Child Protection Assistant

Islamic Relief Worldwide’ s Child Protection Division protects children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence through prevention, case management, and community coordination in high-returnee areas of Nangarhar Province. The Child Protection Assistant serves as a link between communities and child protection services by conducting outreach, identifying children at risk, and referring them to appropriate support services.

The Child Protection assistant focused on identifying, documenting, and assisting vulnerable children. They provide direct case management, deliver psychosocial support (PSS), facilitate family reunification, and conduct community awareness campaigns to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Child protection assistant investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect for CCC. They are responsible to disseminate key messages on child rights protection in Nangarhar province. H/She works with the clients to connect them with service delivery points based on updated service mapping. Case Worker may work with parents, find other supporting options for the beneficiaries through case management process. Generally, the case worker may address behavioral problems, poor attendance, or drug use. In a protection setting, they may address mental health or substance abuse problems. H/She provide referral and follow up services based on updated service mapping.

·       Identify/select the children who needs specialized services for protection support(child protection case management, referral and follow up services).

·       Review reports of an alleged case of abuse or neglect

·       Plan and coordinate services to help children and their families.

·       Provide information about the existing services and updated services based on service mapping.

·       Fill and maintaining case history reports in password protected database.

·       Interviewing clients to assess their situational needs.

·       Determine which services and assistance are necessary.

·       Serve as a liaison between the client and other service providers.

·       Develop a plan of action to improve the client's well-being.

·       Plan regular follow-ups to assess progress and additional needs.

·       Review and modify plans in coordination with case management supervisor as circumstances change for the individual.

·       Call for case management for each individual with a need of multiple services.

·       In coordination with the child protection officer, refer the cases to other service providers for responding beneficiaries with protection concerns.

·       Record all the follow up and visits with beneficiaries and their families.

·       Manage and support the team in reintegration assessment, planning and follow up of all beneficiaries, as needed, ensuring all decision are made in the best interest of the clients.

·       Ensure accurate, thoughtful, and timely reporting to the Child Protection Project Coordinator

·       Receive, document, and report child protection concerns or incidents

·       Refer protection cases to relevant service providers (health, legal, psychosocial)

·       Maintain records of activities, incidents, and training sessions

Prepare weekly and monthly Child protection reports

PERSON SPECIFICATION

It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and  Child Proprinciples as well as commitment to Islamic Relief Worldwide vision, mission and as well as PSEA.

Essential:

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications (Bullet Points)

·       University degree in Law /Sharia, Political Science, and Journalism, have a valid degree in required field from the Ministry of Higher Education.

·       An understanding of the basic principles of humanitarian work, human rights, child protection, and the needs of most vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.

·        Interest in humanitarian work and human rights, ability and willingness to learn.

·       Ability to clearly express one’s thoughts, to analyze and present information clearly and concisely.

·       Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.

·        Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·       At least 1-3 years of work experience in protection, Child Protection and case management preferably with IDPs/returnees.

·       Demonstrated strong experience working with vulnerable children, clients, including survivors at risk and victims of child abuse. 

·       Strong knowledge of protection interviewing techniques and communicating with the affected population.

·       Familiarity with IASC Guidelines on Protection Support in Emergency Settings.

·        Understanding the protection/psychosocial/ educational needs of IDPs/returnees in Afghanistan.

·       Good knowledge of English.

·       Professionally understand (read and write) Dari and Pashto.

Experience (Bullet Points)

Child Protection Assistant with 1-3 years of experience in case management, Child Protection, and support for IDPs, returnees, and vulnerable children in Afghanistan. Skilled in survivor-centered approaches, protection interviews, and referral systems. Strong understanding of human rights, child protection, and IASC guidelines, with proven ability to communicate effectively and work in sensitive environments. Fluent in Dari and Pashto, with good English proficiency.

Key Personal Qualities (Bullet Points)

Desirable:

·       Relevant experience of working with humanitarian/development sector/INGOs

·       Working knowledge of local languages Pashto and Dari).

·       High integrity with strict respect for confidentiality and Child Protection principles.

·       Good communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with communities.

·       Culturally sensitive with respect for human rights and protection standards.

·       Proactive, adaptable, and able to work effectively in teams or independently.