About Refuge Point:
RefugePoint was founded in 2005 to provide lasting solutions for the world’s most vulnerable refugees. We work to fill the critical and unmet needs of people affected by war and conflict that have fallen through the net of humanitarian assistance, in particular women, children and urban refugees. As part of the RefugePoint-UNHCR Collaboration Project, the Child Protection Specialist (hereinafter “Specialist”) provides direct support to UNHCR through temporary missions to UNHCR offices throughout Africa. Assigned to one or more specific duty station(s) over the course of the contract, the Specialist is considered an “Expert on Mission” to UNHCR tasked with enhancing local refugee Child Protection capacity, in particular as it relates to Best Interest Determinations (BID) and Best Interest Assessments (BIA). On all assignments, the Specialist’s core responsibility is to provide direct casework support to UNHCR by conducting BID/BIAs for Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC). Depending on the needs of the assigned duty station(s), the Specialist may also assist in Child Protection case management activities; monitoring and evaluating existing Child Protection systems; and capacity building through training, mentoring, and other activities. Where one has not been designated, the Specialist may be the focal point for all Child Protection activities in the duty station(s).
Key Duties & Responsibilities (may vary according to needs of designated duty station):
1. Best Interest Determination/Assessment:
- Conduct BID/BIAs in accordance with best practice guidelines, including conducting child-friendly interviews and home visits;
- Provide technical guidance on BID/BIA matters, including internal review of casework;
- As part of the BID/BIA process, refer UASC to available services as appropriate.
2. Child Protection Capacity Building
- Strengthen Child Protection capacity by providing training and/or mentoring for UNHCR and NGO staff, as needed;
- Advocate within the duty station for the prioritization of Child Protection activities, standards, and best practices;
- Evaluate and strengthen linkage between BID/BIAs and referral of UASC to needed services.
- Assist with Mission Planning and Execution (N.B. Mission members will largely need to handle their own logistics).
- Assist in the planning and preparation of Child Protection missions, as needed;
- Assist in the on-site execution of Child Protection missions, including scheduling cases, hiring and training interpreters, acquiring needed supplies, arranging transportation and work space, and managing other logistics in support of the missions;
- Assist in follow-up from missions, including reporting on accomplishments and lessons learned.
- Ensure the highest standards of professionalism (throughout all above activities)
- Adhere to both UNHCR and RefugePoint’s Code of Conduct, Standard Operating Procedures and guiding principles, and uphold the highest professional and ethical standards;
- When on assignment to UNHCR, actively participate as a member of the UNHCR team and comply with UNHCR’s security requirements;
- Be alert to opportunities or attempts at misconduct or fraud.
- Any other duties as assigned by UNHCR supervisor, in accordance with RefugePoint’s goals and agreed upon by UNHCR and RefugePoint supervisors.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, law, social sciences, or related field of study; MSW or other related advanced degree preferred;
- 2 to 5 years relevant work experience; refugee camp and international work experience preferred;
- Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable and at-risk children, particularly in cross-cultural contexts;
- Previous case management experience, including excellent organizational and time management skills;
- Excellent interviewing and counseling skills, including use of age-appropriate and gender-sensitive interview techniques;
- Strong writing and analytical skills;
- Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills; ability to work effectively with partners and cross-cultural teams, particularly in a Child Protection context; ability to navigate administrative systems and work effectively and efficiently in a structured environment;
- Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure, maintaining flexibility and attention-to-detail under challenging circumstances;
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office; knowledge of ProGres database or the ability to learn computer programs quickly an advantage;
- Ability to travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and sometimes under difficult conditions, including refugee camps;
- Ability to adhere to RefugePoint and UNHCR Code of Conduct and conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times.
How to Apply:
If you believe you are one of the several ideal candidates, please send your cover letter and an updated CV by e-mail to [email protected].
Deadline: Friday, 26th April, 2013
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