Ukraine: Alternative Care & Deinstitutionalization Specialist (Nationals only)

ROLE PURPOSE:

As a member of the Programme Development and Quality (PDQ) Department, and under the direct line-management of the Alternative Care (AC) and Deinstitutionalization (DI) Technical Advisor (TA), the Alternative Care and Deinstitutionalisation Specialist will focus primarily on working with implementing partners, developing capacities and providing technical support to SCI staff, partners staff, personnel in residential and institutional care facilities, staff in local social and child rights services. The AC & DI Specialist will also liaise with relevant local authorities on alternative care and deinstitutionalization in SCI areas of programme implementation with a focus on one specific Oblast where Save the Children has recently acquired the role of Better Care Reform Lead Agency

The AC & DI Specialist will support the implementation of alternative care and deinstitutionalization programming at field level with special focus on:

• Provide technical support on family-based alternative care for children deprived of parental care, family reunification and community-based services and supports.
• Develop capacity of partners, governmental social services and local informal CP services (local organizations and charities) on family based alternative care and care transformation.
• Liaise and effectively coordinate with authorities as well as other relevant stakeholders at field level and represent SCI within local inter-agency coordination mechanisms at rayon, hramada and oblast levels.
• The incumbent will ensure the quality of interventions, adherence to technical guidance and standards and effective coordination with relevant stakeholders.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

• Reports to: International Alternative Care (AC) and Deinstitutionalization (DI) Technical Advisor (TA)
• Staff reporting to this post: no line management responsibilities but technical support to CP (including CM and MHPSS) programme teams under the oversight of the AC & DI TA.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Alternative Care and Deinstitutionalisation Programming: 

• Provide technical oversight and support deinstitutionalization process through family based alternative care arrangements in coordination with partners.
• Support in identification and training of foster families in project locations.
• Promote partnership and collaboration with child residential and institutional care facilities, local government social and child services and communities.
• Directly manage and provide technical support for programming implemented in collaboration with the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights through Save the Children local partners.
• Track, monitor and report on deinstitutionalisation and alternative care activities being implemented by partners.
• Support in identification and assessment of child residential and institutional care facilities to establish programming to increase quality standards, transition children to family-based care, adolescents to independent living and overall transformation of the facility including support to transitioning care facility staff to community-based day time services and local social services.
• In collaboration with the MEAL department and CP Managers, facilitate the participation and feedback of children, families and communities involved in alternative care and DI programming.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the quality of activities and adherence to standards, SOPs and guidelines.
• Inform the AC & DI TAabout any challenges, difficulties and concerns in the implementation of activities or issues in the social context and in coordination with local and national authorities.
• Monitor programme implementation and report on any challenges and opportunities to adjust and improve programming.

Human Resource Management: 

• Responsible for capacity development of the implementing partners in the respective field bases based on plans and tools developed by AC & DI TA in coordination with partners, communities and governmental authorities and ensure feedback informs future training.
• Responsible for monitoring adequate and correct deployment of resources based on programming needs.
• Organize technical team meetings and coordination as planned.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and supervision for SCI programme teams and partners.

Other: 

• Implement any other task as necessary, and after discussion with the line manager.
• Ensure strict adherence to the principles of child protection and child safeguarding at all times, including respect for confidentiality and always acting in the best interests of the child.
• Comply with Save the Children policies and practices with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, law or other relevant field.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: 

• Experience and/or excellent understanding of child rights, child protection in emergencies, case management, alternative care, psychosocial support, child and youth development, child and youth resilience and empowerment.
• At least 2 years’ experience in child protection, social work or case management.
• Thorough understanding of Ukraine cultural and societal context as well as social service, child rights system and government authorities.
• Previous experience in deinstitutionalization, alternative care and working with governmental authorities is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and capacity to maintain relations with governmental officials, community leaders, children and youth.
• At least 2 years of experience in technical support and supervision of staff.
• In-depth experience in capacity assessment, and training development and facilitation in relevant topics.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in computer use including Microsoft Office and excel.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches and safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Flexibility and willingness to change work practices and hours, and spend time in the field, sometimes in difficult conditions and with limited resources, and with remote management.

How to Apply: 

Application Link: Alternative Care & Deinstitutionalization Specialist (Ukrainian Nationals only) - SCI Career Site Careers (oraclecloud.com)