Child Protection Specialist at Church World Service

Duties

• Provides training on interviewing, completion of the minor questionnaire, and analysis of the BID.
• Drafts SOPs on minor processing and monitor implementation of SOPs.
• Monitors weekly minor reports to identify urgent cases and to move cases more quickly through the pipeline.
• Liaises with UNHCR, PRM, CIS, RPC and RAs on issues related to minors.
• 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.
• Serves as focal point and provides technical expertise for field team staff during circuit rides.
• When the child is at immediate risk, coordinates with other partners to ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Drafts regular reports and analysis and submits quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Job Qualifications

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