Child Protection Specialist Level: NOC

Terms of Reference for Temporary Appointment (TA)

Child Protection Section

Position Title: Child Protection Specialist

Level: NOC

Location: Nairobi based with travel to the field

Duration: 364 days

Reporting to: Child Protection Specialist

Justification

The TA is linked to providing direct support to the Government and stakeholders for the finalization of the Child Protection System Strategy.

It also entails strengthening the Section towards supporting the Government for the development of a CPC policy which becomes the basis for sustainability.

In addition, the TA will strengthen the Section participation in the finalization of the Social Welfare Workforce situational analysis and implementation of recommendations.

UNICEF has been collaborating with the Government and more closely with the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Development (MGCSD) since 2009, towards the development of a functional Child Protection System.

The process, which begun with the mapping and assessment of Child Protection services in Kenya, is at the stage where a road map towards consensus building on the finalization is critical.

Latest discussions have been around roles and responsibilities of key government Ministries in relation to the gaps identified.

The National Council for Children Services (NCCS) has already launched a document mapping out the roles of various stakeholders.

MGCSD is planning to hold technical discussions with senior Government officers and policy makers to conceptualize its role in coordinating the process and providing leadership to stakeholders.

This also entails setting up of a Technical Working Group (TWG) with membership drawn from Senior Government officers of line Ministries.

The National Study against Children Report (VAC) study report will inform the finalization of the Child Protection System Strategy.

The process also entails validation of the document by stakeholders before its launch and implementation.

UNICEF’s role in finalizing this process is crucial considering the Child Protection Section funded most of the initial activities.

The TA will support the Section during the critical discussions with the Government and stakeholders, and finalization of the Strategy document.

Finalization and implementation of the Child Protection System Strategy is faced with a new policy on devolution of Government services and decision making to the County level, as provided by the new Kenyan Constitution.

This is a shift from the currently centralized system which is likely to lead to a review of programmes and delivery service mechanisms in Child Protection.

The Section needs the TA to support activities aimed at providing clarity on the way services will be delivered, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in Child Protection in relation to the System capacity building.

MGCSG among other line Ministries is faced with the need for a reorganization of services to suit the new requirements and training of social workers.

The TA will support the Section to liaise with the relevant Government departments to identify areas that require attention in order to comply with the new directives.

With the successful piloting of the Child Protection Centers (CPC) concept in Malindi and Garissa, there are important lessons learnt that will guide the scale up process. Malindi CPC, which is under MGCSD, has initiated an outreach programme where services are taken closer to the community.

The initiative has proved very effective. Local leaders are trained to coordinate Child Protection services at the village level, and use of local resources.

UNICEF is supporting MGCSD to advance this concept which provides possibilities of reaching more children at the community level. The referral system is an important component of the System and will facilitate the reintegration of street children with their families, among other vulnerable children.

The Child Protection Section wants to engage the TA to strengthen the team in UNICEF that will be directly involved in these activities to provide direction for the scale up of CPCs and capacity building of personnel. This assistance will also support the development of the CPC policy which is geared towards sustainability.

UNICEF has been partnering with Government and stakeholders in carrying out a Situational Analysis of the Social Welfare Workforce in Child Protection.

This is a follow up of a Regional Conference that took place in South Africa in early 2011, aimed at establishing capacity gaps of personnel in Child Protection. At the same time, the mapping of Child Protection services in Kenya, carried out in 2009 had identified qualified personnel as a major gap.

The Situational Analysis will lead to the definition of the social welfare workforce at various levels in view of qualifications and relevance. It has been argued that that not everyone can qualify to be classified as a social worker and more so in Child Protection.

The development of training packages for the various categories of the Social Welfare Workforce will provide opportunities for training staff in the appropriate courses and engagement.

The Child Protection Section will require the TA to support the team in participating to discussions with the relevant Government ministries and training institutions for the finalization of the Situational Analysis and implementation of its recommendations.

Scope of Work

1) Child Protection System Strategy document finalized and launched:

• Participate in consultative meetings leading to the agreed road map for finalization of the document;
• Participate in the technical meetings of the government officials and the technical team leading to the updated draft;
• Participate in the validation exercise and finalization of the document;
• Participate in preparation of the launch and the development of the way forward in implementation;
• Assist the Section in updating progress through provision of update reports.

2) CPC concept operationalized and a policy document developed:

• Participate in consultative meetings leading to the development of a CPC policy document;
• Support the development of the CPC capacity building tool and training of key personnel;
• Follow up the scale up of the CPC outreach programme in the selected districts ( Malindi Mombasa, Eldoret and Garissa) where the CPC concept is already being implemented;
• Support the Section to collaborate with the Government in strengthening reintegration of street children back to communities;
• Support the development of the referral system which is a key component of the Child Protection System.

3) Child Protection programme aligned around the devolved Government:

• Participate in decision making meetings and activities leading to alignment of Child protection programmes in view of devolved services;
• Alignment of the Child Protection System Strategy with the new Policy on devolvement of services at County level.

4) Social Welfare Workforce Situation Analysis finalized and recommendations implemented:

• Participate in the finalization of the Situation Analysis of the Social Welfare workforce;
• Participate in discussions and activities leading to the categorization of social welfare personnel, especially in the Government;
• Participate in consultations between the Government and training institutions towards the development of a capacity building package for various categories of Social welfare officers.

RWPPCR/IRs areas covered

IR 1: The Government has the capacity to coordinate and demonstrate the system approach to Child Protection;

IR 2: Roles and responsibilities of Child Protection duty bearers articulate in policies, guidelines, regulations and legal framework.

Remuneration

The position is at NO-C level.

Desired background and experience

• Experience in engaging discussions on policy issues at high political level;
• Understanding of Government structures and accessibility to Senior high level Officials;
• Capacity to work with the government, civil society organizations and the public at various levels;
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills in drafting Strategy documents and operational plans;
• An advanced Degree in Social Development;
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in management of social work, family placement, policy development and general Child Protection Programming, in particular with the Government of Kenya;
• Knowledge in current debates on Child protection arena, care and protection of orphans and vulnerable children and social protection debates;
• Good coordination and communication skills.

Conditions (Important)

Please consult with HR on entitlements as many are set by UNICEF rules.

Applications quoting reference number KCO/CP/2012-014 should be addressed to:

Human Resources Manager
UNICEF Kenya Country Office
Email: kenyahrvacancies@unicef.org

Closing date for receipt of applications is 03 April 2012.