Спеціаліст_ка із захисту дітей

PURPOSE AND DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

This position is responsible for assessment, response analysis, design, coordination, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the child protection (CP) and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) components of PLAN’s emergency response in Ukraine. S/he will need to work closely and collaboratively with his/her team member CP/MHPSS specialist and co-ordinate with other Emergency Response team members and PLAN staff, especially Education in Emergencies, Cash and Voucher Assistance, , MERL and, Business Development specialist and programme team, , to ensure a rapid, proportionate and effective response. S/he will need to ensure response to immediate child protection issues focusing on with simultaneous consideration of longer term needs and possible scenarios. 

The CP Specialist will report to the Head of Programmes. The role will also have a dotted line reporting to the CP Specialist in Plan International’s Ukraine Hub to ensure there is coordination and oversight with Plan’s wider emergency response.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Assessment and Programme Development

• Develop program interventions that consider short-term and longer-term gender responsive programming to prevent and respond to the evolving risk and needs of children and adolescents in all their diversities 
• In collaboration with partners and other child protection stakeholders, conduct additional in-depth CP needs assessments as needed to capture changing CP needs and inform program design and advocacy.
• Support Business Development Manager on resource mobilisation, including identification of CP projects, development of risk assessments, needs assessments quality concept notes, proposals, and donor engagement.
• Ensure the full access and inclusion of children with disabilities in CP services.
• Provide regular updates to the Head of Programmes and wider team on progress, priorities, and constraints.
• Promote the application of best program practices in CP, as well as of Plan International global guidance and tools.
• Support Plan International Ukraine to build a diversified portfolio of funding for CP. 

Technical Support and Programme Implementation

• Ensure that there is effective planning, implementation, and coordination of inclusive child protection programming, that addresses the key child protection needs.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to Plan International Ukraine for effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of the agreed child protection plans.
• Conduct technical programme visits in co-ordination with the other member of the CP team to monitor the implementation of activities, identify opportunities and constraints and any adjustments that are needed.

Capacity-Strengthening and Technical Resources

• Oversee overall CP capacity-strengthening plans for implementation partners and local authorities
• Develop, adapt, and contextualize tools and guidance on CP in line with global inter-agency standards and tools and Plan International’s guidance and technical resources.
• Develop, adapt, and ensure harmonization of CP training packages, including content related to life skills and parenting curriculum, unaccompanied and separated children, child survivors of SGBV, case management, community-level child protection, and anti-trafficking.
• Deliver trainings to partners, government representatives, and other stakeholders.

Partnerships

• Conduct partnership scoping exercises to identify new opportunities for programming in the child protection response.
• Work together with the Partnership Coordinator to develop Partner Capacity Building Plans – tailored specifically to Child Protection.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning

• Work closely with the MERL Specialist to design and develop appropriate monitoring, evaluation and learning systems for CP interventions, and promote children’s safe participation.
• Build the capacity of CP team and partner staff to collect quantitative and qualitative data and to document key learnings from the response.
• Evaluate the implementation of CP programs and provide/enforce recommendations for improved programme design.
• Disseminate learnings as appropriate among Plan International staff, partners, and other stakeholders, in close collaboration with relevant in-country staff, and the Child Protection & MHPSS Lead, in the Ukraine Hub.

Coordination and External Representation

• Co-represent Plan International at external working groups and cluster meetings, including the Protection Cluster and Child Protection Sub-Working Group, and ensure collaboration and network with peer organisations.
• Actively contribute and align to CP Coordination Mechanisms and/or technical working groups where required. 
• Co-lead the CP sub-cluster Capacity Development working group in co-coordination with the CP/MHPSS specialist and Child Protection & MHPSS Lead, in the Ukraine Hub.
• Represent Plan International to donors, governmental and non-governmental groups as needed.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Strategy and project planning: Country director, Programme Director, Technical Teams, Partnership Coordinator, Program Team, Business Development Manager, and MERL.
• Country operations: support staff (HR, Logs, Finance,)
• Advocacy and coordination: Child Protection Sub-cluster and CP Capacity Development Working group

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge

• A University Degree in Social work, international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law or other social science field is required.
• Fluency in written and spoken Ukrainian and English languages is essential. 
• Consolidated knowledge of the national child protection system, including local laws and policies, role and responsibility of local child protection authorities, and available child protection services and supports.
• Knowledge of the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action and inter-agency guidance and tools related to unaccompanied children, alternative care, case management, family strengthening, community-level child protection, MHPSS, and cash and vouchers assistance for child protection. Additional knowledge of Sphere and the Red Cross/ NGO Code of Conduct.

 Requires general finance, administration, information management and telecommunication skills and proficiency in information technology/ computer skills.

Experience

• University degree in social work, psychology or related field.
• At least 3-5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in child protection work. 
• Experience successfully developing concept notes and proposals for donors. 
• Experience of training on child protection interventions, such as alternative care, case management, community-level child protection, and psychosocial support, with a variety of audiences.
• Experience designing and implementing programs which consider gender and inclusion and utilize cash and voucher assistance. 
• Experience of conducting rapid and in-depth child protection needs assessments in emergency contexts using inter-agency tools and guidance. 
• Experience in supervision and team management, including remote supervision and capacity-strengthening. 

Skills

• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop well-argued plans for response that can be justified and delivered, persuasive of others.
• Excellent ability to build collaborative and respectful relationships with team member, local organizations and government authorities. 
• Excellent project design, participatory learning and monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Excellent supervision and team leadership skills, including ability to motivate and support staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership and is able to support and train local and international staff and also able to work with disaster affected communities in a sensitive and participatory manner.
• Excellent negotiation, representation, skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
• Ability to operate at advanced levels of authority and manage significant activities, budgets, and resources to produce and take responsibility for results.

Behaviours

• Works with trustworthiness and integrity and has a clear commitment to Plan’s core values and humanitarian principles.
• Aware of own strengths, weaknesses and pro-active in using feedback and self-development.
• Aware of impact on others and uses impact to create positive climate at work.
• Works and lives with a flexible, adaptable and resilient manner. 
• Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity.
• Patient, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and remain responsive under pressure.
• Willingness to learn and be exposed to new learning opportunities.

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

Please submit your application altogether with Cover letter to: [email protected].