EiE Child Protection Specialist

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is looking for a Child Protection Specialist for a permanent position. Primary purpose of the position is the development of FCA’s capacity and approach in mainstreaming child and youth protection into programmes, with focus on Right to Quality Education (R2QE) thematic work. The growth of Education in Emergencies (EiE) programming globally is increasing the need for effective, high-quality child and youth protection programmes, in complex and fragile contexts. EiE forms the majority of FCA’s R2QE work, in addition to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and education sector development. Through this recruitment, FCA wants to invest in increasing support to country offices to better address the complex protection needs of children and youth. FCA adheres to a safeguarding policy and has zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse.

Purpose of the Position:

This role is an exciting opportunity to strengthen organisational capacity to integrate child and youth protection aspects in a gender responsive and inclusive manner, in order to ensure every vulnerable person is safe in FCA’s programming. In this role, the position holder provides technical support to FCA’s Country Offices in mainstreaming child protection into education programming.

The protection specialist will be working within the Strategy Development Unit (SDU) of the organisation, reporting to the Senior Thematic Advisor, R2QE. This is a new position in Finn Church Aid (FCA). The position is based in Helsinki; however, remote work is possiblefromFCA programme countries, and from Sweden, Estonia, France, Spain and Austria, all subject to an existing valid work permit in that country. Remote work from another location in Europe can be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to valid work permit.

Key Tasks:

• Provide technical hands-on support and coaching to COs on mainstreaming gender-responsive and inclusive child protection into programming, particularly EiE projects.
• Carry out assessments of CO practices on child and youth protection and support their improvement based on the findings.
• Support COs in developing and improving the referral and follow-up mechanisms and relevant tools on country level.
• Use best practices from COs and relevant frameworks to develop practical child protection guidance and tools for education programming to be implemented globally.
• Represent FCA in jointly agreed child protection networks for mutual learning.
• Work together with FCA Senior thematic advisors on R2QE and TVET to ensure strategic alignment of child and youth protection activities across all education programmes.
• Work in close collaboration with CO safeguarding focal points and coordinate with relevant staff in Service and Accountability Centre (SAC), to ensure child safe programming.

Special Tasks:

• Providing in-country support to country offices, approximately 50% of working time.
• Supporting new humanitarian operations (EiE) to establish appropriate child protection measures from the beginning of the response.

Required Skills and Experience:

• International experience of Education in Emergencies programming and integration of child protection into EiE.
• Strong technical knowledge and working experience on child protection and safeguarding, preferably in humanitarian settings.
• Understanding of principles, practices, INEE and CPHA minimum standards and policy priorities related to child and youth protection.
• Competence and experience on gender mainstreaming and disability inclusion.
• Experience in capacity building on child and youth protection.
• Expertise on safeguarding of children and other vulnerable persons.
• Experience and understanding of MHPSS considered an advantage.
• Ability to undertake significant and regular international travel.
• Strong skills and experience of working as a part of and with field teams and partners of diverse cultures and capacities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multicultural context including influencing, negotiation and coaching, with both internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree in social science, humanitarian studies, education, child protection or related field.
• At least five years’ experience, of which at least 2 years in child protection in humanitarian and development contexts.
• Fluent spoken and written English required, French and/or Arabic considered an advantage.

The position is permanent, with six months’ probation period, starting as soon as possible. The compensation is based on FCA salary scale and the candidate’s level of experience.

For more information, please contact Senior Thematic Advisor Ms. Kirsi Peltola by e-mail Kirsi.peltola@kua.fi.

Please apply by using the link no later than on 17th of September 2023. Applicants will be short-listed and contacted for an interview on a progressive basis.

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest development co-operation organization and the second biggest organization in Finland working in humanitarian aid. FCA is a founding member of the international aid alliance of churches, the ACT Alliance. We seek positive change by supporting the most vulnerable people in fragile contexts. We specialize in supporting local communities’ right to peace, livelihoods and quality education. Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.

FCA practices zero tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, including child abuse in all forms. FCA has zero tolerance concerning aid diversion and illegal actions and may screen applicants against international lists to ensure due diligence and compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.

FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).

How to apply

https://fca.rekrytointi.com/paikat/?o=A_A&jid=656