Jordan: Protection and Safeguarding Specialist

ROLE PROFILE: 

Type of Role: Fixed-term Job

Contract Duration: 6 months – renewable based on performance & available funds

Reports to: Head of Technical and Quality Unit

Location: Amman, Jordan

Grade: Level 16

Closing Date: 06/11/2024

The Organization: 

Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice. Plan actively unites children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. Plan supports children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. Plan places a great focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind. Plan have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and is now active in more than 70 countries. Plan International Jordan was established in 2016 and has programmes in Azraq refugee camp and host communities.

Role Purpose: 

Plan International in Jordan is seeking to recruit an experienced Protection and Safeguarding Specialist to support the ongoing and planned projects at Plan International Jordan. The Protection and Safeguarding Specialist will be part of the Technical and Quality Unit which supports the programmes’ implementation unit and business development within the office. The Protection and Safeguarding Specialist will work along with the Education Specialist, Gender/SRHR Specialist, E-learning Specialist, livelihood Specialist, and the monitoring and evaluation team.

To achieve Plan International’s strategic objective under (the protection from violence) Area of Global Distinctiveness, the Specialist is expected to support in responding in the programmatic area of Child Protection and GBV specifically to: 1) improve the protective environment for children especially adolescents within the targeted areas, 2) support the implementing partners on CP and GBV related activities, 3) increase awareness on protection, GBV related issues and positive parenting skills of mothers, fathers, and caregivers, 4) increase knowledge and skills of children and adolescent boys and girls on protection and gender-responsive approaches and practices.

The Protection and Safeguarding Specialist will be based in the main office in Amman and will be responsible for supporting designing and following-up with the technical aspects of the projects implementation, strengthening the referral system as well as providing capacity building, technical expertise and follow up on Plan´s volunteers in host communities, staff and partners on GBV & CP referrals and gender responsive services. Furthermore, he/she will provide technical assistance on CP, GBV and safeguarding programming and activities, working on mainstreaming activities under other sectors. The post holder will assure quality of programming, adequate coordination and communication on GBV and CP activities as well as he/she will ensure that Plan International meets the inter-agency guidelines for case management and the minimum standards for child protection and Gender Based Violence in humanitarian actions.

Accountabilities: 

• Communicate effectively within Plan International in Jordan Head Office and with peer partners, agencies, ministries and related stakeholders. The post holder will support leading on Plan International Protection and Safeguarding components of the project including mainstreaming activities with other sectors, co-chairing the CL task force, support the case management and strengthening the referral system, through their staff and focal points from other GBV/CP service providers;
• Collaborate with other programme team members from Plan International and contribute to the capacity building of Plan Internationals staff and community volunteers including stakeholders and protection service providers within host communities;
• Coordinate and support a coherent and effective implementation of the Protection and Safeguarding components of Plan International’s humanitarian response activities, using a results-based approach incorporating creativity, innovation, and responsiveness to the needs, and thorough monitoring and reporting in order to ensure proper programme development as well as Quality Management;
• Act as a main safeguarding focal point and work closely with the safeguarding committee members on; conducting SGCYPP trainings, briefing and inductions, responding with the SG committee to SG concerns raised as appropriate and as per the standards, supporting the SG self-assessment exercises jointly with main FPs from other departments, and supporting maintain and safe and inclusive environment within the office, and making sure that all projects' events are in line with the safeguarding framework;
• Stay abreast of developments in CP, GBV and Safeguarding and integrate best practices into program design and implementation;
• Respond promptly to protection and safeguarding cases and ensure survivors receive necessary support and services.

In Collaboration with the Gender/SRHR Specialist, CPiE Coordinator and field teams, the PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING Specialist will be responsible to:

• Ensure Protection and Safeguarding cases including children at risk are identified in a safe and confidential way in accordance with the referral pathway and through the enhanced capacity of Protection and Safeguarding service providers, and received individual case management support by ensuring standard tools, procedures and SOPs are in place and adhered to by field team members;
• Coordinate with other Protection and Safeguarding service providers and partners on case management services including strengthening and implementation of referral pathway system for safe identification and referrals and regularly update PIJO activities on the service mapping for the CP & GBV sectors;
• Support mainstreaming and inclusion of Protection and Safeguarding related issues in ongoing programming.

Support in Programme Design, Development and Implementation:

• Support the conduction of rapid and detailed child-led CP risk mapping and GBV safety audit assessments in new target areas; identify barriers and risk faced by girls and boys and determine priorities, immediate activities, and required resources;
• Provide timely feedback on the ongoing activities and propose amendments as needed and way forward/mitigation measures to challenges faced;
• Contribute to proposal development (narrative and budget) by providing relevant inputs on CP GBV related aspects in close coordination with the technical unit and project management team as well as engaging in resource mobilization efforts to support joint programming;
• Contribute to the development of the Protection and Safeguarding program strategic direction for responding to the needs of women, girls, boys and men;
• Provide technical support to revise and develop contextualized training and IEC materials and coordinate/facilitate the use of these materials during training and community awareness sessions on CP GBV;
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, community leaders, and local CBO’s, to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives and local contexts in program design and implementation, taking in consideration the national priorities;
• Promote male engagement strategies in CP GBV programming and support the identification of promising practices on male involvement in prevention and response;
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop Plan programs;

Monitoring, Implementation and Reporting:

• Work closely with Plan International Jordan’s Project implementation teams to ensure that implementation and monitoring of activities are implemented in a coordinated and phased manner, in accordance with Plan International’s guide lines, best practices and policy;
• Provide technical guidance and support to field staff and partners in implementing monitoring and evaluation plans, ensuring adherence to quality standards and best practices;
• Participate in program reviews, evaluations, and learning events to reflect on program achievements and challenges, share lessons learned, and contribute to continuous improvement;
• Ensure that ethical, confidential and sound data collection and information management systems are in place for appropriate CP GBV analysis, planning, evaluation, and advocacy in accordance to Plan International´s Data Security Policies;
• Identify and raise technical challenges partners face in the delivery of GBV relevant activities and services and propose tools and mechanisms to overcome them in a timely manner;
• Lead the development and facilitation of trainings/workshops for Plan community volunteers as well as relevant partner staff and service providers on Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and reporting systems and approaches focusing on GBV related topics;
• As required, provide technical support for the implementation of the project’s activities, such as, adolescent girl programming, disability inclusion and approaches to outreach etc. (or any other relevant topic as identified together with Plan International technical team) including adaptation and upgrading of GBV evidence-based tools and systems;
• Support the development of M&E Framework and monitoring & evaluation plan for CP GBV related activities and indicators and ensure adherence to the plans and systems;
• Develop and roll out training plans and facilitate trainings for the community volunteers and GBV/CP service providers on monitoring, referring and reporting GBV related cases based on the assessed needs in collaboration with the technical unit;
• Support and monitor the referrals of cases as per the inter agency SOPs and referral pathways;
• Plan and undertake regular monitoring visits and meetings with relevant actors in the targeted areas in assessing the protection trends, patterns and advise on the prevention and response strategies;
• Support the analysis and reporting on programme and project progress and trends in terms of achieving results, using existing monitoring and evaluation tools and introducing new mechanisms and systems; identify constraints and resource deficiencies, and recommend corrective action;
• Consistently and proactively monitor/assess the safety and security of field teams; promptly reporting concerns or incidents to Plan International management and liaising with stakeholders and other external parties as required to maintain/enhance the security environment for Plan programs;
• Coordinate and support timely delivery of quality project and financial reporting and ensures adequacy with finance and activities;
• Lead the development and implementation of regular, participatory assessments/feedback and complaint surveys and mechanism with and for affected communities in accordance to Plan international regulations, Child Protection in Emergency Minimum Standards, Core Humanitarian Standards as well ensuring the alignment with already established systems and policies available in the camp;
• Provide inputs and consolidate weekly, monthly and quarterly progress reports on the protection related activities, training and meetings and contribute thigh-quality Plan International and donor reports on activities, indicators and achievements, as well as best practices and lessons learned;
• Maintain effective and efficient oversight, quality control and reporting systems and processes that ensure regular field monitoring and modifications as required.

Coordination and Communication:

• Attend regular calls, meetings, etc. as required by Plan International;
• Coordinate with the Communications and advocacy unit to ensure that all media related activities are in line with the Do No Harm approach and interagency guidelines and to support resource mobilization efforts by contributing to proposal preparation and development of communication and advocacy materials and related engagements;
• Share relevant information with the teams in accordance with confidentiality regulations and policies; establishing and supporting the development and revision of the proper and sound documentation and data filing system;
• Regularly attend relevant meetings in addition to co- chairing the Child labour task force with the NCFA;
• Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including donors (if required), government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors;
• In line with Child protection and GBV Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Researching, Documenting and Monitoring Gender based Violence in Emergencies, consolidate existing assessments on the GBV situation and/or work with relevant agencies and the displaced and host populations to conduct relevant participatory analyses of GBV;
• Provide technical assistance and support to national stakeholders, including ministries, in the development and implementation of CP and GBV prevention programs and initiatives;
• Facilitate coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and Local organizations, to strengthen the national response to child protection and gender-based violence;
• Contribute to the development of national strategies, action plans, and frameworks aimed at addressing child protection issues, preventing gender-based violence, and promoting safeguarding measures, and Co-lead the implementation of the national Strategy to Reduce Child Labour with NCFA.

Staff Development: 

• Maintain open and professional relations with all the team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions and different task assigned to them;
• Coordinate and/or implement training and briefing of Plan International partners in Host communities, and other key stakeholders on Protection and Safeguarding and/or related issues;
• Lead and support the orientation, on-going development/training and capacity building of Protection and Safeguarding Service Providers as well as Plan International Staff and partner staff, when required on Protection and Safeguarding referrals and gender responsive services on GBV related activities;
• Ensure refreshers and learning sessions are carried out as needed;
• Ensure that relevant Plan policies are upheld including Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings, Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, GBV Case Management Standard Operating Procedure and Core Humanitarian Standards Grant Planning & Implementation;
• Ensure timely completion and submission of regular program and staff reporting and annual performance reviews, as appropriate;

Child Protection, Gender Equality, and Inclusion: 

• Ensure that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies.

Key Relationships: 

• This position will report directly to the Head of Technical and Quality Unit
• He/ she will work closely with the Project Managers, Regional hub team and Global hub;
• High level of involvement and working with peers’ partners, local partners, and other stakeholders inside Jordan.

Technical Expertise, Skills, and Knowledge: 

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in Social Work, Social Sciences, Psychology, Public/Community Health, Human Rights or another related field;
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in implementing child protection and/or Gender Based Violence and/or Women´s Empowerment and/or Reproductive Health programs, preferable social work and/or case management in humanitarian, post-conflict recovery and/or development settings;
• At least 3 years of field experience in working with and providing services on (Early and forced marriage, child labour, disability inclusion,) to children at risk of abuse, exploitation and violence, providing gender-sensitive and child-friendly counselling services, and/or developing/implementing referral pathways and case management systems;
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building trainings
• Previous experience in emergency preparedness and response as well as prior trainings in gender and GBV issues and their application in humanitarian, conflict, recovery and development settings;
• Strong experience in CP and GBV in humanitarian or refugee settings, community-based child protection and child and youth participation required;
• Strong understanding of gender and ability to engage on gender equality issues;
• Good Experience in utilizing internationals tools such as: GBV Standard Operating Procedures; GBV Information Management System; IASC GBV Guidelines; IASC Gender Handbook; GBV Coordination Handbook; WHO Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Researching, Documenting and Monitoring Sexual Violence in Emergencies;
• Prior experience in counselling and psychosocial support will be an asset;
• Experience in developing methods, tools and programs/interventions in collaboration with government agencies, civil society, and private organizations/institutions.
• Experience of conducting assessments in emergency contexts.
• Experience of training on relevant technical areas with a variety of audiences.
• Experience of managing grants and donor’ reporting requirements of DG-ECHO is preferable;

Knowledge:

• Excellent understanding of Protection/Child Protection and GBV in emergencies programming
• Experience in designing and rolling our trainings to diverse audiences;
• Experience in working with partners to implement programming desired;
• Strong knowledge and experience in training with good facilitation skills and ability to organize and implement trainings on sensitive topics;
• Strong knowledge in planning, monitoring, evaluating programs and ongoing developments in evaluation tools and processes for protection projects;
• Knowledge and experience in M&E and participatory learning approaches.

Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with very good command of spoken and written English and Arabic:
• Excellent interpersonal qualities and the ability to work with people from a range of backgrounds, promote teamwork, flexible and able to handle pressure and conflict well in a calm and constructive manner;
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision from line manager and under pressure with competing priorities and deadlines and communicate clearly and effectively at all levels;
• Excellent negotiation, representation, and facilitation skills and the ability to work comfortably in a very sensitive environment;
• Strong organizational and work prioritization skills and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively.
• Proven facilitation skills and demonstrated experience in leading joint group efforts;
• A passion for mission driven work and personal values aligned with those of Plan International’s purpose and values;
• Commitment to Plan’s Global Gender Equality and Inclusion policy which states that the core objectives of Plan International work is to achieve gender equality, promoting gender justice, realising girls’ rights and fostering an inclusive society;

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: 

• We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential
• We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge equality in our programs and our workplace
• We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives.

Physical Environment: 

It is an Office-based environment, the office is in Plan Jordan in Amman. Regular visits to local partners offices and refugees’ camps are required

Level of contact with children: 

High contact – the job responsibilities required from this position frequent and direct contact with children. It is expected that children shall be protected at all times.

How to Apply: 

Application link: https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareerpvt?jobId=50782&company=PlanInt&st=F4CE75E0510AEC6B0077713D956C379E1C61B4E8

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Please note that only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Child Safeguarding Policy.