ALDEF seeks a two child Protection Officers for an anticipated UNICEF-funded, 15 months, Strengthening Child Protection System: Accelerating Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Wajir County [1]. The focus is child protection from FGM/C and early marriage through (i) Individuals, families and communities in programme areas increasingly educated and mobilized about girls rights, harms and norms related to FGM/C (ii) Relevant authorities, service providers and civil society organization have improved capacity to coordinate and provide service related to FGM/C (iii) The capacity of policy makers are built throughout the programme cycle in order to mainstream the commitment to end FGM/C throughout the County Government (iv) Partnerships with religious groups, Council of Elders and schools are strengthened as a platform in advancing child protection issues including FGM/C and child marriage while ensuring linkages with education, health care, mental and psychological support, safety and security and legal aid and referral systems. The Child protection project officers are accountable for the all community outreach activities of the project and delivering the results. The successful candidates should be outgoing and conversant with the Somali culture and basic issues related to donor-funded projects.
These positions are fixed-term contract, based at Wajir but with frequent field travel and are subject to project award and funding from UNICEF KCO.
Main responsibilities:
The officers will be assisting and working under the supervision of the Governance and Gender Justice Coordination in Wajir.
- In charge of direct implementation and supervision of FGM/C and Child Protection project.
- Will manage Child Protection project Community mobilisers/educators.
- Work in line with the defined Child Protection project implementation strategy.
- work in close coordination with governmental and CSOs, coordination system, develop, monitor and orientate the Child Protection project.
- work with all relevant authorities at county, sub county and community level (civil, religious, police and all other service providers) for a better implementation, acceptance and ownership in improving the conditions to protect the children.
- Will conduct duties in respect ALDEF code of conduct and Child Protection Policy.
ALDEF also expects that its contractors’ professional conduct reflect proper behaviour in accordance with local culture and traditions. The incumbent assures the moral protection of the name of ALDEF and defends in all circumstances its interests.
Function details:
Human Resources
- Support in identification of & training of community Mobilizers and anti FGM champions
- To manage community mobilisers, ensure training in Child Protection in normal and emergency and Mental Health Professional Services and Support are provided to project staff and any other training relevant to implement the activities
- To ensure Child safeguarding policy is enforced, foster clear understanding of the Child Protection mandate and project
- To report to the Governance and Gender Justice Coordinator, work with Child Protection specialist and Gender Desks
- To reports incidents and difficulties encountered in project implementation
- To organize team meetings and provide bi-weekly program update and movement plan
Project Management
- To implement and monitor Wajir child protection project, in accordance with multiple objectives, activities and targets outlined within current donor proposals and in line with projects’ budgets,
- To ensure activities are appropriately monitored and evaluated and proposes, when deemed necessary, amendments to the child protection activities
- To follow up on Child Protection situation in Wajir, particularly in urban and rural settings,
- To participate in budget revision exercises, prepare timely purchase requests and support required actions in line with the Child Protection project needs
- To identify logistic and admin support needs related to the Child Protection project and communicate these to the relevant log/admin support person(s)
Technical competences
- Knowledge of Child projection management systems and Experience in PSS and case management
- Capacity to establish a referral pathway for severe cases, contingency planning and capacity building
- Individual case management for children in accordance with all case management steps and related tools and procedures and provision of ongoing support to families
- Regular Communication of case management and protection staff for updates on achievements and challenges
Project planning:
- Participate and contribute actively Child Protection assessments, work planning, monitoring, evaluation and revision/reviews
Capacity building:
- Coordinate and Implement capacity building support to child protection staff, relevant local authorities, and community workers as required by the project including case management
Coordination
- Works in close collaboration and consultation with Governance & Gender coordinator
- Works in close collaboration and consultation with government structures, CSOs and coordination structures
- Coordinate with other ALDEF departments (programme and support) as necessary
Representation
- Represents ALDEF in foras and meetings held at community and sub county/location level
- Develops networks to facilitate project acceptance & stakeholder’s contribution & ownership
Reporting
- Provides compiled project meeting minutes to their supervisor
- Provide bi-weekly reports, monthly situational reports, interim (if any) and contribute to final donor report(s) and information notes for donor if required
- Upon completion of the assignment, submits handover notes
Child Protection Policy
- Commit to respect the Child Safeguarding Policy. Signs the Code of Conduct
- Report serious cases of abuse on children identified by the Child Protection team to the supervisor/line manager while observing strict confidentiality
Database:
- Oversees implementation of database tools and ensures correct data protection procedures and filing.
Others
- Undertake all other duties that may be determined by Governance and Gender Justice coordinator and that are compatible with the job.
- Maintain and ensure a culture of strict confidentiality - inter ALDEF staff and between ALDEF staff and non ALDEF employees.
Profile:
- Education: University degree in relevant field is an added advantage. Diploma will essential experience will suffice but vice versa.
- Language: Excellent oral and writing skills in English, Kiswahili and preferably be conversant with Somali language and culture
Experiences and aptitudes:
- At least any form of community work previous experience
- Understanding of project management (management, planning, staff development and training skills) in normal and emergency.
- Experience in Child Protection programming related to Psycho Social Support (PSS) and/or case management
- Experience working in north Kenya context is a plus
- Project experience and strong team leadership qualities
- Ability to work well and punctually under pressure
- A commitment to excellence, attention to detail
[1] The project will take place in 5 Sub Counties (Wajir East, Wajir West, Wajir North, Eldas, Tarbaj). Wajir South will be covered by another organization.
HOW TO APPLY:
We will only consider complete applications corresponding to required profile. Your application must include a complete CV, supporting testimonials and a covering letter in English to info@aldef.org by the 31st July 2016.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, if not shortlisted your information shall be managed in accordance to the rules on data protection.
ALDEF provides equal working conditions for men and women. Furthermore, for candidates with equivalent qualifications for these positions, women are strongly encouraged. The recruitment and selection procedures of ALDEF reflect our commitment for child security and protection.
