Child Safeguarding and Protection Coordinator

SOS Children’s Villages in Tanzania is a local non-government and non-denominational organization affiliated to SOS Children’s Villages International, a worldwide child care organization that work to protect and care for children who have lost parental care, or who stand at risk of losing the care. Established 74 years ago, SOS Children’s Villages, currently has Children’s Villages and other projects in 135 countries around the world. Globally, it runs two major programs i.e., SOS family like care and family strengthening program supporting families in local communities. SOS Children’s Villages has been working in the United Republic of Tanzania since 1991. Our programs are in Zanzibar, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Iringa. To achieve our mission and Strategy, we focus on ensuring the best care of children, innovation, and effective collaboration with partners. Our Core Values guiding who we are, and what we do include courage to take action, commitment to keep our promises, trust to believe in each other, and accountability to be reliable partners. SOS Children’s Villages in Tanzania seeks to recruit suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant positions;

Job Title: Child Safeguarding and Protection Coordinator

Duty station: National Office- Dar es Salaam

Reporting to: National Director

Contract Period: 2 years with possible extension

JOB SUMMARY

The Child Safeguarding and Protection Coordinator serves as a focal point at the national level for initiatives and activities aimed at facilitating the implementation and enhancement of the Child Safeguarding Policy. This involves ensuring the presence of policies, procedures, systems, structures, resources, and personnel dedicated to promoting the welfare and protection of children. The Child Safeguarding and Protection Coordinator is responsible for supporting and coordinating activities that contribute to the development of greater proficiency throughout the member association and within child protection systems and processes. The Child Safeguarding and Protection Coordinator collaborates closely with and receives support from the National Director, who holds ultimate responsibility for the implementation of child safeguarding measures.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Annually develop a national action plan based on status quo analysis together with the National Director, including a training strategy, to support child protection implementation in line with the ‘Implementation Guide’ of SOS-Kinderdorf International and tailored to the needs of SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania; ensure child protection is integrated into national and local planning.
• Develop and implement a regular national monitoring system to document progress and challenges related to safeguarding issues.
• Provide training to staff and stakeholders, offering diverse activities to enhance knowledge, practices, and skills in child safeguarding.
• Support Human Resources (HR) in incorporating child safeguarding into existing processes and procedures (e.g., recruitment, screening, selection, induction, performance management).
• Monitor and review the implementation of relevant policies, documentation, and procedures, ensuring compliance, currency, and alignment with government laws and international child safeguarding standards.
• Conduct ongoing training and protection activities to sustain awareness and address specific training needs across various SOS locations.
• Work as a local resource on child safeguarding, providing guidance and advice on related matters.
• Offer coordination across the Member Association (MA) for consistent, efficient, and effective child safeguarding initiatives and knowledge sharing.
• Establish connections with other networks and National Family Programs(NFPs) within SOS Children’s Villages (at regional, continental, and international levels) to foster consistent implementation and the exchange of experiences, learning, and best practices.
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• Facilitate communication on child safeguarding through various means, sharing good practices, and developing child-friendly protection materials, especially for children.
• Participate in external Child Rights and Child safeguarding events, contributing to advocacy efforts.
• Liaise with Regional/lnternational Child Safeguarding Managers/Advisors to enhance technical competence and safeguarding systems.
• Support the National Director in responding effectively to child safeguarding concerns.
• Centrally organize reports, referrals, and secure and confidential documentation of concerns.
• Assist the National Director in implementing quality assurance mechanisms to evaluate child protection arrangements.
• Support the National Director in obtaining an overall view of the national child protection status.
• Develop learning needs assessments and capacity-building plans for staff and stakeholders based on allocated plans and budgets.
• Shape broader child protection sector strategies through influence and leadership within inter-agency coordination forums, ensuring children’s specific needs are addressed.
• Proactively identify advocacy opportunities, case studies, and research possibilities aligned with organizational and sectoral objectives.
• Play a leadership role in shaping communications and media priorities according to Child Safeguarding thematic preferences.

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, or a graduate-level degree in a relevant field of study, such as a social work, sociology, development studies, community development/community economic development. A postgraduate qualification would be an added advantage.
• 6 working years in a relevant field, with experience in child protection, and safeguarding.
• In-depth understanding of national and international Child protection laws, policies, and standards.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and psychosocial support for children.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to child protection issues.
• Familiarity with child safeguarding risk assessments and mitigation strategies
• Ability to lead and coordinate child protection programs, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
• Ability to assess and respond to child protection cases with sensitivity and empathy.
• Attentive to detail and confidentiality, with the ability to multitask.
• Proven ability to manage and supervise a team, providing guidance and support.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in the functional use of Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates for any of the above positions should submit an application letter via email, along with a detailed and updated CV that includes telephone contacts, email address, and details of at least 3 referees. The candidate MUST clearly indicate the title of the position applied for. Only candidates contacted for the interview will be required to submit copies of academic and professional certificates. The closing date is 8th February 2024. To apply, please send your application to;

The National Director, SOS Children’s Villages.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania recruit.sostanzania@sos-tanzania.org

Please Note: SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania is an equal opportunity employer and committed to keeping children safe from abuse and harm, prevent all forms of exploitations, harassment and abuse among staff, program participant, donors and community members. Therefore candidates applying for this post will be subject to child safeguarding recruitment procedures and checks.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted