UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them realize their full potential.

In 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for all.

And we never give up.

Since 2019, Burkina Faso has been experiencing a worrying security and humanitarian situation due to attacks and threats from armed groups. This situation, which has gradually deteriorated, is leading to continued displacement of populations and an exacerbation of humanitarian needs in many regions of the country, including the North Central region. As of March 2023, 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) were registered. 6.3 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in 2024, an increase of 35% compared to 2023 (draft HRP 2024)-CONASUR-.

The North Center is the second region most affected by the crisis with 493,954 IDPs, more than 63% of whom are children (i.e. 23.9% of IDPs in the country), 47% of schools closed in May 2023 and 41% of health centers. still closed in January 2024. Also, the region is still experiencing a continued restriction on the movement of civilian populations due to violence and the use of improvised explosive devices; which leads to a reduction in humanitarian access to certain areas.

UNICEF in its mandate to defend the rights of children, to help meet their essential needs and to promote their full development, in partnership with the Government of Burkina Faso and in collaboration with sister agencies of the United Nations System ( SNU) and NGOs, is currently developing initiatives and programs for child protection response in emergency situations while strengthening social mobilization programs against FGM, child marriages and for strengthening the children’s access to birth registration. This response is based on strengthening the child protection system in its coordination dimensions, case management through CPMS+ (which has just been deployed in the region), strengthening community protection mechanisms, direct service to victims or affected (MHPSS, case management of child victims of violence including GBV, unaccompanied or separated children, associated with armed groups, etc.).

For every child, a hope!

The Child Protection Officer supports, in close collaboration with other sectors (education, health-nutrition, WASH, SBC and social protection), the monitoring of the child’s situation, the development and preparation of strategies and programs child protection. It is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the progress of child protection programs/projects in accordance with the Country Program Document (CPD) 2018 – 2022 extended in 2025 and to the annual work plans (PTA).

 The Child Protection Officer provides technical advice and management support throughout programming processes to facilitate the administration and delivery of concrete and sustainable contributions to national and international efforts to create a protective environment for children. children from harm and to protect their rights to survival, development and well-being, as established by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, international treaties/frameworks and United Nations intergovernmental bodies.

Under the close supervision of the Head of Child Protection, the Child Protection Officer contributes to the planning, administration, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of program/project activities , including teamwork and capacity building.

How to make the difference?

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Support for the development and planning of programs and projects
• Program management, monitoring and obtaining results
• Technical and operational support for program implementation
• Networking and establishing partnerships
• Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

To qualify as an Every Child Champion, you must:

• A university degree (BAC+3) in law, psychology, sociology or another field of social sciences is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection and related areas internationally and/or in a developing country is required.
• Relevant experience in child protection and related areas, program/project development and management in a United Nations system agency or organization is an asset.
• Fluency in English and French required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

For each child, it will be necessary to demonstrate…

Fundamental values

• Attention
• Commitment
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Responsibility

Fundamental skills                           

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity Core Competencies
• Communication
• Work with people
• Results orientation Functional skills
• Formulation of strategies and concepts
• Analysis
• Application of technical expertise
• Learning and research
• Planning and organization

To view our competency framework, please visit here .

UNICEF is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion among its staff and encourages all candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religion and ethnicity, including persons with disabilities, to apply application to be part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and any type of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination.

All selected candidates will therefore be subject to rigorous reference and background checks.

Civil servants considered for employment with UNICEF must normally resign from their government before accepting an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw a job offer, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or if the necessary vaccination conditions are not met, within a reasonable time, regardless of is the reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and progressed to the next stage of the selection process.