Child Protection Advisor Job at Plan International in Kenya May 2014
Position: Child Protection Advisor
Grade: D1
Department & Location: Programs, CO
Reports to (position): Strategic Program Support Manager
Purpose (How does this post support Plan’s strategy and mission?): Founded in 1937, Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children’s development organizations in the world.
We work in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty particularly those who are excluded or marginalized. We deliver high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits and work in partnership with others.
Plan’s vision is of a world in which all children realize their full potential in societies that respect people’s rights and dignity. Plan is independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations and is an equal opportunity employer.
To provide strategic and technical leadership and support in the design and implementation of projects/programmes that effectively improve and deliver on the well-being and rights of children in Kenya and increase effectiveness of child protection systems and mechanisms at family, community and institutional levels.
The post holder will coordinate the Inclusion and Protection program portfolio to ensure the highest level of project quality and overall impact on the lives of children.
This will encompass strengthening adherence to child protection and programming policies and procedures, and promoting a culture for delivery of results, both short and long term.
Dimensions of Role: The post holder will report to the Strategic Program Support Manager. S/he works with Programme staff at the Program Unit (PU) and Country Office in the entire project management cycle.
S/he will work with relevant Plan staff in child protection case management processes.
The post holder directly manages a national level engagement programme budget at the Country Office.
Typical Responsibilities – Key End Results of Position:
Key Responsibilities
- Promote and support integration of child rights and protection in all Plan Kenya Country programs;
- Ensure Child Protection Policy Implementation Standards are implemented and monitored.
- Spearhead the implementation of CCCD Standards across the different projects and programmes.
- Support building of strategic partnerships and alliances, at national and county levels for effective implementation of the Right to inclusion and protection country program;
- Facilitate development of innovative child rights and child protection initiatives that have greater impact in realizing the right to inclusion and protection for children;
- Oversee and support implementation of the Right to Inclusion and Protection Country Programs in all the 8 Program Units while ensuring it is aligned to the Country Strategic Plan and Plan’s Regional and Global Strategies;
- Promote inclusion and participation of marginalized, minorities and vulnerable groups such as OVCs, children living and children with disabilities in Plan Programs;
- Participate and facilitate engagement with relevant Government Ministries and departments at different levels (national, county, regional and international) on child protection and child rights while ensuring local-national linkages;
- Promote strategic engagement with the Government especially the Children’s Department on UNCRC/ACRWC/National Plan of Action for Children/Kenya Children’s Assembly initiatives amongst others.
- Provide strategic guidance and technical support on child Rights programming (i.e. assessment, design, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting) to staff and partners at Program Unit and Country levels;
- Facilitate and participate in action research, M&E and reporting on child protection and use results to influence laws, policies and programs on child protection;
- Facilitate and participate in sharing and learning to enhance child rights programming and protection at Program Unit and Country Levels;
- Facilitate reporting of CP incidences; documentation of programme experiences and good practices; and disseminate the information to influence policy and practice;
Dealing with Problems: The post holder will demonstrate the ability to problem solve, thinking strategically while introducing innovations as needed to meet the child protection and child rights programming according to Plan’s standards.
Communications and Working Relationships: Effective working relationships within Plan are also essential, including the country management team (CMT), Strategic Program Team members, PUMs, M&E teams, Project Managers, Project Officers, Program Coordinators/Child Protection focal points, Grants team, Finance and Administration teams and Human Resources Department. Close collaboration with the regional office and national offices.
To maximize overall program impact through the optimized contributions of others, the post holder will be required to initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with government line ministries, UN agencies, INGOs, donors, implementing partners and other local organizations and networks.
Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:
Educational Qualifications
- Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social studies, law or international human rights (preferred) or related studies.
- At least 5 years relevant work experience in, Child Rights, Child Protection and Advocacy with National/ International NGO or other institutions.
- Experience in rights-based approaches to development including engaging with government and multilateral institution.
- Demonstrated knowledge of child protection systems and mechanism in Kenya
- Demonstrated work experience working with poor and marginalized communities and specific child related programming
- Demonstrated advocacy experience at a national and county level.
Key Skills
- Excellent analytical, synthesis and presentation skills
- Excellent interpersonal & communication
- Strong planning and organising
- Strong lobbying, negotiation and advocacy
- Strong research and documentation
- Partnership building and networking
Key Behaviours
- Acts with high degree of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism.
- Positive Disposition – Builds relationships and relates to people in a friendly, open and accepting manner
- Innovation and committed to learning
- Communicates clearly and effectively
- Results oriented
- Respect for human rights and committed to child protection
- Passionate in dealing with child abuse and exploitation issues
Physical Environment and Demands: Typically office environment with 70% field visit demands and international travel.
Level of Contact with Children: High level – Frequent interaction with children
How to Apply
Deadline: 10/05/2014