SARU Child Protection Specialist

Primary Purpose:

This is a full time position within SARU which identifies and drafts U.S. Embassy referrals for submission to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in Africa. CWS/RSC Africa will identify and prepare  reports to identify and/or determine the best interest of unaccompanied and separated children, with the goal of identifying durable solutions for them, including resettlement through the USRAP. The primary function of the Child Protection Specialist is to support the SARU team by not only being a child protection expert but also ensuring case quality.

Responsibilities

Working Environment

• Regular travel to the field
• In-office work while in Nairobi

Essential Duties:

The Child Protection Specialist will be expected to:

• Complete all duties in accordance with PRM, RPC, CWS and RSC Africa Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including country-specific resettlement, confidential case management protocols, and (child) protection.
• Monitor outstanding cases, make assessments and follow-up with relevant partners to ensure smooth processing of referral submissions.
• Developing child safeguarding and protection policies to fit the needs of the population being served.
• Ensure that ARDU/SARU staff resources such as current processing practices and approaches in Child Protection and determining the best interests of the children are updated.
• Train staff on child protection and safeguarding to ensure dignified processing throughout all stages in the pipeline.
• Analyze all information and interview unaccompanied and separated children, with possible, home visits for the purpose of determining the best interest of the children.
• Contribute towards identifying resettlement cases, compiling interview lists, scheduling interviews, as well as carrying out resettlement interviews with the goal of completing referrals.
• Complete and update all case files and START database records per PRM/RPC guidelines.
• Maintain updated knowledge of current refugee situations, with an emphasis on child refugee populations, served in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Be available, to answer any specific technical questions raised by the team when it comes to child protection cases.
• Actively participate as a member of the SARU team and comply with CWS’ security requirements.
• Assist in developing SOPs and process flow to ensure efficient and effective processing of cases being considered or in the USRAP.
• Communicate challenges related to casework, logistics and relationship with partners to RSC management in a timely
• Submit reports as needed, to SARU/RSC management.
• Undertake additional assigned duties while in the field or at the CWS/RSC Africa office to support SARU and CWS/RSC Africa, including administrative tasks.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Five (5) year’s work experience required
• Eighteen (18) months of related experience in child protection or child welfare is required.
• Previous confidential case management experience, including use of age-appropriate and gender-sensitive interview techniques is required.
• Experience working in a child protection framework is required. USRAP casework experience is desirable.
• Four (4) years relevant work experience is preferred.

Skills:

• Thorough and demonstrated knowledge of international child protection frameworks and Best Interests Procedure Guidelines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USRAP resettlement processes.
• Excellent interviewing and counseling skills.
• Excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English; secondary language skills in Kiswahili, French or any other African regional language preferred.
• Previous assessment/ monitoring and evaluation skills preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Strong computer skills, in particular with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences, law (or a related field of study), or four (4) years additional work experience in a similar field required, in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree in a related field of study is preferred