Child Protection Officer

PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To lead the development and implementation of the organization’s child protection strategy, ensuring that all children are safe, supported, and protected from harm. The Child Protection Officer acts as the primary point of contact for child protection concerns and works collaboratively across departments to foster a culture of safety and accountability.

COLLABORATES WITH:

• Students, Parents/Guardians
• Academic and Residential Staff
• HR and Legal Team / Consultant
• Local child protection authorities
• Medical and counselling professionals

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Safeguarding Leadership and Policy Implementation:

• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and point of contact for all child protection matters.
• Oversee the development, review, and implementation of the organization’s safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Ensure all staff, consultants, employees, volunteers, and contractors understand and comply with safeguarding procedures.
• Lead the child safeguarding committee and coordinate regular safeguarding reviews. Incident Response and Case Management 
• Respond promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns, ensuring accurate documentation and confidentiality.
• Liaise with external agencies (social services, child protection officers, law enforcement) as required.
• Maintain a secure case management system and track ongoing cases with discretion and care.
• Design and maintain systems for confidential reporting for both staff and students.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Plan, deliver, or coordinate regular safeguarding training for staff, volunteers, and relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct onboarding safeguarding briefings for all new hires.
• Promote a culture of vigilance and empower children and adults to speak up about concerns.

Monitoring and Compliance:

• Conduct regular audits to ensure safeguarding procedures are followed across the organization.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local child protection laws and international best practices.
• Prepare safeguarding reports for senior leadership and governing bodies.
• Conducting annual safeguarding audits.

Child and Community Engagement

• Facilitate safe, age-appropriate communication channels for students to report concerns.
• Engage children in awareness campaigns, education programs, and forums on rights and safety.
• Work closely with parents and guardians to raise awareness about child protection issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Child Protection, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in child protection or safeguarding in an educational setting is preferred.
• Certification in child safeguarding/child protection preferred (e.g., Level 3 DSL training, Keeping Children Safe standards) is preferred.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams and external child protection agencies is preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Deep understanding of safeguarding principles, child development, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work sensitively and assertively.
• Confidentiality, sound judgment, and the ability to handle emotionally challenging situations.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Cultural awareness and adaptability to diverse educational or community environments.

Safeguarding Commitment: The organization is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, consultants, employees, volunteers, and contractors to share this commitment. All candidates must undergo thorough background checks and child protection screening prior to appointment.