Project Officer- Disaster Risk Reduction & Child Protection

Job Description

Title: Project Officer- Disaster Risk Reduction & Child Protection

Company Name: Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA)

Vacancy: --

Age: At most 50 years

Job Location: Sylhet (Golapganj)

Salary: Tk. 40000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• 2 to 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Child Development, Education, Public Health, or related field

• 2 to 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Age At most 50 years

Required Qualifications

• At least 2-3 years of experience in child protection, disaster management, or community development

• Deep commitment to child rights and child protection

• Experience working in disaster-affected or flood-prone communities is preferred

• Strong understanding of community-based protection approaches

• Excellent facilitation and communication skills

• Sensitivity to gender, culture, and protection of marginalized groups

• Fluency in English and Bengali (written and spoken)

Key Attributes

• Deep commitment to protecting vulnerable children

• Strong empathy and ability to listen to children and communities

• Cultural sensitivity and respect for community values and traditions

• Good judgment and ability to handle sensitive protection issues

• Willingness to work on difficult and emotional issues

• Resilience and self-care awareness

Project Duration: 01 September 2026 to 31 December 2028

Job Duration: 28 Months

Location: Golapganj Upazila of Sylhet District

Type of Contract: Fixed-Term

Position Overview

The Project Officer for Disaster Risk Reduction and Child Protection of STEP project is responsible for direct implementation of these critical components at the community level. This officer will work to strengthen community capacity for disaster preparedness and response while simultaneously building effective, community-based child protection systems. The position requires strong commitment to child safety, cultural sensitivity, excellent community engagement skills, and regular field presence in project communities. STEP Project is implemented by the Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA), Project funded by SOS-Sweden and Technical support by SOS Children's Villages International in Bangladesh.

Key Responsibilities - Disaster Risk Reduction

• Mobilize communities to participate in disaster risk reduction activities. Conduct awareness sessions on flood risks, climate change, and community preparedness.

• Support formation and strengthening of community Disaster Management Committees. Provide training on disaster response procedures and community roles.

• Work with communities to establish and maintain community-based early warning systems. Support development of alert mechanisms and safe evacuation routes.

• Support communities in developing emergency and shelter plans. Ensure plans include provisions for vulnerable populations including children.

• Organize community and school-based awareness activities including drills, meetings, and campaigns. Use local folk media and cultural approaches for better engagement.

• Monitor community implementation of preparedness measures. Provide support and troubleshooting as needed.

Key Responsibilities - Child Protection

• Mobilize communities to prioritize child safety and protection. Build awareness about child rights and protection issues.

• Support formation and strengthening of Community Child Protection Committees. Provide training on child rights, case identification, and referral pathways.

• Support establishment and operation of child-friendly spaces in communities. Ensure spaces provide safe play, learning, and support for children.

• Conduct awareness sessions on child rights and protection. Focus on prevention of child marriage, dowry, corporal punishment, and other harmful practices.

• Conduct GBV prevention sessions using community theatre, dialogue, and community engagement. Promote protective attitudes among men and boys.

• Work with Community Child Protection Committees to identify children in need of protection. Facilitate referral to appropriate services and support.

• Provide basic psychosocial support to vulnerable children and families. Support Community Own Resource Persons (CORPs) in providing MHPSS.

• Model and promote safeguarding practices within communities. Support community members in maintaining safe and protective environments.

• Collect regular data on child protection activities and outcomes. Maintain records of awareness sessions, committees formed, and cases identified.

• Participate in joint monitoring visits with SOS. Share updates on activities and respond to SOS technical guidance and safeguarding requirements.