Gender & child protection officer Full Time NEW

The project officer – Gender and Child Officer is responsible for the integrated planning, implementing, monitoring of WVE project of ‘Empowering faith leaders in the prevention of FGM’ through applying Channels of Hope for Child Protection (CoH CP) and Gender (CoH Gender) models. The officer will work to mobilize, catalyze, and equip faith leaders and their communities to become agents of transformative change. The goal is to address the interconnected issues of harmful gender norms, FGM, Child Marriage and gender-based violence against children. By leveraging inter-faith values and scriptures, the officer will promote the dignity, rights, and well-being of women, girls, and children, and strengthen community-based protection systems. He/she will support case management through strengthening system collaboration engaging relevant actors in project implementation area. The officer will report to CPP technical coordinator and will support social workers under his/her supervision. S/he will be responsible in providing accurate and timely documentation of activities and ensuring the project is complying with GIZ donor requirements and is implemented as planned.

Work Location

• Afar Region Dubti Woreda
• Somali region Harorys Woreda

Program Implementation & Facilitation

• Facilitate high-quality CoH Catalyzing and Strategizing Workshops for faith leaders, their spouses, and Congregational Hope Action Teams (CHATs) for both Child Protection and Gender curricula, adhering to the established CoH methodology.
• Guide participants through a transformative process that engages the heart (exploring personal and community experiences), the head (facilitating theological reflection and providing technical information), and the hands (developing actionable plans).
• Create a safe, respectful, and participatory learning environment for sensitive discussions on gender, power, culture, child rights, and abuse associated to FGM, Child marriage….
• Facilitate self-audit processes (e.g., “Child Safe Church/mosque” audit) and support faith communities in developing and implementing robust, integrated action plans to address gender inequality and child protection issues.
• Faith community is mobilized, capacitated to take collective action towards ending FGM, child marriage as harmful practice. Ensured behavioral change of creating violence free supportive environment
• Provide ongoing follow up, coaching, mentorship, and technical support to catalyzed faith leaders and Channel of Hope Action Team (CHATs) as they implement their action plans and be effective.
• Facilitate capacity building training for gov’t sectors and stakeholders (health, justice, women and social affairs, local media….), social workers including FGM practitioners
• Organize/facilitate large workshop as of intergenerational dialogue, learning platform, advocacy event etc in close collaboration with stakeholders and faith leaders

Partnership, Advocacy & System Strengthening

• Identify, build, and maintain strategic partnerships with local faith institutions, denominations, inter-faith councils, women’s faith networks, and key child protection system actors (e.g., social welfare, police, health centers).
• Ensure faith communities are effectively linked to formal protection services for case management referral and a coordinated community response.
• Advocate with faith leaders to use their influence to speak out against harmful practices (e.g., FGM, child marriage,) and to promote gender justice and child rights.
• Actively engage in regional alliance to end CM and FGM, closely work with local CSO and also represent the organization in relevant gender and child protection forums and working groups.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Provide regular updates to CPP coordinator and HO technical team on progress, priorities and constraints
• Track the progress and competency development of faith communities using the appropriate CoH monitoring tools and frameworks.
• Collect and document stories of change, best practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Prepare timely and accurate activity and outcome reports (monthly, quarterly & end-line) as per standard template and agreed timeframe for internal and donor reporting purposes.
• Ensure application of standards, guidelines for protection of children and women in the context

Required Education, training, license, registration, and certification:

· Bachelor’s degree in social work, Sociology, Psychology, Gender Studies, Law, Community Development, Interfaith Theology, Social Sciences, or a related field

Required Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in integrated programming related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and child protection. Experience working with faith-based organizations or in a multi-faith context is a significant advantage.
• Proven expertise in facilitating participatory workshops on sensitive topics.

Additional Skills Requirements:

• Committed to WV’s vision, mission and core values.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem-solving skills.
• Relevant and Responsible Use of Scripture:
• Ability to facilitate constructive theological dialogue on faith, gender, and child protection with sensitivity and respect.
• Perform other duties as required

Required Language(s)

• Effective in written and verbal communication in English and knowledge of local language is advantageous

Female Applicants are highly Encouraged.