Child Protection Officer – San Jose, Costa Rica

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a Child Protection Officer to join its team in San Jose, Costa Rica. The officer will support the organization’s mission to safeguard children from violence, exploitation and abuse, contributing to a safer and more inclusive environment for children and adolescents.

Key responsibilities

• Support programme development and planning for child protection initiatives.
• Manage, monitor and deliver programme results in line with UNICEF standards.
• Provide technical and operational assistance for programme implementation.
• Build networks, advocate for child rights and establish partnerships with government, civil society and the private sector.
• Promote innovation, knowledge management and capacity‑building activities.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in international development, law, human rights, social sciences or a related field.
• At least two years of professional experience in program planning, implementation or management within child‑protection contexts.
• Fluency in both Spanish and English.
• Desirable: knowledge of an additional UN language, experience in emergency settings, prior work with UN agencies or international child‑rights organisations, and familiarity with normative analysis and children’s justice.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development within a global humanitarian organisation.