Building on this work over the years, the IRC in Sierra Leone has developed a new program framework, strategy and vision for 2016 – 2020. The country program has committed to ensuring that children, both in and out of school, have appropriate literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and will work towards the reduction and elimination of barriers to ensure that girls are equally skilled and safe as boys. In line with this commitment, and in partnership with Concern International, Restless Development and BBC Media Action, the IRC will implement the four-year Leave No Girl behind project which targets 32,500 out-of-school girls (aged 13-17) and aims to ensure they have significantly improved learning outcomes and transition to education, training or employment. Upon completion of the learning programme, girls will receive one-on-one mentorship to develop their individual transition plans.
The Protection Technical Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the overall high quality of LNGB Life Skills curriculum development, training and implementation as well as ensuring that the beneficiary safeguarding policies are implemented at the project level and monitored. S/he will provide continuous technical support and guidance to consortium staff and partners, and keep track of project progress toward intended outcomes. S/he will oversee the development of high quality and relevant Life Skills curriculum, as well as managing the work-plans of consultants and training plans. S/he will coordinate support and input from the HQ technical unit. In addition, s/he will be a focal point for the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Child Affairs (MSWGCA) and the outward facing focal point for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy Secretariat.
S/he will report to the Senior LNGB Consortium Coordinator and will receive technical guidance from the IRC’s Violence and Response Unit.
This position is contingent on funding.
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITIES
TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT
- Provide the project staff with overall technical direction and guidance in line with the program expected outcomes.
- Review the Life Skills curriculum and training manual and refine/revise as necessary to finalize.
- Manage the coordination and review process of curriculum deliverables with the Consortium partners, TU and the Ministry while ensuring the coordination and input of Ministry at key decisions points, and lead the validation workshops for curriculum approval.
- Lead the development of the Life Skills mentor training and TOT work-plans, and ensure consortium adherence to work-plans to ensure consistency of intervention delivery and quality at the district level.
- Lead the development of the Safeguarding training for the mentors and BLN facilitator TOT and monitor implementation.
- Lead the consortium in the revision/updating of the Protection Service Mapping and training of staff.
- Co-facilitate training of Consortium partners’ district-level Designated Safeguarding Officers to ensure implementation of safeguarding mechanisms, including prevention and reporting.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
- Oversee the work-plans of consultants and ensure they are meeting set deliverables to a high standard.
- Supervise the Life Skills consultant to ensure adherence to TORs and expected quality.
- Supervise the curriculum copy editors and any graphic consultants and ensure adherence to TORs and quality standards.
- Support the development and any revisions of the monitoring plan regarding the Life Skills related curriculum outcomes/outputs. Also support the development of the tools in close collaboration with the Consortium M&E Coordinator.
- Review and approve partner technical reports.
- Conduct regular monitoring and technical support visits across all districts to support the Life Skills component of the project.
- Conduct regular monitoring of partners’ safeguarding mechanisms and handling framework.
- Lead the development of the guidance for the SGBV response funds working closely with IRC Finance Department and partners.
COORDINATION AND REPRESENTATION
- Proactively build strong working alliances with partners and government partners in the relevant ministries.
- Organize periodic meetings with the Consortia partners and TU in order to discuss progress, discuss challenges and solutions, and follow up on the execution of agreed action points.
- As requested by supervisor, represent the consortium and the IRC to DFID and other external stakeholders, on the Life Skills/mentoring component of the project.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in education, social protection, or related field.
- At least 8 years of relevant program experience with an international organization in a development setting.
- Strong verbal communication skills and effective in representation and liaison with external actors, including government officials.
- Knowledge of child protection and other safeguarding policies.
- Experience in conducting training, orientation and refresher sessions with diverse teams and community groups.
- Experience in providing technical assistance to government and/or organizations in Life Skills curriculum development, training, out of school youth programming, or protection and proven track record of success.
- Excellent spoken and technical writing ability in English, including report writing.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, positive and professional attitude, ability to lead and work well in a team setting and with multiple partners.
More Information
- Job City Freetown
