Field Officer

Job Summary

Save the Children Uganda, a leading international NGO dedicated to improving the lives of children, is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Field Officer to join our team in Gulu, Uganda. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact in community-based child protection programs, working directly with vulnerable populations and local partners. As a Field Officer, you will be at the forefront of our mission, conducting field visits, coordinating with community stakeholders, and ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of project activities. You will thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, collaborating with a team of passionate professionals committed to upholding the rights of every child. If you are a proactive, community-oriented individual with a strong commitment to child welfare, we invite you to apply and become a part of a global movement for change.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and support community-based child protection programs in assigned areas, ensuring alignment with project goals and organizational standards.
• Conduct regular field visits to project sites, assessing progress, identifying challenges, and documenting outcomes for effective reporting.
• Coordinate with local partners, community leaders, and government officials to facilitate program activities and strengthen referral pathways.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of project activities, collecting data, and preparing detailed reports for internal and donor review.
• Facilitate community sensitization sessions on child protection issues, promoting awareness and preventive measures.
• Identify and report child protection cases, ensuring timely and appropriate response in line with safeguarding policies.
• Assist in the development and adaptation of training materials and tools for community-based interventions.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, including participant lists, meeting minutes, and action points.
• Participate in periodic team meetings, sharing insights and best practices to enhance program effectiveness.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall mission of Save the Children.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Child Protection, or a related field. A Master's degree is an added advantage.
• At least two to three years of relevant experience in community development, child protection, or NGO field work, preferably in a similar context.
• Proven experience in implementing child protection programs, including case management and community mobilization.
• Excellent understanding of the local context in Northern Uganda, including cultural norms and community structures.
• Strong facilitation and training skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with data collection tools (e.g., ODK, Kobo Toolbox).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Luo (Acholi) is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel frequently to remote field locations and work flexible hours when required.
• Commitment to the values and principles of Save the Children, including child safeguarding and gender equality.

Skills Inventory

• Essential: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with community members and stakeholders.
• Essential: Strong organizational and time management abilities to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Essential: Analytical skills for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project activities.
• Essential: Problem-solving skills to address field challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Essential: Computer literacy, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Preferred: Knowledge of child rights and child protection frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Preferred: Experience in community mobilization and participatory approaches.
• Preferred: First aid or child protection in emergencies training.
• Preferred: Experience working with donor-funded projects and familiarity with donor reporting requirements.

Salary & Compensation Estimation

The salary for this Field Officer position at Save the Children Uganda is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Based on typical NGO pay scales in the region, the estimated annual gross salary ranges from 18,000,000 to 25,000,000 Ugandan Shillings (approximately 4,800 to 6,700 USD), depending on years of experience and educational background. In addition to the base salary, Save the Children offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, annual leave, and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to fair compensation and provides transparent pay scales to ensure equity. This role also offers the intangible benefit of meaningful work, contributing directly to the well-being of children and communities in Northern Uganda.