Child Protection Project Manager

Job Details

DRC Uganda is seeking a highly qualified Child Protection Project Manager for the DK Media child protection project in Rhino Camp and Imvepi refugee settlements. The role is responsible for overall management and implementation of child protection prevention and response interventions including case management, alternative care for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), positive parenting, adolescent life skills and community-based child protection. Based in Arua with field operations in Rhino Camp and Imvepi, the role reports within the Protection programme in coordination with Country Protection Manager and Programme Development and Quality Manager. Contract length is 4 months, Band M F2, Start date September 2026. Full Time.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate, plan and monitor DK Media project activities in Rhino Camp and Imvepi according to DRC Project Cycle Management (PCM) Guide and donor compliance.
• Coordinate with other Program Managers, Country Protection Manager and Programme Development and Quality Manager to ensure highest quality and coherence across projects.
• Ensure quality implementation of child protection prevention interventions including awareness raising, positive parenting and adolescent life skills sessions.
• Ensure quality implementation of child protection case management in line with DRC SOPs, national guidelines and Inter-Agency CP Case Management guidelines.
• Ensure implementation of Best Interests Procedures and appropriate alternative care arrangements for UASC.
• Ensure high-quality narrative and financial reports delivered timely as per reporting schedules in collaboration with Programme Development and Quality Manager and Country Finance Manager.
• Collaborate with Protection Specialist to develop operational tools and training modules for project staff, CBOs, RLOs and para-social workers.
• Lead on monthly, quarterly and annual donor reporting and regularly update Project Management Tools (PMT) to inform Project Management Meetings (PMM).
• Lead PMM to track activity performance, budget monitoring, financial management and expenses control in compliance with DRC and donor requirements.
• Represent DRC and actively participate in sectoral and relevant sub sectors/working groups.
• Oversee knowledge sharing and ensure M&E results are used to improve programs and ensure child safeguarding principles are integrated across all activities.
• Continuously monitor accountability initiatives, ensure compliance with internal and external reporting, procurement and donor requirements.
• Conduct capacity assessments of local partners, develop tailored capacity-strengthening plans and provide technical support on CP implementation, donor requirements and DRC standards.
• Monitor partner performance through report reviews, field visits and corrective action plans; coordinate partner performance review meetings and track budget utilization.
• Lead and manage project staff including supervision, coaching, performance management, capacity development, recruitment and promoting gender and diversity balance.
• Promote professional development on child protection principles, child safeguarding, AAP, Code of Conduct and PSEA in collaboration with HR & Administration in Arua and Kampala.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Social work, Social sciences, Development studies, or relevant fields; Master's degree is desirable.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in designing and delivering child protection programming for refugees and other vulnerable communities.
• At least 3 years' experience with people management and at least 2 years of experience as a Project Manager.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the refugee context in Uganda, and West Nile in particular.
• Strong understanding of global and national child protection standards and approaches, including the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS).
• Demonstrated experience in CP case management, including supervision of case management services and coordination of referrals for children at risk.
• Experience supporting community-based CP mechanisms and strengthening capacity of CBOs, RLOs and government CP structures.
• Very good understanding of both global and national protection standards, protection information management systems and organizational and management skills.
• Exceptional spoken and written English and analytical skills; knowledge of local languages spoken in operation area is desirable.
• Demonstrated DRC core competencies: Striving for excellence, Collaborating, Taking the lead, Communicating, Demonstrating integrity.