State Coordinator - Child Protection

Overview

The State Coordinator will spearhead state-level initiatives, government partnerships, and MOU oversight within the child protection program focusing on preventing and addressing Child Labour, Trafficking, Marriage, and Sexual Abuse.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate Child Right Associates across districts, enabling smooth district-level implementation aligned with state policies.
• Identify and replicate best practices across districts; work collaboratively with other NGOs in the child protection field within the state.
• Establish strong working relationships with state government officials and law enforcement, acting as the key liaison to secure project approvals and represent the organization in policy fora.
• Ensure coordination among government departments, law enforcement, and stakeholders for prevention, protection, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts.
• Facilitate government notifications and departmental orders related to child protection issues and manage rescue and rehabilitation operations for affected children.
• Develop formal governmental partnerships and manage all state-level MOUs, creating action plans and monitoring their implementation as directed by the Central Office.
• Conduct regular progress reviews with government nodal officers and submit monthly performance reports.
• Undertake additional duties assigned by supervisors.

Performance Indicators

• Number of children rescued from child labour, trafficking, marriage, and sexual abuse through coordinated efforts.
• Issuance of government notifications or orders concerning child protection.
• Successful rehabilitation and compensation delivered to victims.
• Support extended to partners and district programme associates in government-led initiatives.
• Policies developed and training initiatives completed under MOUs.
• Assistance with case management related to child protection laws.

Qualifications & Experience

• Postgraduate degree in MSW, Sociology, Social Sciences, Law, or related field; PhD or additional certification in Child Rights or Public Policy is advantageous.
• At least five years of progressive experience in the child protection sector or related social development work.
• Demonstrated history collaborating with government agencies, law enforcement, and civil society on child labour, trafficking, marriage, and sexual abuse.
• Experience in program coordination, MOU management, or advocacy at the state level preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of child protection laws including POCSO, JJ Act, and Child Labour Amendment Act.

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in policy advocacy, including drafting policy briefs and facilitating government order issuance.
• Strong program and MOU management capabilities, including planning and reporting.
• Effective relationship-building with government officials, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
• Legal literacy in child protection legislation and survivor support protocols.
• Fluency in data management, documentation, and key performance tracking.
• Experience in capacity-building and training design for diverse stakeholders.
• Clear, confident communication and representation skills in official forums.
• Leadership and team coordination skills to guide district officers for consistent program execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with MIS platforms or child protection information systems.
• Prior involvement with national child protection programs such as Mission Vatsalya or CHILDLINE.