Child Protection Officer Lead

Why do we exist? What do we do?

The quality of school education available to students from low-income communities across India is abysmal. Their chances of attending college, or building a career are significantly lower than their high-income peers, condemning them to a life without voice or choice. iTeach was born in 2015 to challenge this status quo and create a level playing field for ALL children. 

We run free and high-impact schools and an exceptional college-to-career program for the most disadvantaged students in Pune and Navi Mumbai. We are known for our world-class professional development, our result-oriented team culture, and our student-centric school design. Read more about us at www.iTeachSchools.org.  

Responsibilities

All our students come from difficult backgrounds - economically and socially. iTeach Schools is committed to safeguarding children and young people. The Child Protection Policy (CPP) outlines how iTeach Schools safeguards children. The Child Protection Officer Lead will ensure the effective implementation of the CPP across schools with the help of school Child Protection Officers (CPOs). This is a Team Leader level 1 role that can move into a Team Leader level 2 role, depending on the need.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Implementation and Oversight (30% focus)

a. Ensure all schools comply with the Child Protection Policy (CPP) through audits and regular assessments.

a. Create and refine systems to report, manage, and resolve CPP breach cases effectively.

b. Act as the final point of escalation for CPP breach cases, liaising with HR, legal teams, and external agencies.

2. Training and Development (20% focus)

a. Develop and execute a robust training calendar for CPOs and school leadership teams.

b. Conduct annual refresher courses and advanced training for CPOs.

c. Provide ongoing coaching to School Leaders and CPOs to address school-specific challenges and strengthen their leadership.

3. School Support and Collaboration (25% focus)

a. Support schools in creating safe, inclusive environments by addressing feedback from staff and students.

b. Regularly review and approve safety measures for off-premise events involving students.

c. Creating a collaborative space among CPOs to come together and learn from each other.

4. Documentation and Reporting (15% focus)

a. Develop a centralized system to track and analyze child protection incidents across schools.

b. Prepare quarterly reports on CPP implementation progress and share insights with the senior leadership team.

c. Conduct periodic reviews of school culture surveys and share actionable recommendations with stakeholders.

d. Maintain accurate records of CPP breaches and resolutions to ensure compliance.

5. Strategic Initiatives and Advocacy (10% focus)

a. Advocate for child protection initiatives within and outside the organization.

b. Develop partnerships with external stakeholders to strengthen support systems.

c. Stay updated on legal and policy changes to ensure CPP is in line with best practices.

Education & Experience:

a. Required: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field.

b. Preferred: At least 5 years of experience in child protection or social work, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role.

c. Proven expertise in policy implementation, staff training, and stakeholder management. Experience in a school setting is preferred.