Child Protection Assistant

Bantwana Zimbabwe (BZ) is seeking qualified candidate to fill in the position of Child Protection Assistant for the ARISE Project.  In response to the severe 2024 El-Nino induced drought, the project (ARISE) strengthens preparedness and response capacities through locally led humanitarian action. ARISE integrates Education in Emergencies, Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to address education disruption and child wellbeing. The programme prioritizes inclusion, targeting vulnerable groups, especially girls, out-of-school children, and children with disabilities. increasing capacities of communities and schools to be more proactive in identifying and responding to child protection concerns (Violence Against Children).

Job Title:  Child Protection Assistant

Location:  Mangwe

Deadline Date: 26 May 2025

Purpose of the Position:

Reporting to the Programs Manager, the Child Protection Assistant will be responsible for ensuring access to safe, protective, and inclusive education for crisis-affected individuals in Mangwe district, Zimbabwe. The Child Protection Assistant will support the design and implementation of communityled disaster preparedness and rapid response plans. This role involves working closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), Department of Social Development and other stakeholders at the district level to report on school-based preparedness planning and support schools in establishing child-led disaster risk reduction clubs, participatory risk assessments, and riskinformed school improvement plans.

Responsibilities:

Disaster Preparedness and Response

• Lead the development and rollout of community-led disaster preparedness and response plans.
• Support the implementation of child-focused early warning systems and action plans.
• Work closely with communities to reduce the impact of emergencies on schools and learners.

School-Based Support

• Collaborate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to strengthen schoolbased emergency preparedness.
• Help establish disaster risk reduction clubs in schools and guide participatory risk assessments.
• Support development of risk-informed school improvement plans and safe school teams.

Community Engagement and Child Protection

• Work with School Development Committees, across 15 schools, to design and monitor community engagement activities.
• Strengthen local child protection structures and referral networks.
• Train community members on anticipatory action, child protection, and early warning systems.

Monitoring and Integration

• Track school enrolment, attendance, and progression of affected learners.
• Facilitate child-led messaging on disaster risks and early warning.
• Support integration of MHPSS and case management into school and community settings.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Organize and participate in district-level consultations with government and community partners.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Disaster Management, Education, Social Work, or related field.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in disaster response, education in emergencies, or child protection.
• Proven ability to work with community structures, schools, and government stakeholders.
• Strong skills in communication, facilitation, monitoring, and report writing.
• Experience working with vulnerable groups, especially girls and children with disabilities, is an advantage.
• Knowledge of early warning systems, MHPSS, and protection against violence in schools
• Ability to ride a motorcycle is desirable.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Shona or Ndebele.

Application Details

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, CV, and three references (including name, organization, phone number, and email address) to recruitments@bantwana.co.zw with position title in the subject line and complete the Application Form . The application deadline is 26 May 2025. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

BZ has a zero-tolerance policy on child abuse, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and any form of discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, and any other such distinguishing characteristics.