Cote d’Ivoire: Child Protection Specialist (Nationals only)

Location: Cote d’Ivoire

Position: Child Protection and Anti-Trafficking Specialist

Organizational Background:

Heartland Alliance International (HAI) is the international wing of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, a family of organizations that has been leading anti-poverty and social justice work in Chicago for more than 125 years. HAI is comprised of numerous country offices implementing programs on a broad range of human rights issues globally, as well as the Chicago-based Marjorie Kovler Center for survivors of torture. HAI's technical areas of expertise include mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), gender equity, access to justice, prevention, protection, and prosecution of human trafficking, and stigma-free health care. Across all programs, HAI promotes progressive, innovative approaches to human rights protections, and gender equity.

Overview:

HAI Cote D’Ivoire seeks a Child Protection Specialist for an anticipated multi-year (at least five years) opportunity with the US Department of State Child Protection Compact (CPC) to strengthen the Government of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and civil society’s efforts to combat forced child labor and child sex trafficking using a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach across the following objectives (4Ps): Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

The Child Protection Specialist will report to the Deputy Program Director and be responsible for the technical oversight of child protection project components on a high-quality program focused on preventing, protecting, and prosecuting child trafficking. The Child Protection Specialist will provide technical expertise over the program. S/he will liaise with the Government of Cote D’Ivoire and civil society organizations and will be responsible for overall technical advising on all elements relating to child protection on the project.

Essential duties and Responsibilities:

The Child Protection and Anti-Trafficking Specialist will coordinate project activities to deliver high quality, survivor-centered services, protect the rights of the vulnerable and prevent child trafficking. Specific Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Contribute to the development of the project strategy and work plans.
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant local organizations, Government of Cote d’Ivoire agencies, and private sector partners to improve referral mechanisms and services.
• Collaborate in activation of counter-trafficking committees (CTC), liaise with police and district governments, and other organizations to improve protection of survivors.
• Ensure that project strategies are in line with best practice and deploy innovative solutions to survivor assistance.
• Coordinate development and dissemination of materials and relevant tools to support awareness and service delivery.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of projects deliverables, including donor and other reports.
• Support the use of data for program monitoring, reporting and improvement, and for assessments and special studies.
• Integrate evidence-based practices in prevention and protection from other countries and adapt to the Cote d’Ivoire context.
• Prepare progress reports and maintain project documentation in adherence with HAI and USG procedures.
• Contribute to quarterly and other reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Cote d’Ivoire citizenship, residency, or work authorization required. Cote d’Ivoire nationals strongly encouraged to apply.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Advanced degree preferred) in child protection, early childhood development, social sciences, educations or related field required.
• At least 8 years of experience related to child protection and/or anti-trafficking on international programs, including demonstrated experience in developing and implementing projects in Cote d’Ivoire preferred.
• Knowledge of best practices and international standards on child protection.
• Knowledge of US Department of State rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of gender equality and child protection considerations for the Cote d’Ivoire context preferred.
• Experience providing mentorship and support to field staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and French required.

How to Apply: 

To Apply: https://heartlandalliance.bamboohr.com/careers/833

Please apply directly through Heartland Alliance International’s application portal. A complete application package will include a resume/CV and a cover letter. Please note that HAI will only consider applicants that submit a full application package.