Background

ARIDLIFE Development Agency (ARIDLIFE) is a national NGO in Somalia implementing humanitarian and development programs that support vulnerable and underserved communities. Its work focuses on child protection, livelihoods and resilience, food security, climate-smart agriculture, community engagement, accountability, and evidence-based programming. ARIDLIFE works closely with communities, government institutions, donors, and development and humanitarian partners to strengthen resilience, protect vulnerable groups, and improve access to sustainable opportunities and essential services. We are inviting applications from qualified individuals for a project anticipated to start in September 2026.

Child Protection (CP) Project Officer

Department: Program

Reports To: Program Manager

Direct Reports: Field CP Social Workers, Community Mobilizers and Volunteers

Duty Station: Baidoa, with Ocational travel to Afgoye and other operational areas

Contract type and Duration: Full-time (6 months) with a high possibility of extension.

Minimum Experience Required: 4+ years of progressive project management experience in humanitarian child protection programs.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or Project Management.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive CP Project Officer responsible for leading field implementation, team management, and day-to-day operational delivery for active child protection and other grants, ensuring activities align with international humanitarian standards, donor rules, and project targets.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Operational Execution: Develop and drive monthly implementation plans, procurement requests, and activity schedules to hit key performance indicators (KPIs) on time.
• Team Leadership and Capacity Building: Supervise, mentor, and evaluate field social workers and CFS facilitators, conducting regular performance reviews and technical refresher trainings.
• Financial and Spending Control: Track project line-item expenses through monthly Budget vs. Actual (BVA) reviews, with the aim of zero budget overruns or unallowable spending.
• Sector Coordination: Represent Aridlife at local Child Protection Sub-Cluster, GBV, and Protection Working Group meetings to coordinate field coverage and prevent duplication.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all child protection interventions adhere to the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPMS).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Experience managing donor-funded budgets and compliance requirements (NORAD, ECHO, UN, or similar)
• Proven people-management skills, including performance reviews and technical coaching
• Working knowledge of the CPMS and Sphere standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard project management tools
• Fluency in English; working proficiency in [local language(s)] an advantage

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following two documents in a single email:

• An updated CV (maximum 3 pages) that includes contact details for three professional references, one of whom must be your most recent direct line manager.
• A cover letter (maximum 1 page) that states the exact position title you are applying for.

Send both documents to [email protected] with the subject line: Position Title – Your Full Name.

Applications close on 28/08/2026 at 17:00 EAT. Aridlife reviews applications on a rolling basis and may fill a position before the deadline if a strong candidate is identified, so early submissions are encouraged. Incomplete or late submissions will not be evaluated. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.