Child Protection Expert

Mission Statement

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 who have fallen through the net of humanitarian assistance, in particular women, children, and urban refugees.

Main Purpose of the Position

As part of the UNHCR-RefugePoint Collaboration Project, the Child Protection Expert (hereinafter “Expert”) provides direct support to UNHCR through temporary deployments to UNHCR offices throughout Africa. Assigned to one or more specific duty station(s) over the course of the contract, the Expert is considered an “Expert on Mission” to UNHCR tasked with enhancing local refugee child protection capacity, in particular as it relates to Best Interests Assessments (BIAs) and Best Interests Determinations (BIDs). On most assignments, the Expert’s core responsibility is to provide direct casework support to UNHCR by conducting BIDs/BIAs for Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC). Depending on the needs of the assigned duty station(s), the Expert may also assist in child protection case management activities and capacity building through training, mentoring, and other activities such as monitoring and evaluating existing child protection systems. In addition, the Expert contributes to the logistical planning and execution of child protection deployments and maintains regular operational and administrative communication with RefugePoint’s Nairobi and Headquarters offices during all stages of deployments.

Essential Functions

Actual functions vary according to the circumstances of the UNHCR duty station and are outlined more specifically in Terms of Reference (TOR) particular to the assignment.

• Interviewing UASC and completing BIAs/BIDs and other child protection related casework
• Conduct BIAs/BIDs in accordance with applicable guidelines and standard operating procedures, including conducting child-friendly interviews and home visits
• Provide technical guidance on BIA/BID matters, including internal review of casework
• As part of the BIA/BID process, refer UASC to available services as appropriate
• Participate in BIA/BID panel where appropriate
• Aid in the on-site execution of child protection activities, including scheduling cases, hiring and training interpreters, acquiring needed supplies, arranging transportation and work space, and managing other logistics
• Meet set targets for number of interviews and number of BIAs/BIDs
• Training, mentoring, and other capacity building, as needed
• Strengthen child protection capacity by providing training and/or mentoring for UNHCR, NGO, and government staff, as needed
• Strengthen linkages between BIAs/BIDs and case management, including the use of BIAs/BIDs to refer UASC to needed services
• Work with UNHCR colleagues to enhance child protection programming
• Internal operational, administrative, and other reporting
• Submit timely, accurate, and informative monthly narrative and case tracking reports
• Submit timely and complete monthly Timesheets and Expense Reports
• As requested, provide thoughtful work highlights and/or visual material for external communications to donors, partners, and other constituents
• Other reporting and communication as needed
• Ensuring the highest standards of professionalism
• Adhere to both UNHCR’s and RefugePoint’s Code of Conduct, standard operating procedures and guiding principles, and uphold the highest professional and ethical standards;
• Uphold programmatic integrity by guarding against fraud and any other misconduct;
• When on assignment to UNHCR, actively participate as a member of the UNHCR team and comply with all UNHCR policies;
• At all times, actively contribute to RefugePoint’s programs by embracing a learning attitude and by engaging in lively discussion to develop professionally and improve programs.
• Any other duties as assigned by the UNHCR supervisor, in accordance with RefugePoint’s goals and agreed upon by the RefugePoint supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with refugee law, protection, and assistance, including child protection
• 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 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 progress database or the ability to learn computer programs quickly
• Ability to travel in Africa on short notice and sometimes under difficult conditions, including to refugee camps
• Ability to adhere to RefugePoint and UNHCR Code of Conduct and conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• English language fluency

Qualifications

Education: University Degree in a relevant field (e.g. international affairs, human rights and humanitarian affairs, public health, social work, anthropology, etc.).

Experience: Previous experience in a related activity in the field of child protection and/or refugee protection.