Child Protection Officer at Community Health Boosters (CHB)

Community Health Boosters (CHB) is a pioneering youth-led organization dedicated to creating digital health technologies and youth-friendly learning tools that empower young individuals, amplify their voices, and enhance their opportunities. Founded in 2019 at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, CHB collaborates with young people to co-create inclusive digital solutions, low-tech games, magazines, and services that enrich their lives. Our Human-Centered Design approach fosters an environment where the ideas of young people can flourish into reality – where informed young people actively address issues affecting their lives.

CHB's mission is to promote and enrich the holistic well-being of young people through youth-friendly means. We advocate for youth-friendly services and strive to improve access to information that aids in informed decision-making and adopting healthier behaviors.

To enhance the effective implementation of our program, CHB is looking for a dedicated Child Protection Officer Intern to help ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of children across both our digital platforms and community-based initiatives

Job Summary

The Child Protection Officer will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of children across our digital and on-ground programs. This includes overseeing child protection content on the YAhealth app, supporting child users of the app and hotline, responding to concerns raised by children, and ensuring safe environments for school beneficiaries. The position will involve collaboration with school clubs, partners, and community stakeholders to create and maintain a safe, supportive environment for all child beneficiaries. The role requires work both in-office, within communities, and at primary schools.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Child Protection Oversight

• Review child protection-related content published on the YAhealth app.
• Monitor the app and hotline to ensure safety protocols are in place for child users.
• Respond promptly and effectively to child protection concerns raised via the app or hotline, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate follow-up.

Support for School and Community-Based Programs

• Ensure that child beneficiaries in schools are well-supported through regular monitoring and engagement.
• Collaborate with school health clubs to foster a safe, inclusive environment and raise child protection awareness.
• Conduct visits to primary schools and community sites to oversee child protection initiatives and address any arising issues.

Capacity Building and Training

• Assist training of staff, school club facilitators, and community partners on child safeguarding protocols and practices.
• Raise awareness among school children about their rights, safety, and available support channels through interactive sessions and workshops.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with school authorities, community leaders, and local organizations to ensure robust child protection frameworks are implemented across programs.
• Act as a liaison between the organization, local authorities, and other stakeholders on matters related to child safety.

Policy Development and Monitoring

• Assist in the development and regular review of child protection policies, guidelines, and procedures, particularly as they pertain to digital platforms.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of child protection measures on the YAhealth app, hotline, and in schools, recommending improvements where necessary.

On-Ground Presence and Community Engagement

• Engage directly with children, parents, and teachers to provide support, address concerns, and promote a culture of safety.
• Ensure that the school club environment is safe and conducive for children, addressing any risks or incidents appropriately.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Fresh graduate in Social Work, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Experience in child protection, digital child safety, or a related field
• Experience in working with digital platforms and/or helplines is preferred.
• Strong understanding of child protection frameworks, digital safety, and school-based child safeguarding practices.
• Young people are encouraged to apply

Key Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to engage children, educators, and community partners effectively.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Capacity to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in [languages, if needed] and relevant software or digital tools.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a one-page cover letter, ID, updated CV with contacts of three professional referees, and copies of qualification certificates to recruitment@chbrwanda.org with the subject line "CHB – Intern_Child Protection Officer." Before Nov 15^th, 2024, at 5 pm

Note: Late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

CHB is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and supported.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:

CHB has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by CHB‘s personnel against the people they serve. Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEA) is the responsibility of everyone and all selected candidates will be required to comply with the CHB’s PSEA Policy and Codes of Conduct at all times (both during work hours and outside work hours). Selected candidates will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks against their past behavior related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment and may be required to provide additional information further on in the selection process. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.