Child Protection Specialist 161 views0 applications

Job Title: Child Protection Specialist (I/N)
Grade: 6
Level: Senior Specialist
Salary: TBD
Division: Programs
Department: Processing Support
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

CWS RSC Africa
The Resettlement Support Center (CWS RSC Africa) operates a US refugee resettlement program in sub-Saharan Africa through a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. CWS RSC Africa is responsible for the preparation of refugee case files for adjudication by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, as well as the out-processing and cultural orientation of all approved cases. CWS RSC Africa is administered by the Church World Service Immigration Refugee Program (CWS/IRP) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a sub-office in Pretoria, South Africa.

EEOC
Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or the provision of services.
Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only those individuals shortlisted will be contacted.

To Apply:
Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.
https://rscafrica.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2d9enfrpgyc?preview=1

Please note CWS RSC Africa does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.

Eligibility List
The eligibility list established as a result of this job posting will be used for a minimum of six months or until the list is exhausted. This list will be used to fill any current and immediate future vacancies. Individuals who are interested in this position should submit their application materials now.

Communication
Please note CWS RSC Africa uses e-mail for all recruitment contacts. Please be sure to check your e-mail regularly.

Application Materials
Your application materials should clearly indicate how you meet the requirements of the position. Be sure your resume is in an easy to read format. Dates of employment on your resume should be in mm/yy format.

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for overseeing the processing of refugee cases that include minor children in vulnerable situations and/or outside of the nuclear family structure. The Specialist ensures that RSC Africa’s standard operating procedures are strictly followed and those processing decisions are in the best interest of the minor. This position works closely with the field teams and Nairobi-based management.

Supervision

This position reports directly to the Protection Supervisor.

Essential Duties

1. Provides training on interviewing, completion of the minor questionnaire, and analysis of the BID.
2. Drafts SOPs on minor processing and monitor implementation of SOPs.
3. Monitors weekly minor reports to identify urgent cases and to move cases more quickly through the pipeline.
4. Liaises with UNHCR, PRM, CIS, RPC and RAs on issues related to minors.
5. Determines, in conjunction with other partners, the best resettlement options for all minors other than M1 and M5. When necessary, counsels minors (and their non-parent guardians) about the various resettlement options available, the realities of life in the US, and benefits of the refugee foster care program, etc.
6. Serves as focal point and provides technical expertise for field team staff during circuit rides.
7. When the child is at immediate risk, coordinates with other partners to ensure appropriate action is taken.
8. Drafts regular reports and analysis and submits quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or four (4) years of paid work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of paid work experience is required.
• Two (2) years of related experience in child protection in refugee contexts is required.
• Overseas experience in a developing country is preferred.
• Second language an advantage; Somali, French, Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili or Arabic preferred.
• Experience with overseas processing or US Refugee Resettlement preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Through knowledge of the US Refugee Admissions Program and WRAPS database.
• Strong verbal and written English language skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• High level of professionalism especially with partners.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

Abilities:

The Child Protection Specialist must have the ability to:

• work as part of team in a multi-cultural environment;
• take initiative in formulating procedures and training plans to improve operations;
• ensure policies and procedures are implemented and executed in accordance with guidelines and standard operating procedures;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;
• travel extensively throughout the regions, sometimes on short notice and under difficult conditions;
• travel in sub-Sahara Africa on short notice and under difficult conditions to meet demands of a dynamic operational program;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• follow instructions from the Supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude;
• exercise good judgement and seek guidance as appropriate when confronted with unanticipated problems;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;
• take initiative in the development and completion of projects;
• lead others and address issues as they arise;
• maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information;
• manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;
• analyze and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage RSC Africa’s resources;
• actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)

Working Conditions

Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.

Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to excessive noise, moving machinery, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, non-ventilated spaces and working in confined quarters.

Special Requirements

Background check is required before the start of employment. A valid U.S. passport and the ability to maintain a valid U.S. passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification

None required.

Competencies

Communication

Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships**

Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge

Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork

Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving

Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Program Planning and Management

Organize work and/or plan projects and ensure timely completion and/or successful implementation. Examples of skills and behaviors include identifying and analyzing program options; identifying the tasks and deliverables required for successful completion; managing one’s time; monitoring the resources involved and ensuring that they are directed most effectively; and working with all involved to ensure successful completion.

Leadership

Guide and direct oneself or other individuals and groups toward a desired outcome. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking the appropriate level of initiative to resolve problems or remove obstacles, bringing individuals together around a common goal; evaluating information and making decisions; navigating conflict and obstacles; and ensuring that communication takes place between all parties involved.

Resource Building and Stewardship

Balance the acquisition or investment of organization resources with responsible use of those resources in line with the organization’s mission. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking advantage of all opportunities to cultivate potential donors; evaluating situations to identify the best use of resources; and making responsible investments of resources that increase organization effectiveness.