Advancing Care Reforms, Senior Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving individuals regardless of race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS values diversity and welcomes staff from all faiths and secular traditions who share its mission and values. The agency's talent acquisition procedures reflect a commitment to protecting individuals from harm and ensuring a respectful workplace.

Job Overview:
The Advancing Care Reforms, Senior Project Officer will play a crucial role in implementing advanced care reforms in collaboration with key partners such as UNICEF and the Directorate of Children’s Services (DCS). This position focuses on promoting safe and nurturing family care for children, strengthening families, and preventing child-family separation. The officer will work closely with DCS at both national and county levels, particularly in Kisumu County, to ensure the effective implementation of national care reforms. Responsibilities include supporting the reintegration of children from residential care to family-based care, providing training and support to child protection practitioners, and enhancing family-based care options for children. The role also involves community engagement to reduce stigma and discrimination against children with disabilities and their caregivers, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and services. The officer will lead initiatives aimed at fostering knowledge and attitudinal change within communities, thereby promoting inclusive family-based care.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring project activities as per the detailed implementation plan. Key responsibilities include providing technical support in the assessment and planning of family strengthening activities, monitoring challenges and gaps, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote reintegration of children. The officer will conduct household visits, offer mentorship to caregivers and child protection practitioners, and engage with faith leaders to promote family-based care. Additionally, the officer will document project results, conduct joint support supervision with government ministries, and support quality improvement initiatives. The role requires maintaining networks with partners to ensure comprehensive support for children and families, as well as documenting lessons learned and best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international development, social work, community development, or a related field. A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in child protection, family strengthening, or related social work fields is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of Kenya’s childcare and protection policy environment, experience in case management systems, and expertise in disability-inclusive child protection. Familiarity with national care reform structures and experience working with faith and interreligious networks are also essential. The ability to provide training and technical assistance to partners and a commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults are critical.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, international development, social work, or community development. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of child protection and family strengthening initiatives, as well as the policies and practices that govern these areas.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3 years of professional experience in child protection, family strengthening, or related social work fields. This experience should include a strong understanding of case management systems, community mobilization, and the ability to work directly with children and families. Experience in both county-level and community settings, particularly in care reform, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, with the ability to draft and edit reports. Proficiency in Kiswahili is also required for effective communication within the local context. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position involves approximately 50% travel within project areas as needed. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture. The organization is committed to safeguarding individuals from abuse and exploitation, and all candidates are expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, particularly those from marginalized communities or with disabilities.