State Coordinator - Child Protection

About the Role

The State Coordinator will spearhead coordination and engagement efforts at the state level for our child protection initiatives. Based in the state capital with travel across districts, the role is critical in linking district-level programmes with state government bodies and external NGOs to combat issues such as Child Labour, Child Trafficking, Child Marriage, and Child Sexual Abuse.

Primary Responsibilities

• Offer strategic guidance and administrative support to Child Right Associates across districts to ensure seamless programme implementation aligned with state policies.
• Identify exemplary practices at district levels and promote their adoption statewide.
• Foster robust networks with government officials, law enforcement, NGOs, and other stakeholders engaged in child protection.
• Serve as the organization’s government liaison, securing approvals, representing the organization in forums, and facilitating policy alignment and convergence amongst agencies.
• Oversee issuance of government notifications and drive coordinated actions against child exploitation issues, including rescue and rehabilitation.
• Manage and monitor Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with government departments to ensure effective execution, including planning, implementation, review, and reporting.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by supervisory authorities.

Key Performance Indicators

• Number of children rescued from exploitation through coordinated efforts.
• Issuance of government notifications, orders, and directives pertaining to child protection.
• Successful rehabilitation and compensation of victimised children.
• Support and capacity-building extended to partners and district programme associates.
• Completion of policy initiatives and action plans under MOUs.
• Assistance provided in legal cases involving child protection issues.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Social Work, Sociology, Social Sciences, Law, or allied disciplines from a reputed university. Higher qualifications like PhD or certifications in Child Rights or related fields are advantageous.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in child protection or related social sectors is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with government bodies, law enforcement, and civil society on issues like Child Labour, Trafficking, Marriage, and Sexual Abuse.
• Experience in programme coordination, MOU management, and advocacy at the state level is preferred.
• Strong familiarity with relevant laws including POCSO Act, JJ Act, and Child Labour Amendment Acts.

Core Competencies and Skills

• Policy and advocacy engagement with state policymakers including drafting and facilitating government orders.
• Expertise in programme and MOU management including action planning and monitoring.
• Capability to build and sustain partnerships with government, law enforcement, NGOs, and communities.
• Legal knowledge relevant to child protection, rescue, rehabilitation, and survivor-centred methods.
• Competence in data management, documentation, and KPI tracking.
• Experience in capacity-building through training of government officials, NGO partners, and volunteers.
• Strong communication skills for representation in forums and policy discussions.
• Leadership qualities in supervising district officers and ensuring quality programme delivery.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Management Information Systems or child protection information systems.
• Familiarity with national-level programmes such as Mission Vatsalya, CHILDLINE, and ICPS.