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Gender and Protection Program Manager

Position Description

Reporting to:	Program Operations Director	Work location:	Port Moresby
Department:	Program Operations	Budget holder:	Yes, as delegated under the IDD
Grade	G6	Direct reports:	Project teams in protection

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 (PNG), Save the Children implements programs in the sectors of health, education, child protection, child rights governance, and livelihoods. Many of these programs focus specifically on child protection, gender-based violence and gender equality. The PNG Country Program is looking for a Gender and Child Protection Manager who will provide operational and technical leadership for all protection and gender-transformative programming in PNG.

Here your skills will be valued - Role Purpose

The Gender and Protection Program Manager (GPPM) reports to the Program Operations Director and will provide leadership and oversight of all Save the Children protection and gender equality / gender-based violence (GBV) programming across PNG. The GPPM ensures the quality and timely delivery (within budget) of all projects in the protection and GBV programming sector and will contribute to designing new projects and proposals as relevant. The GPPM contributes to the development of gender equality, GBV, and protection-related technical documents, briefs, and strategies – and is responsible for ensuring that all protection program objectives are met and are in line with evidence-base programming approaches.

Key Areas of Accountability

Protection Programming Management

• Ensure that all projects under the protection, gender, and GBV portfolio are effectively managed on time, within budget, and with quality, through direct management and/or management of project leads.
• Ensure all gender and protection programming is in line with current global practices adapted to the local context and based on sound evidence, using Save the Children’s common approaches where relevant.
• Ensure all protection and gender/GBV programming meaningfully integrates principles of gender equality, disability and inclusion at all levels; and recognizes the common linkages between different groups experiencing violence.
• Maintain a holistic approach to gender/GBV/protection programming, understanding and strengthening the links between protection and other sectors, as feasible and relevant.
• Ensure that all relevant project method management (PMM) and mandatory tools are prepared, disseminated, and regularly updated as needed in line with project and/or external changes.
• Ensure that all project teams fully understand the project design, objectives, deliverables, and intended impact, outcomes and outputs for their respective projects.
• Produce and/or contribute to technical and program briefs / communications as requested.

Budget and Financial Management

• Serve as budget holder (as delegated) and budget manager for all projects under the gender/GBV and protection portfolio. Provide oversight for individual project leads as delegated.
• Review and approve all financial transactions within delegated limits, ensuring the application of all financial and procurement policies and compliance standards.
• Ensure all gender/GBV/protection project budgets are properly forecasted and reviewed monthly; review transaction listings, monitor and address variances within SCA and donor requirements.
• Support the preparation of budgets for new gender/protection projects and proposals.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and Reporting:

• Work with the MEAL team to ensure that all gender/GBV/protection projects have updated log frames, MEAL Workbooks and data collection tools; ensure teams know how to use them.
• Work with the MEAL sure that program data is collated, analysed and used to assess project performance at all levels and to inform learning.
• Co-organize regular review meetings and learning events that use project data to ensure learning is used to guide project implementation, design, and adaptation.
• Ensure that all donor reports and other official gender/GBV/protection program documentation is of quality, accurate, and in line with donor and SCA standards.
• Work with the MEAL team to ensure that all beneficiary feedback and accountability systems are functional, accessible, and used, including by children and marginalized groups.
• Lead on or contribute to child protection/GBV/Gender assessments as required for development or humanitarian programming, in collaboration with internal and external teams, ensuring that results are accurate, disaggregated and representative of diverse groups.

External Relations; Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong relationships with gender/GBV/protection stakeholders – including religious and traditional leaders, government, UN, CSOs and NGOs, academic institutions and private sector.
• Co-represent Save the Children in key coordination mechanisms in the GBV/protection-related sectors. Work to advocate for legislation and policies that uphold children’s rights and protection.
• Work with the program teams to maintain solid representation at provincial /local levels.

Program Team Management

• Provide line management, mentoring, and coaching for all project leads within the gender/GBV/ protection portfolio with respect to their team management responsibilities.
• Ensure that all team members have updated performance plans/reviews, and development plans based on identified capacity gaps. Facilitate regular 1-1 and (documented) team meetings.
• Ensure that all team members understand and comply with all Save the Children, donor, and other applicable policies, principles, and procedures, including mandatory trainings.
• Lead on recruiting new team members as relevant / appropriate. Ensure staff have completed all mandatory training and have up-to-date background checks.

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, as well as safeguarding all beneficiaries.
• Comply with the Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct and child safeguarding and protection. policies and standards, as well as all other related policies, including reporting requirements.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour towards children in private/professional life.

General

• Fulfill other management duties (e.g., Extended Senior Management Team member) as required.
• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policies, procedures, work instructions and training, including all reporting requirements and processes.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, document and manage the risks associated with the program activities, operations and workplaces, ensuring appropriate elimination or mitigation measures are applied.
• Any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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 part of Save the Children’s family.
• Maintain a safe and positive relationship 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 Save the Children mandatory 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. 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:

Education Qualifications

• Master’s or Post-Graduate Degree in Social Work, Gender Studies, or related field.

Required Skills, Abilities and Experience

• At least 12 years of programming experience, with at least six (6) of these in a management position.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering programming in the gender, GBV, and protection sector; and/or serving in a technical advisory role.
• Experience with a humanitarian or non-governmental organisation is an advantage.
• A solid understanding and mastery of program logic and the ability to ensure quality implementation of detailed activity plans on time and on budget.
• Strong financial management skills and ability to use and analyse Excel-based financial reports.
• Excellent communication/influencing skills; ability to effectively converse with both technical and operational stakeholders. Experience working constructively with government partners at all levels.
• Experience managing and building capacity of diverse teams across multiple geographic locations. Ablity to work harmoniously in cross cultural environments.
• Sound knowledge of /experience with the intersection of gender equality / gender-based violence, child protection, and other protection-related issues.
• Knowledge of the use of MEAL tools and data to produce reports and facilitate learning.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, prioritize and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment. Strong work ethic and willing to take responsibility for his or her actions.
• Solid computer skills including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills both in English and Tok-Pisin; ability to produce high-quality reports and other documents in English.
• Ability to travel to project locations within PNG and operate in basic environments.

Gender and Protection Program Manager

Role Purpose

The Gender and Protection Program Manager (GPPM) reports to the Program Operations Director and will provide leadership and oversight of all Save the Children protection and gender equality / gender-based violence (GBV) programming across PNG. The GPPM ensures the quality and timely delivery (within budget) of all projects in the protection and GBV programming sector and will contribute to designing new projects and proposals as relevant. The GPPM contributes to the development of gender equality, GBV, and protection-related technical documents, briefs, and strategies – and is responsible for ensuring that all protection program objectives are met and are in line with evidence-base programming approaches.

Key Areas of Accountability

Protection Programming Management

• Ensure that all projects under the protection, gender, and GBV portfolio are effectively managed on time, within budget, and with quality, through direct management and/or management of project leads.
• Ensure all gender and protection programming is in line with current global practices adapted to the local context and based on sound evidence, using Save the Children’s common approaches where relevant.
• Ensure all protection and gender/GBV programming meaningfully integrates principles of gender equality, disability and inclusion at all levels; and recognizes the common linkages between different groups experiencing violence.
• Maintain a holistic approach to gender/GBV/protection programming, understanding and strengthening the links between protection and other sectors, as feasible and relevant.
• Ensure that all relevant project method management (PMM) and mandatory tools are prepared, disseminated, and regularly updated as needed in line with project and/or external changes.
• Ensure that all project teams fully understand the project design, objectives, deliverables, and intended impact, outcomes and outputs for their respective projects.
• Produce and/or contribute to technical and program briefs / communications as requested.

Budget and Financial Management

• Serve as budget holder (as delegated) and budget manager for all projects under the gender/GBV and protection portfolio. Provide oversight for individual project leads as delegated.
• Review and approve all financial transactions within delegated limits, ensuring the application of all financial and procurement policies and compliance standards.
• Ensure all gender/GBV/protection project budgets are properly forecasted and reviewed monthly; review transaction listings, monitor and address variances within SCA and donor requirements.
• Support the preparation of budgets for new gender/protection projects and proposals.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and Reporting:

• Work with the MEAL team to ensure that all gender/GBV/protection projects have updated log frames, MEAL Workbooks and data collection tools; ensure teams know how to use them.
• Work with the MEAL sure that program data is collated, analysed and used to assess project performance at all levels and to inform learning.
• Co-organize regular review meetings and learning events that use project data to ensure learning is used to guide project implementation, design, and adaptation.
• Ensure that all donor reports and other official gender/GBV/protection program documentation is of quality, accurate, and in line with donor and SCA standards.
• Work with the MEAL team to ensure that all beneficiary feedback and accountability systems are functional, accessible, and used, including by children and marginalized groups.
• Lead on or contribute to child protection/GBV/Gender assessments as required for development or humanitarian programming, in collaboration with internal and external teams, ensuring that results are accurate, disaggregated and representative of diverse groups.

External Relations; Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong relationships with gender/GBV/protection stakeholders – including religious and traditional leaders, government, UN, CSOs and NGOs, academic institutions and private sector.
• Co-represent Save the Children in key coordination mechanisms in the GBV/protection-related sectors. Work to advocate for legislation and policies that uphold children’s rights and protection.
• Work with the program teams to maintain solid representation at provincial /local levels.

Program Team Management

• Provide line management, mentoring, and coaching for all project leads within the gender/GBV/ protection portfolio with respect to their team management responsibilities.
• Ensure that all team members have updated performance plans/reviews, and development plans based on identified capacity gaps. Facilitate regular 1-1 and (documented) team meetings.
• Ensure that all team members understand and comply with all Save the Children, donor, and other applicable policies, principles, and procedures, including mandatory trainings.
• Lead on recruiting new team members as relevant / appropriate. Ensure staff have completed all mandatory training and have up-to-date background checks.

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, as well as safeguarding all beneficiaries.
• Comply with the Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct and child safeguarding and protection. policies and standards, as well as all other related policies, including reporting requirements.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour towards children in private/professional life.

General

• Fulfill other management duties (e.g., Extended Senior Management Team member) as required.
• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policies, procedures, work instructions and training, including all reporting requirements and processes.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, document and manage the risks associated with the program activities, operations and workplaces, ensuring appropriate elimination or mitigation measures are applied.
• Any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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 part of Save the Children’s family.
• Maintain a safe and positive relationship 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 Save the Children mandatory 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. 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:

Education Qualifications

• Master’s or Post-Graduate Degree in Social Work, Gender Studies, or related field.

Required Skills, Abilities and Experience

• At least 12 years of programming experience, with at least six (6) of these in a management position.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering programming in the gender, GBV, and protection sector; and/or serving in a technical advisory role.
• Experience with a humanitarian or non-governmental organisation is an advantage.
• A solid understanding and mastery of program logic and the ability to ensure quality implementation of detailed activity plans on time and on budget.
• Strong financial management skills and ability to use and analyse Excel-based financial reports.
• Excellent communication/influencing skills; ability to effectively converse with both technical and operational stakeholders. Experience working constructively with government partners at all levels.
• Experience managing and building capacity of diverse teams across multiple geographic locations. Ablity to work harmoniously in cross cultural environments.
• Sound knowledge of /experience with the intersection of gender equality / gender-based violence, child protection, and other protection-related issues.
• Knowledge of the use of MEAL tools and data to produce reports and facilitate learning.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, prioritize and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment. Strong work ethic and willing to take responsibility for his or her actions.
• Solid computer skills including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills both in English and Tok-Pisin; ability to produce high-quality reports and other documents in English.
• Ability to travel to project locations within PNG and operate in basic environments.

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.

Sounds interesting?

We’d love to hear from you. To Apply: Submit your cover letter indicating your suitable Position and your updated resume not more than 2x pages and send to: [email protected]

The Hiring Manager

Save the Children

CHM Corporate Park One Building

Level 1, Suite 6 - 7

P O Box 503, Boroko

National Capital District

Applications close on Tuesday 19 May 2026, please note applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the vacancy may close prior to the deadline. So, we encourage you to apply soon

Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.