YODEP in partnership with Save the Children International (SCI) is implementing Abwenzi A Ana (AAA) program in Ntcheu District. The program is an integrated approach which mainly focusing on Child protection, Education, Sexual Reproductive Health, Livelihood and Community Mobilization. The main focus of the program is to see all children particularly girls in Ntcheu district who are affected by inequality are protected from sexual violence and exploitation. YODEP is currently looking for suitable, experienced, motivated, talented, and hardworking individuals who have the passion to work with and for the children in the following positions on contract basis.

Job Title: Project Officer
Report to: Programmes Manager
Location: Ntcheu

Job Abstract
The purpose of this job is to provide technical support and timely and quality implementation of child protection interventions. The project officer will ensure the effective and efficient community mobilization, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of interventions directly related to awareness of the negative effects of child marriages as well as unite children and communities. This role will focus on protection, gender and equality, and sexual reproductive health rights, empowering adolescent girls to be free from harmful practices. Have regular contact with children and/or young people and have high-level social accountability of working with vulnerable children and young people under limited supervision. The Project officer will work actively by carrying out special responsibility for children to whom YODEP has a duty of care and creating a safe environment for children to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Program Manager, the Project Officer will entail to:

• Actively participate in planning, implementation, and monitoring of all child protection interventions ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Ensure social inclusion in terms of gender, disability, social and economic status, and resilience considerations are well addressed during planning and implementation.
• Promote an integrated child protection and child rights systems strengthening approach, as the overarching
  framework in ending child marriage, supporting collaboration and partnership with government and other
  implementing partners within Abwenzi A Ana
• In collaboration with key child protection structures, develop a vulnerability assessment criterion to identify
  children at most risk of child marriage, abuse and rights violation in the impact area and ensure that they are supported through case management system with strong referral pathways
• Support and participate in district protection meetings including Protection Technical Working Group
• Build the capacity of children, families, and community to collectively engage with all child protection structures including local leaders on identified child protection issues
• Work closely with children, families, and communities and initiate dialogues to improve understanding of child protection issues within the impact area
• Mobilize different community structure to support child Abwenzi A Ana program interventions working towards impact and sustainability
• Facilitate networking with local government institutions and other partners in planning and implementation of the interventions
• Monitor the well-being and child abuse cases and report any incidents in line with child protection/child
  safeguarding guidelines
• Facilitate effective and meaningful participation of children as agents of change in all project interventions/
  processes with child protection/child safeguarding guidelines
• Ensure the application of standard monitoring and evaluation tools in project implementation
• Organize project-level forums to assess the progress of the implementation of planned activities
• Compile monitoring and periodic reports for management action and submission to the relevant authorities
• Overseeing implementation and monitoring while ensuring quality program delivery of the overall child
  protection, and sexual and reproductive health rights in respective program areas.
• Promote an integrated case management approach in child protection
• Facilitate the provision of support services to children at risk of sexual violence and exploitation
• Develop a detailed scope of work for every activity before implementation
• Working in collaboration with community extension workers, CBOs and AAA program staff and conduct
  community mobilization activities on the rights of children more especially those with diverse needs.
• Responsible for contributing to the development of annual plans and budgets for the program activities in
  collaboration with the program manager and MEAL manager.

Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience

• Minimum of a degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Development Studies, Community Development, or any relevant field
• At least 3 years of child protection/ SRH/Community mobilization programming, preferably in an NGO setting, and experience in engaging communities and other partners. Experience in working with children and adolescents and partners in the local setting
• Familiarity with standards and guidelines for child protection programming and child and adult safeguarding
  issues
• Experience of and commitment to working through systems of community participation and accountability
• Ability to build the capacity of community-based structures and other actors
• Skills and experience in networking, collaboration, and advocacy at different levels
• Writing, reporting, and documentation skills
• Ability to track budget expenditure on daily basis and develop cash flow during the planning
• Must be highly reliable and independent, able to work with minimal or no supervision, and adapts to work
  under pressure
• Motor cycle driving license is a must

Competencies
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of YODEP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge-sharing and learning culture in the office
• In-depth knowledge of development issues
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan, and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development programs and projects, mobilize resources
• Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit
• Strong IT skills

Management and Leadership
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict-resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control, and good-humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

“YODEP ensures that Children and adults are protected from both deliberate and accidental harm and abuse that maybe caused by YODEP staff and its representatives”

If you feel you fully qualify for the positions as per above specifications, submit your curriculum vitae containing details of three traceable referees and cover letter by 3rd April, 2024 to:

The Executive Director
Youth for Development and Productivity (YODEP)
SUMA House, Behind STEERS, Bluegum Avenue
P.O Box 516
ZOMBA
Email: director@yodep.org

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