Child Protection Specialist (International) at Church World Service

Division: Programs

Department: Processing Support

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for overseeing the case 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

• Provides training to RSC staff on minor case processing, minor counselling, child friendly interviewing techniques, and analysis of the BID.
• Reviews, updates and drafts SOPs on minor processing and monitors implementation of SOPs.
• Monitors weekly minor reports to identify urgent cases and to move cases more quickly through the USRAP pipeline through effective case management and pipeline management.
• Liaises with UNHCR, PRM, CIS, RPC and RAs on issues related to minors.
• Represents RSC Africa at Nairobi BID panels and provides technical expertise and training to partners on USRAP minor case processing
• Determines, in conjunction with other partners, the best resettlement options for all minors. 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.
• Ensures the completion and quality of all minor questionnaires through regular review and feedback
• When the child is at immediate risk, coordinates with other partners to ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Reviews, updates and 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.