Tracing Assistant at Kenya Red Cross Society

Overall Purpose

Responsible to the Tracing Officer for implementing an effective system for restoring family links after the separation of families as a result of conflict, war and natural disasters so as to alleviate anxiety and worry on account of displacement and disappearance of people. Specific responsibilities include exchange of Red Cross Messages, broadcasting names of missing persons, facilitating the acquisition of certificates, training and building the capacity of staff and volunteers as well as maintaining an updated database of missing persons.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate the exchange of Red Cross Messages (RCM) to restore family links and maintain the link.
• Coordinate the broadcast of names of missing people on public media such as the BBC in the case of Somali community.
• Coordinate the transmission of birth certificates, personal identifications and educational documents for refugees living in camps and who require these documents from their home country.
• Maintain and update database system for facilitating the tracing and restoration of family ties caused by displacement or disappearance of persons resulting from conflict situations or disasters.
• Implement training and capacity building programmes aimed at equipping and strengthening staff, volunteers and communities with capacity to conduct tracing of missing persons
• Participate in lobby and advocacy programmes that facilitate the restoration of family links after disasters, conflicts or war.
• Represent the Society at meetings, conferences and workshops and other forums to promote the activities of KRCS and articulate issues related to humanitarian relief.
• Prepare periodic progress reports and annual reports in relation to tracing activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant Diploma in Community Development or equivalent qualifications
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in planning, implementing and evaluating effective tracing programmes.

Desired Competencies

• Knowledge of humanitarian relief issues, trends and goals at national, regional and international levels aimed at preventing and alleviating human suffering
• Strong communication and presentation skills in both English and Kiswahili, including ability to develop reports and prepare relevant publications
• Ability to participate in accountability and performance management systems, 
• Ability to maintain high standards of personal integrity; establishing productive relationships; treating individuals with fairness and respect 
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, data-base, email and utilization of the internet