Child Protection Program Officer

Position Description

Here you’ll make a difference

Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights development organisation, making a difference to children’s lives in more than 100 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children secures a child’s right to health, education, and protection. At Save the Children, we attract bright and big-hearted people who are inspired to make a difference. Together, we are fearless in our pursuit of making lasting change for the children and communities who need it most. In Papua New Guinea, Save the Children currently implement programs in the sectors of health, education, child protection, child rights governance and livelihoods. The ANCP-funded Child Protection Project is a four-year project implemented from August 2025 to July 2029 in the provinces of East Sepik and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Here your skills will be valued

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Provincial Coordinators, the Child Protection Program Officers in East Sepik and Autonomous Region of Bougainville will support the delivery of the ANCP-funded Child Protection programming in each province by engaging with community’ facilitators, community leaders, schools, caregivers, children, government agencies, and other stakeholders to implement project activities. The role will provide mentoring to community facilitators and work with care givers, teachers, community leaders, and stakeholders to implement project activities and ensure effective delivery of the project.

Key Areas of Accountability

Project Implementation

• Ensure understanding of project design, objectives, outputs and activities; and develop workplans in line with the project’s implementation plan.
• Implement and maintain strong and positive community engagement activities.
• Work with communities to identify, select, and train Community Volunteers (Facilitators); and provide regular oversight, mentoring and coaching throughout the project.
• Participate in all trainings relevant to the project and other trainings as needed/ requested.
• Engage regularly with government agencies as needed and requested; assist in implementing project advocacy and capacity-building activities at provincial headquarters.
• Support implementation of child participation and child-led advocacy activities.
• Assist in the utilization of all project management tools, such as Project Management Method (PMM) and other mandatory tools.
• Ensure activities are planned and implemented in line with the budget and available resources, and in line with procurement and financial policies and procedures.
• Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Assessment, and Learning (MEAL) team to ensure data collection tools are used correctly and accurately to track progress on project indicators and targets. Participate in all learning activities.
• Complete all activity and other reports as needed and requested.
• Work with the MEAL team to ensure community feedback mechanisms are implemented.
• Assist in identifying project risks and in applying mitigation strategies.
• Any other relevant responsibility as assigned by the supervisor.

Other / General

• Ensure adherence to all Save the Children policies and procedures.
• Provide regular reports and updates as needed; and participate in performance reviews.
• Any other tasks as needed and requested.

Child protection and safeguarding requirements

• Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace and safeguard children’s rights, acting in the best interests of children at all times.
• Maintain compliance with Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and PSEAH policies and reporting processes among staff and volunteers.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating highest standards of behaviour towards children in private and professional life.
• Never abuse the position of trust that comes with being a part of the Save the Children family.
• Maintain a safe and positive relationship at all times when working with children and young people.
• Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child in a program in accordance with internal reporting processes.

Health, safety, security and risk management

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policy, procedure, work instructions and training.
• Act safely at all times.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with one’s daily work and apply appropriate mitigation measures in line with Save the Children’s policies and procedures.

All roles at Save the Children contribute to our impact for children.

At Save the Children, every role, whether in our programs or support services, plays a vital part in our impact for children. We are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of children and their communities, and we value the contributions of every team member in achieving this vision.

Person Specification

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. Here are some of the specific skills and experiences you’ll bring in this role:

Qualifications/Accreditations

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Community Development, Education, Health or related field; or significant related field experience.
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience implementing programs in child protection/ community development or related field.
• Experience working with NGOs is an added advantage.
• Strong facilitation, communication and community engagement skills and experience.
• Experience working with government, stakeholders, and communities.
• Excellent reporting, English writing, and documentation skills.
• Strong activity planning, budget management, and delivery skills.
• Knowledge of child protection principles and safeguarding standards.
• Local knowledge and/or experience in either of the project provinces, East Sepik and Bougainville; knowledge of a key local languages in the province is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of gender equality and diversity principles is an added advantage.
• Must be a team player and can maintain reputation of self and organization.
• Willing to travel to and work in remote areas with challenging infrastructure.

Additional Information

• Any offer of employment at Save the Children Australia will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check
• Employees must sign on to Save the Children Australia’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct
• Ongoing performance and employment will be measured against KPIs, values and demonstrated behaviours outlined above
• Save the Children Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer