Child Protection Officer

EMERGENCY has been working in Afghanistan since 1999. The first hospital was opened in Anabah, in the Panjshir Valley, in 1999 to provide surgical treatments to war victims. After 2001 and the shift in conflict dynamics, the hospital admission criteria have been re-assessed according to the population’s needs, and is now a general hospital providing surgical, paediatric, obstetrics, and gynaecological care.

To respond to the rising population needs caused by the shift in conflict dynamics, EMERGENCY opened the Surgical Centre for War Victims in Kabul in 2001 followed by the Surgical Centre for War Victims in Lashkar-Gah in 2004. Since the beginning of its activities in Afghanistan EMERGENCY has progressively created a network of First Aid Trauma Posts and Primary Health Clinics, connected to the hospitals.

EMERGENCY’s hospitals are the only free-of-charge specialized health facilities providing high-quality treatments for war-related patients.

The Child Protection Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation of child protection and safeguarding activities, ensuring that interventions are aligned with humanitarian principles and the “do no harm” approach. The role requires a strong technical understanding of child protection and child rights in emergency contexts, as well as experience in social work and direct engagement with children.

The position requires a university degree, preferably in social sciences or law, along with at least three years of relevant sectoral experience in child protection or safeguarding programs. Previous experience with NGOs is essential, including a solid understanding of humanitarian standards and principles.

The Child Protection Officer demonstrates very good English communication skills, both written and oral, and is proficient in the use of computers and standard office tools. The role also requires familiarity with social care and health referral pathways.

A key aspect of the position is engagement with communities, including experience in facilitating processes such as family tracing, and a strong understanding of local community dynamics, including traditional networks.

The candidate must show strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse and multidisciplinary team, and demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity in all activities.

• Very good English oral and written communication skills is mandatory.
• University Degree is essential, preferably in social sciences or law.
• At least 3 years sectoral experience in social work and working with children in Child Protection/Safeguarding program.
• Previous NGO experience, including good understanding of humanitarian principles and do no harm.
• Experience in community facilitation for family tracing and a good understanding of community politics and traditional networks in program location.
• Strong technical understanding of child protection and child rights in emergency.
• Good computer knowledge and skills.
• Understanding of social care and health pathways.
• Gender awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to cooperate in a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• High level of commitment towards organization and management.
• Flexibility in working time and conditions.

Safeguarding clause:

Zero tolerance is reserved to any form of abuse, especially sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEA-H). Zero tolerance is reserved to any abuse, violence, maltreatment, neglect, discrimination and violation of rights against any child (i.e. person under the age of 18). Successful candidates will be vetted through screening of criminal background, professional and ethical background. Candidates are informed that Emergency ONG ONLUS can verify information on their professional path and ethical standing far beyond the intended reference contacts provided by the candidate.