiatives.

Code of Conduct

• It is our shared responsibility and obligation to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Trafficking of  Persons, Child Safeguarding and any suggested violation to our Code of Conduct, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any suggested activities then you have an obligation to report.
• Responsible for compliance to the Child Protection Policy and reporting any related issues. 
• Responsible for the implementation of the CPP standards as they apply to area of responsibility plus the development of actions to address identified gaps and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Ensure that all Alight partners, visitors and associates in his/her area of responsibility are provided with, are made aware of and have signed and returned a copy of the child protection policy. Inform the partners, visitors and associates that they must comply with the policy in all contacts and communications with children during their visit.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master's degree (preferred) in Human Rights, Social Sciences, Social Work and Social Administration, Community Psychology, Development Studies or its equivalent, with professional training on child rights programming.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management is an added advantage.
• At least 5 years managerial or technical advisory experience in the design, implementation and evaluation of Child Protection programmes, including donor compliance. Experience in GBV and case management is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of environment and current effective practices of Child Protection in Uganda, including existing networks, CSOs and government stakeholders.
• Excellent proposal development and report writing skills. Knowledge of institutional donors.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including networking, negotiating ability and influencing others.
• Willingness to reside in Rwamwanja settlement camp in Kamwenge district. 

Competencies and Behaviors

• Profound cross-cultural awareness
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently.
• Extremely flexible, and can cope with stressful situations and frustrations
• Ability to relate and motivate teams effectively.
• Creativity and the ability to work with limited resources.
• Excellent decision making skills
• Team player and strong communication skills, both oral and written Ability to effectively present information and respond appropriately to questions from senior managers in country, from field teams, counterparts.
• Shows commitment and understanding to always act in the best interest of the child and respect to human rights.
• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Alight values, striving for lasting impact.
• Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity, capacity to include and empower others.
• Promotes a culture of learning and sharing.
• Familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of donors, UN agencies, and other NGOs.