SENIOR SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTION OFFICER

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest development co-operation organisation and the second biggest organisation in Finland working in humanitarian aid. FCA is a founding member of the international aid alliance of churches, ACT Alliance. FCA seeks positive change by supporting the most vulnerable people in fragile contexts. We specialize in supporting local communities’ right to peace, livelihoods and quality education.

In Kenya, FCA has been working since 2014 in all three thematic areas, supporting local communities and governments to resolve and prevent conflicts in five counties of northern Kenya; providing access to primary education in Turkana, Garissa, Marsabit, West Pokot and Samburu, Kenya’s poorest counties; and improving access to quality education for children, youth and their families with holistic support mechanisms.

Finn Church Aid Kenya is looking for a

Senior Safeguarding and Protection Officer – 1 Position

Primary purpose of the position

Support implementation of Safeguarding policy and practices in Kenya Country Programme, raise awareness on organizations Safeguarding policies and procedures, including the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and provide appropriate training to all FCA staff and volunteers on these measures, and provide advice to senior management team on safeguarding and legal issues.

MAIN TASKS

• Ensure FCA child protection and safeguarding policies are implemented according to organizational standards and legal requirements.
• Ensure all FCA projects are compliant with safeguarding and protection protocols as required by organisation and its different donors, including MFA Finland, PRM, UNICEF, UNHCR, and WUSC, among others.
• Organize and facilitate safeguarding and PSEAH awareness sessions and mandatory trainings for staff (both National and Incentive staff), volunteers, consultants and partners, and ensure they are aware of the related practices and expected behaviour
• Work with program staff to ensure that programmes and operations are integrating safeguarding/protection into all activities, to prevent (or address) situations where children or vulnerable adults may be put at risk of harm
• Conduct safeguarding risk assessments, identify mitigation strategies, and record, monitor, and update the status of the identified risk in collaboration with program personnel at the field level.
• Develop continuous safeguarding risk monitoring and learning based on the identified risks and challenges.
• Compile and submit reports on mandatory trainings, complaints tracking sheet, safeguarding and PSEA activities
• Ensure workplace ethics posters, safeguarding and PSEA key messages are displayed in local language at all project offices/sites.
• Communicate effectively with all staff within Kenya Country Office, to ensure that staff and beneficiaries are protected, and appropriate information is shared in a timely manner with relevant staff, and when appropriate, with external agencies.
• Support mapping of services and establishment of referral systems at project areas to ensure reported cases are referred to relevant service providers
• Provide support during safeguarding investigations
• Monitor the progress of cases, and ensure follow up on recommendations received as relevant
• Participate in relevant child protection and PSEA network meetings and work in collaboration with other stakeholders as required
• Provide guidance and training to staff and management on legal statutes for protection and safeguarding such as UNCRC, The African Charter, Children’s Act, Sexual Offenses Act etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Counselling or related discipline like Social Sciences, Social Work and Social Administration, Public Administration, etc. Master’s Degree will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 7 years of working experience and knowledge in child protection, education, social work, child safeguarding, PSEA, legal counselling, HR/people management or related areas.
• Experience and knowledge on child safeguarding and PSEA
• Strong understanding of relevant Kenyan laws and legal systems is an asset
• Experience in integrating safeguarding strategies in international development and humanitarian programs, and providing training and capacity-building activities to various stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication, facilitation and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of integrity.
• Languages: English & Kiswahili
• Proficient writing and verbal communication skills and experience in working with multicultural and remote teams
• Relevant computer software skills (Microsoft 365).
• The position involves making timely decisions