Are you a Norwegian national passionate about advancing child rights and strengthening protection systems in vulnerable contexts? UNICEF is inviting applications for the position of Child Protection Officer (P-2) under the Norwegian Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme, based in Accra, Ghana.
This is a fixed-term international professional opportunity to contribute to child protection systems strengthening, humanitarian preparedness, and climate-resilient social services in Ghana.
Position Overview
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Job Title: Child Protection Officer (P-2)
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Job Number: 590983
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Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
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Duty Station: Accra, Ghana
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Category: Child Protection
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Eligibility: Open to Norwegian nationals only (Norwegian JPO Programme)
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Application Deadline: 20 March 2026 (GMT)
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Advertised: 20 February 2026 (GMT)
About UNICEF in Ghana
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights, save lives, and help young people reach their full potential. In Ghana, UNICEF collaborates with the Government and partners to:
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Promote child protection and equitable access to social services
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Strengthen national systems
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Improve learning outcomes and nutrition
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End violence against children
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Enhance climate resilience and emergency preparedness
The Ghana Country Programme aligns with national development priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Partnership, and Key Results for Children (KRCs) in the West and Central African Region.
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to:
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Gain international experience within the UN system
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Strengthen child protection systems at national level
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Contribute to climate resilience and emergency preparedness
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Build a global career in humanitarian and development work
If you are a Norwegian national committed to advancing child rights and protection systems, this position offers a powerful platform to create lasting impact.
Role Summary: Making a Difference in Child Protection
The Child Protection Officer (JPO) will support the Integrated Social Services delivery system in Ghana, focusing on:
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Climate-resilient child protection systems
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Disaster risk reduction integration
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Humanitarian–development linkages
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Cross-border protection risks
This role contributes to evidence generation, systems strengthening, and preparedness efforts aimed at reducing inequalities and protecting vulnerable children.
Key Responsibilities
Strengthening Evidence & Climate-Resilient Frameworks
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Support implementation of the Child Protection and Climate Change Study
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Contribute to a national framework for climate-resilient child protection systems
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Integrate climate-related indicators into the Social Welfare Information Management System (SWIMS)
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Provide technical input for data analysis and policy development
Humanitarian Preparedness & Emergency Coordination
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Operationalize the Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) Contingency Work Plan
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Mainstream child protection across Health, Nutrition, WASH, and Education sectors
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Support National Child Protection in Emergency Working Groups
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Facilitate training on:
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Humanitarian principles
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Core Commitments for Children
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Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse
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Gender-based violence in emergencies
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Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action
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Contribute to humanitarian appeals and Situation Reports (HAC, SitReps)
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Support development of a national trafficking data system
Programme Development & Monitoring
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Contribute to sectoral programme planning and results-based management
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Participate in monitoring exercises and annual reviews
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Provide technical and operational support throughout programme cycles
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Support evidence-based advocacy and strategic planning
Eligibility & Requirements
Education
A university degree in:
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International development
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Human rights
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Psychology
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Sociology
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International law
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Social work
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Or another relevant social science field
A Master’s degree is an asset.
Work Experience
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Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in social development planning or child protection project management
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Experience in a UN agency is an asset
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Experience in developing or humanitarian contexts is highly desirable
Language
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Fluency in English is required
UNICEF Core Values & Competencies
All candidates must embody UNICEF’s core values of:
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Care
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Respect
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Integrity
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Trust
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Accountability
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Sustainability (CRITAS)
Key competencies include:
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Building partnerships
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Strategic thinking
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Managing complexity
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Driving results for impact
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Collaboration
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Innovation
APPLY HERE
Important Notes
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This role is strictly limited to Norwegian nationals under the Norwegian JPO Programme.
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UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
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All appointments are subject to medical clearance, background checks, and visa approval.
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UNICEF does not charge any recruitment or processing fees at any stage.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF, and staff may be deployed to support humanitarian responses when required.
Additional information about UNICEF can be found Here
Application Deadline: 20 March 2026 (GMT)

