Child Protection Officer

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Disability, other social inclusion aspects, Project management, programme development, strategy, General and specialised medicine

Application deadline: 06/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNICEF was established in 1946 to supply emergency relief to millions of children suffering in the aftermath of World War II. The organization still functions to ease the suffering of millions of children in emergency situations across the world. UNICEF also focuses on the protection and promotion of child rights, working for the survival, protection, education and healthy development of every child.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

In Morocco, UNICEF is supporting national efforts of ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, benefits from a protective environment that prohibits and prevents violence and is responsive to protection violations. The programme priorities are: (i) quality prevention and response services and promoting positive social norms and behaviours, including transforming gender norms (ii)Inclusive and operational child protection system at decentralized levels, (iii) effective coordination between justice institutions and social welfare services and (iv) service access for children on the move.

Assignment context

The UNICEF Morocco Country Office is implementing a child protection programme to support national and subnational efforts to prevent and respond to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect affecting children. The programme aims to strengthen an integrated and inclusive child protection system by improving prevention, early identification, referral and access to quality, child-sensitive services, with particular attention to children in vulnerable situations. Key areas of support include strengthening social service and case management systems, promoting justice for children, enhancing intersectoral coordination, supporting positive social and gender norms, and reinforcing the capacities of government institutions, civil society organizations, communities and frontline professionals.

The UNV Child Protection Officer will support the implementation, monitoring and documentation of UNICEF Morocco’s child protection programme under the supervision of the Child Protection Specialist and in close coordination with relevant programme teams and partners. The Officer will contribute to initiatives aimed at preventing and responding to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect; strengthening child protection systems and case management; improving referral pathways and access to quality, child-sensitive services; promoting justice for children and positive parenting; supporting community engagement and the transformation of harmful social and gender norms; and strengthening coordination and the capacities of government institutions, civil society organizations, communities and frontline professionals.

The UNV Child Protection Officer will also support evidence generation, data analysis, reporting, knowledge management and the integration of child safeguarding, gender equality, inclusion and meaningful child participation across programme interventions.

Task description

The Child Protection Officer reports to the Child Protection Specialist for close guidance and supervision. Level 1 is an entry professional level and should therefore be normally used as a trainee level for the purpose of acquiring organizational knowledge of rules, regulations and processes to supplement academic and theoretical knowledge of the profession for upward mobility to higher responsibilities. Incumbents at this level are not expected to remain for an extended period of time in the post.

The Child Protection Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for the child protection programmes/projects through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development and formulation of the Child Protection Programme within the Country Programme.

1. Support to programme development and planning

- Research and analyze regional and national political, protection, social and economic development trends. Collect, analyze, verify, and synthesize information to facilitate programme development, design and preparation.
- Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevancy of information.
- Facilitate the development and establishment of sectoral programme goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning through research, collection, analysis and reporting of child protection programmes and other related information for development planning and priority and goal setting.
- Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing and administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing materials and documentations, and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support programme planning, results-based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation of results.
- Prepare required documentation and materials to facilitate the programme review and approval process.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results.

- Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect, analyze and share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on routine programme implementation and to submit reports to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and/or decisions. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
- Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with the government and other counterparts, and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.
- Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verifying compliance with approved allocation, goals, organizational rules, regulations, procedures, donor commitments, and standards of accountability and integrity.
- Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.

3. Prepare inputs for programme and donor reporting.

- Technical and operational support to programme implementation
- Undertake field visits and surveys, and collect and share reports with partners and stakeholders.
- Assess progress and provide technical support and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution.
- Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
- Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices in child protection, to support programme implementation.

4. Networking and partnership building

- Build and sustain close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain results on child protection.
- Participate in inter-agency meetings/events on programming to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNSDCF operational planning and preparation of child protection programmes/projects, and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF’s position and strategies with UNSDCF development and planning processes.
- Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.
- Draft communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for child protection programmes.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

- Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.
- Apply innovative approaches and promote good practices to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
- Research, benchmark and report on best and cutting-edge practices for development planning of knowledge products and systems.
- Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders.

The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Child Protection Officer to programme preparation, planning and implementation, contributes to the achievement of sustainable results to create a protective environment for children against harm and all forms of violence, and ensures their survival, development and wellbeing in society. Success in child protection programmes and projects in turn contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide programme services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country.

Skills and experience

Required Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection related areas is required.

a) Education, qualifications, skills, experience, areas of expertise:

 Demonstrated knowledge of child protection systems, prevention of and response to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect, case management, child safeguarding, and relevant international child rights standards.
 Experience supporting child protection research, assessments, evidence generation, data collection and analysis, and/or programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
 Experience supporting the design, implementation or coordination of child protection programmes, services, referral pathways, case management mechanisms or innovative approaches is an asset.
 Experience reviewing technical and policy documents and providing inputs on child protection assessments, protocols, standard operating procedures, case management tools, training materials or analytical products.
 Experience in child protection, social welfare, justice for children, education, humanitarian action, gender-based violence prevention and response, or related sectors is an asset.
 Strong facilitation skills and experience supporting child protection workshops, consultations, learning events or capacity-strengthening activities for government, civil society and frontline professionals.
 Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with government institutions, civil society organizations, communities, children and adolescents, and other relevant stakeholders.
 Strong writing, documentation and reporting skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical reports, policy briefs, guidance materials and programme documentation on child protection.
 Strong coordination, organizational and follow-up skills, including experience supporting intersectoral child protection coordination and partnerships.
 Commitment to child rights, safeguarding, inclusion and equity, with an interest in strengthening child protection systems and translating evidence into practical programme solutions.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF, procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Living conditions

Living Conditions in Morocco

Morocco is a middle-income country with a population of approximately 38 million. Over the past decade, the country has undergone significant political, institutional, and demographic transitions.

The climate in Rabat and coastal areas is mild, with hot summers and short, wet, and rainy winters. Although Arabic is the official language, French is widely spoken by a large proportion of the population.

Accommodation options, including apartments, studios, and villas, are available at reasonable prices. Banking services, transportation, healthcare, and communication facilities are readily accessible. Public transportation, particularly the railway network, which benefits from a good level of safety, is affordable and connects the country's main urban centres.

Taxis are widely available in major cities such as Casablanca and Rabat. These cities also offer a variety of cultural and leisure activities, including cinemas, restaurants, and shopping opportunities in modern boutiques and traditional open-air markets known as souks, where vendors sell a wide range of local handicrafts.

Moroccan cuisine enjoys international recognition among food enthusiasts. All Western amenities, including food products, clothing, and restaurants, are available in major cities.

As this is a national United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation and meeting other essential daily living expenses. National UN Volunteers are covered by insurance in accordance with the applicable provisions.

Conditions of Service
1. Before the Start of the Assignment

- **Entry Lump Sum:** USD 350.
- **Relocation Allowance:** USD 175 at the beginning and end of the assignment when the duty station is outside a reasonable commuting distance from the volunteer’s place of residence, as determined by UNV.

2. During the Assignment

- **Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA):** MAD 13,179.16 per month.
- **Learning and Skills Development:** Access to learning resources and professional development opportunities provided by UNV.
- **Annual Leave:** 2.5 days per month of service.
- **Insurance:** Comprehensive coverage for the UN Volunteer, including health, life, and malicious acts insurance, as well as medical coverage for up to three eligible dependents. Detailed eligibility criteria are specified in the UNV Conditions of Service.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.