Family Tracing and Reunification Officer (National Staff) at Street Child

Location: Maiduguri, Borno (with travel across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe)
Reports to: Nigeria Child Protection Programme Manager
Contract duration: 10 months
Job Type: Full-time

Operational/Context Role
Street Child is looking for a dedicated Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR) Officer for our new Child Protection programme in North East Nigeria, in partnership with national NGOs. Our planned programme will include provision of psychosocial support to children in need, case management for children at risk, family tracing and reunification and livelihoods support for the most vulnerable caregivers.

The main responsibility of the Family Tracing Officer will be to support the Programme Manager in the implementation of the North-East Nigeria programme. The role will involve overseeing the partners’ case management teams in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, providing the best option for the child interest during case management of children at risk.

The position requires proven capacity of activities delivery, effective teamwork and effective collaborative work with partners. The ideal candidate would have a background in humanitarian work with a focus on child rights and child protection. The successful candidate will also have proven teamwork and communication skills. Analytical thinking as well as creativity and flexibility are also expected.

Key Responsibilities
General:

• Coordinate project activities in collaboration with the Child Protection Programme Officers and in liaison with implementing partners, communities, government and child protection agencies working;
• Coordinate Needs Assessment for the child protection programme and the preparation of reports in collaboration with the Child Protection Programme Officer and the implementing partners;
• Assist caseworkers at field level in best practice of identification, documentation, tracing, reunification, follow ups and interim family-based care services to unaccompanied, separated and missing children as well as supporting caregivers.
• Coordinate with the caseworkers and other relevant technical sectors, to ensure a rapid, proportionate and effective response;
• Conduct weekly meeting with caseworkers to review case progress and ensure data entry is completed accurately and verified;
• Work closely with implementing partners by designing and overseeing the implementation of capacity building programs, including support with CPIMS;
• Introduce case files and follow up report at coordination level with other Child Protection Strategic Work Groups;
• Willingness to travel / be in the field regularly.

Reporting:

• Keep the Child Protection Programme Manager informed on the activities of the project by providing relevant correspondence, reports and meeting minutes as well as making regular updates.
• Responsible for prompt submission of all reports to the Child Protection Programme Manager.
• Work closely with implementing partners to prepare and submit reports on approved frequency to the Programme Manager.
• Supervise the partners’ social workers case management to ensure regular follow up of case files of children at risk.
• Identify gaps in service provision to children with a special attention to UASC and CAAFAG and proactively referring and advocate for those gaps to relevant in coordination with the CP Officer.

Networking:

• Responsible for co-ordination and liaising between Street Child and local partners/other agencies/local government/local communities/displaced community, as regards to Street Child’s Child Protection programme in conjunction with the Programme Manager.

Leadership Behaviour:

• Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills;
• Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences;
• A self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility and dependability;
• An energetic team player who can effectively collaborate, and who can stand alone when necessary;
• Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.

Core Values:

• Commitment to Street Child mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm Street Child’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and in advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity;
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information;
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.
• Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal, stressful and unstable environment.
• Willingness to travel through the country in different states.

Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• University degree in social sciences equivalent
• Master degree an advantage

Experience:

• At least one year working in international development. Experience in child protection in protracted crisis / early recovery a significant advantage
• Experience in supporting people/teams.
• Experience with start-up of programmes.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with marginalized communities.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Hausa (written and spoken) and excellent writing skills.
• Kanuri is an advantage

Technical Skills:

• Strong analytical, reporting, strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Strong monitoring and evaluation skills/experience
• Empathy for communities in very difficult circumstances.
• Commitment to Child Protection principles at all times.