Child Protection Specialist– Richmond, VA or Washington, DC
ChildFund International is seeking a Child Protection Specialist to provide technical support to ChildFund
International’s global child protection portfolio in development and emergency contexts. Working
within ChildFund’s Program Development unit, the Child Protection Specialist will collaborate with
international, regional and field-based colleagues in support of program design, implementation,
evaluation and learning in line with ChildFund’s theory of changes for child protection in all three Life
Stages for children. Childfund International has structured its programming along the life stages of
child/youth development. Life Stage 1 includes infants and young children, ages 0 to 5, Life Stage 2
includes children and young adolescents, ages 6 to 14, while Life Stage 3 focuses its’ programming on
youth, ages 15 to 24.
The Child Protection Specialist will assist in strengthening ChildFund’s global child protection program
portfolio by developing and maintaining proposal and concept note rosters, proactively seeking
opportunities for expanded program portfolio, including multi-year and diversified funding sources and
identifying and cultivating technical donors within public and private sectors. S/he will support proposal
development teams and grant acquisition strategies including the preparation of technical proposals,
capacity statements, and concept notes as they pertain to child protection.
The Child Protection Specialist will also function as a technical resource to support and enhance
program quality on behalf of children in development and emergency contexts. S/he will provide
technical assistance to national offices related to core theories of change and pathway methodologies as
they pertain to child protection, will work with regional staff to achieve program quality goals, and will
develop and facilitate staff and partner learning in child protection. As needed, the Specialist will deploy
to emergency responses and work closely with response teams and national office staff to establish
child protection responses.
The Child Protection Specialist will represent ChildFund at industry events, networking and advocacy
functions and will build ChildFund’s understanding of evidence based practice for deprived, excluded
and vulnerable children. S/he will administer learning agenda functions including contribution to
development of materials, convening community of practice, and facilitating dialogue regarding child
protection best practices.
ChildFund’s staff is integral to achieving the organization’s mission. ChildFund International’s mission is
to help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children have the capacity to improve their lives and the
opportunity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their
communities. We promote societies whose individuals and institutions value, protect and advance the
worth of children.
Qualifications/Experience

Bachelor’s degree required/Master’s degree preferred in a field related to child protection
(international development, child development, community development, social work,
psychology, education, sociology, anthropology, public health, etc.)
















5 years of experience in community based child protection in development and/or emergency
contexts work related to multiple areas of child protection (i.e. psychosocial support, OVC/HIV
Aids, trafficking, child labor, children in institutions, GBV, CAAFAG, unaccompanied/ separated
children, child justice. etc.); at least three years of international experience preferred.
Demonstrated experience in results-based child protection program design, implementation
and/or evaluation
Demonstrated success in proposal development and writing including: technical design,
strategies, and narratives.
Proven ability to provide high quality child protection technical assistance, guidance, and
coaching to international and field-based implementing staff and partners.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with community-based protection
mechanisms and supporting national child protection systems structures and stakeholders
Experience with USG and other key child protection donor agencies and grant making processes
(e.g. USAID, PEPFAR, DoS, DoL, UNICEF, DFID, etc.).
Familiarity with multilateral inter-agency coordination structures, networks, foundations, and
institutions in child protection (i.e. Child Protection Working Group sub-cluster, Protection
Cluster, INEE, IASC MHPSS Reference Group)
Demonstrated experience with professional networks and fora that advance and expand the
evidence base of child protection and psychosocial support programming, policies, and practices
Experience with qualitative participatory inquiry methods and mixed methods research
preferred.
Ideal candidates will have knowledge and/or experience in the following approaches, strategies
and responses: case management, “Do No Harm”, community-based mechanisms, ChildFriendly Spaces, and mainstreaming child protection in other sectors
Organized, detail-oriented, team player, self-starter and results-oriented individual.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work well within tight time constraints
and meet deadlines.
Excellent presentation, public speaking and interpersonal skills.
Bilingual preferred (English with French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese).
Strong computer skills, with familiarity in using Microsoft Office suite applications (particularly
Word and PowerPoint).
Significant Travel outside of the US required.