The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

ROLE PURPOSE

Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice.

We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Dimensions of the Role

Plan international is a lead child protection partner of UNHCR in Nduta, Nyarugusu and Mtendeli refugee camps and works to mobilize refugee communities to play an effective role in protecting the rights of children. In partnership with the Community based Officer, the Social Worker will establish and strengthen community based structures and support their activities which monitor, prevent and respond to child protection concerns.  

Accountabilities

• Support the nomination/forming of community based child protection structures, including Child Protection Committees (CPCs), Child Clubs and Foster Support Groups and ensure they are functional as per agreed TORs
• Actively contribute to the capacity building of child protection structures, through targeted training and collaboration with humanitarian partners (e.g. on community mobilization, PRA techniques, identifying and responding to child protection issues)
• Assist community based structures to identify child protection risks and issues, and develop action plans to address them, on self-help basis or using the resources available in the community
• Attend weekly/monthly meetings and ensure community based structures are supported to implement their plans, such as the timely provision of information, materials and resources are provided for activities and events
• Provide administrative support, including record keeping, minute taking and correspondence relating to key target groups and stakeholders
• Ensure that all community based structures are coordinating with each other effectively, to monitor the child protection situation and for timely achievement of common objectives. This includes supporting linkages between child friendly spaces, youth centres, case management services, peer educators and other community structures in the camp
• Support structures to promote the inclusion of marginalized and minority groups and ensure meaningful child participation in child protection activities
• Raise the profile of Child Clubs with partners and other community structures, so that they are regularly consulted/engaged in decision making processes within the camp (e.g. participatory assessments, design of child-centred spaces and processes)
• Liaise with zone leaders and parents to introduce Plan programme activities and encourage community involvement in programme implementation and monitoring
• Organise/conduct community awareness raising sessions
• Maintain accurate and appropriate records of all work undertaken for monitoring and reporting purposes
• Compile weekly and monthly reports on all activities, indicators, case studies and lessons learned and share with the Community Based Officer per agreed schedule
• Adhere to child protection policy and reporting procedures

Dealing with Problems:

• The position involves resolving a wide range of challenges which occur in managing different people with different background and culture. The position holder will be required to demonstrate attributes such as honest and trustworthy, respectful, possess cultural awareness and sensitivity, be flexible and demonstrate sound work ethics. S/he will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, be creative while providing support.

Communications and Working Relationships:

• The post holder will work closely with the emergency team staff, including social workers (case management and PSS), child protection officers, CP Coordinator and CP Manager and CPiE Specialist.

SKILLS SPECIFIC TO THE POST

• Demonstrated commitment and experience of participatory planning and monitoring
• Excellent facilitation skills
• Proficient in team building and community mobilization/work
• Strong interpersonal, networking and advocacy skills
• Use a rights-based approach in child protection
• Understanding of emergencies with basic technical knowledge of child protection, WASH and EiE
• Good written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili
• Knowledge of French and Kirundi is desirable
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Proficient in computer skills and ability to work under stress and in stressful environments

• frequent and sustained interactions with community members and members of other humanitarian actors.

Technical expertise, skills, and knowledge

Qualifications and experience

• Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, International Development, Social Science or related field with a minimum of 2 years work experience in related field.
• Experience, or demonstrable commitment towards, the implementation and monitoring of community managed projects within an NGO environment
• Good awareness of current issues in the field of development and emergencies, with familiarity of children’s issues in particular.

KEY BEHAVIOURS

• Relates to people in a friendly, open and accepting manner
• Encourages others to generate, own and execute plans
• Timely and accurate in executing his/her duty
• Pays attention to detail

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

• Regular interaction with children and young people

Physical Environment

The position will be based in Nyarugusu camp.