About CRS: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS works in over 100 countries worldwide, including Kenya.
POSITION IDENTIFICATION:
Department : Programming
Job Title: Project Manager – Pope Francis Rescue Home
Grade : 7
Reports To : Head of Programs
Based In (Location) : Malindi
Background: Starting in 2014, CRS added to their existing partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Malindi to construct a transitional rescue home for sexually exploited children (both boys and girls under 18 years of age) so that they have a safe place to stay before being safely re-integrated back into the community under the direction and guidance of the Government of Kenya’s Children’s Department. While staying in the home (3 months or less, intended), the children will also receive care management services and emotional support, plus access to health care and education as part of their healing process. By mid-2015 most of the construction was completed (i.e. for what is called the Pope Francis Rescue Home) and a provisional approval to operate was granted by the Sub-Country Children’s Office.
Job Purpose:
The Project Manager will provide oversight, programming support, and technical assistance for quality implementation to the newly-established Pope Francis Rescue Home (PFRH) in Malindi, Kenya. S/he will also oversee and support the linkage between CRS’ Dialogue and Action Project (DAP) and PFRH, especially in relation to community sensitization, abuse-prevention, and after-care for children who have left PFRH for family reintegration. Additional areas of responsibilities relate to grant management, Government relations, relations with the Diocese of Malindi and other stakeholders, and providing technical support on psychosocial issues, project finances, partner capacity strengthening, and support to the project’s monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) activities, particularly for operations research and documentation of lessons learned.
Specific Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
· Serve as the primary liaison between CRS Kenya and implementing partner, Catholic Diocese of Malindi.
· Oversee the operations and programming of the PFRH in Malindi to ensure its compliance with all relevant portions of the:
o Guidelines for the Alternative Family Care of Children in Kenya, Republic of Kenya, October 2014 (referred below as Alternative Care Guidelines).
o National Standards for Best Practices in Charitable Children’s Institutions, Republic of Kenya and UNICEF, April 2013 (referred below as National Standards).
o Mission and Policy Document of the Pope Francis Home, CRS/PFRH, 2015.
o The Pope Francis Home Project Agreement.
· Be proactive with PFRH staff and Diocesan leadership to keep to the 3-month-or-less planned length of stay for children admitted to the Home, and to actively promote family-based-care in the child’s best interest as quickly and successfully as possible.
· Provide programming support and technical assistance for quality- implementation to the PFRH project, especially where gaps, conflicts or other problems emerge. Special attention is anticipated with regard to:
o Psychosocial trauma healing and emotional support to children in the home and for after-care.
o Access and uptake by PFRH children of other support, as available and needed e.g. physical health, legal, educational, etc.
o Rates of admission and graduation (exit back to the community), e.g. in three months or less.
o Collaboration with project staff and other stakeholders with regard to any divergences from the original proposal or Mission and Policy Document that emerge in practice, and that require changes either in the practice itself and/or in project’s written guidance.
o Promotion of child rights and safety, both within the Home and upon return to the community.
o Maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the child and their family/community of origin.
o Prosecution of the perpetrator, involving the Police and Court system.
· Actively engage DAP for mutually beneficial support in relation to family tracing and reintegration, community sensitization, abuse-prevention, information and referral, and after-care for children who have left the Home and have returned to community life;
· Help prepare additional policies, protocols and communication materials that support the PFRH in its goals and ensure consistent, sensitive, and high-quality operations.
· Work directly with all key stakeholders through DAP and the PFRH to improve knowledge and empowerment in the community by children, youth and interfaith clergy for improved attitudes, preparedness, and supportive actions that promote child rights and protection.
· Assist with training and access to learning materials on issues of care and support to children, especially related to trauma recovery of past sexual abuse and exploitation.
· Provide leadership and support in grant management, financial oversight, MEAL, and communications, in response to requests for information by local stakeholders, visitors, media, CRS Kenya or CRS HQ, etc;
· Maintain good relations with the Government, Catholic Diocese of Malindi and other stakeholders.
· In partnership with MEAL staff, conduct or engage others in operational research and evaluation studies, e.g. using the Children’s Hope Scale or other tools.
· In partnership with MEAL staff, use routine and survey data to guide programmatic decision making.
· Highlight lessons learned, lead quarterly learning and reflection meetings, ensure (and help prepare) accurate and timely reports, and promote opportunities for future development, as such opportunities emerge.
· Other duties as assigned.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Reports to CRS Kenya Head of Programs, Collaborates with Kenya CRS staff in all sectors, and technical advisors from regional and HQ office. Close working relationships with the PFRH Engineer, Diocese of Malindi representatives, and staff of both the PFRH and DAP, also based in the Diocese of Malindi.
External:County and Sub-County Governments, area Service Providers, including Health clinics/ hospital, local schools, the Magistrates’ Courts, DAP staff, Clergy and other affiliates, etc.
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
· Serves with Integrity
· Models Stewardship
· Cultivates Constructive Relationships
· Promotes Learning
Selection Criteria:
Applicants must provide a statement of claims addressing the selection criteria below, which should detail suitability to perform the duties of the position including personal qualities, experience, skills, and knowledge relative to the selection criteria: sound knowledge of psychosocial wellbeing and child protection, gender-responsive programming, and public systems and service improvement in coastal Kenya.
Qualifications:
- A university degree in Social Work, health or other relevant area of study.
- At least 5 years’ experience in project management, especially projects related to children and protection issues.
- Experience adapting curricula and training others on an as-needed basis.
- Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills demonstrated by ability to influence change without direct authority.
- Understanding of GoK working structures including county government
- Must be ready to adhere to stipulated CRS and Diocese of Malindi Child Protection Policies.
- Knowledge of GOK strategies and policies on child protection.
- Experience with program monitoring including development of indicators, data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
Personal/Professional Skills & Abilities:
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills
- Excellent written and oral communication in English and Kiswahili. Knowledge of one local language preferred
- Excellent Computer Skills (Microsoft Office Programs)
- Training/adult education and facilitation skills
- Ability to explain advanced topics simply and clearly
- Strong listening, survey, and research skills
- Ability to assess complex programs and situations rapidly and form accurate opinions
- Ability to think strategically and innovatively
- Ability to be flexible, persistent, and diplomatic
- Should be sensitive to children’s rights and child-friendly approaches
DISCLAIMER CLAUSE
This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position
HOW TO APPLY:
Written applications indicating the reference number of position applied for and CV including day-time contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references should reach the below-mentioned by Close of Business Monday August 24, 2015;
Human Resources Manager
Catholic Relief Services – Kenya Program
E-mail: hr@ke.earo.crs.org
Please indicate the Reference Number (Ref: 2014/22) on the ‘email subject.
Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Note: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitment. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment.
