Innovative Humanitarian Solutions (IHS) is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children and crisis-affected populations. IHS operates in emergency and conflict-affected areas across Afar, Amhara, Tigray, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. The organization is seeking a qualified and experienced Senior Child Protection Officer to provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for its child protection programs.
Job Overview
Location: Ethiopia (Afar Region – Abala, Yallo, Erebti, Megale, Kuneba, Dallol)
Employment Type: Full Time
Application Deadline: February 8, 2026
Reports To: Project Manager
Overall Purpose of the Role
The Senior Child Protection Officer is responsible for providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and overall management of IHS child protection programs at the regional level. The role ensures program quality, compliance with global standards, effective partnerships, and strong advocacy to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and review of child protection programs aligned with national priorities and global best practices.
Lead needs assessments, contextual analysis, and development of high-quality project proposals and concept notes.
Ensure integration of child protection with education, health, livelihoods, and GBV programs.
Establish and enforce technical standards, SOPs, and tools for case management, community-based protection, MHPSS, and prevention activities.
Conduct field monitoring visits, provide technical coaching, and ensure donor and inter-agency compliance.
Lead technical reviews of complex and high-risk child protection cases.
Ensure strong child safeguarding and PSEA systems across all programs.
Represent IHS in regional child protection coordination forums and build partnerships with government stakeholders.
Lead advocacy initiatives to influence policies, laws, and resource allocation for child protection.
Line-manage and mentor child protection staff, support capacity building, and promote professional development.
Contribute to security planning with a focus on protection and safeguarding considerations.
Job Requirements
Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, International Law, Human Rights, International Development, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree accepted with additional experience).
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience for Master’s degree holders or 6 years for Bachelor’s degree holders in child protection programming, preferably with an INGO.
Proven experience in proposal development, strategic planning, and management of complex, multi-donor projects.
Strong expertise in child protection systems strengthening, advocacy, and policy engagement.
Excellent leadership, representation, and negotiation skills.
Demonstrated experience in staff management and capacity building in multicultural environments.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Knowledge of the local context is an added advantage.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Ensure compliance with IHS child safeguarding, PSEA, anti-fraud, and code of conduct policies.
Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Additional Information
Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.
Required skills include project planning and project or campaign management.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should apply by sending their application to: ihsapplicationhr@ihsethiopia.0rg