Senior Project Officer - Advancing Care Reforms

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, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that all staff treat people with dignity and respect. The agency's mission is deeply rooted in its values and guiding principles, which emphasize accountability, inclusivity, and transformative change for the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Officer for Advancing Care Reforms will play a crucial role in implementing advanced care reforms aimed at promoting safe and nurturing family care for children. This position involves collaboration with key partners such as UNICEF and the Directorate of Children’s Services (DCS) to strengthen family reunification efforts and prevent child-family separation. The officer will be responsible for supporting the capacity building of child protection practitioners, facilitating the reintegration of children from residential care to family-based care, and ensuring that caregivers receive the necessary training and support. The role requires a proactive approach to community engagement, particularly in promoting disability inclusion and addressing stigma through social cohesion initiatives. The officer will also be tasked with monitoring project activities, documenting outcomes, and ensuring compliance with CRS program quality standards and donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer will coordinate, implement, and monitor all project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. Key responsibilities include providing technical support in family strengthening activities, conducting regular household visits to assess reintegration efforts, collaborating with disability-focused organizations to support caregivers, and enhancing the engagement of faith leaders in promoting family-based care. The officer will also document project results through various formats, conduct joint support supervision with government ministries, and facilitate learning exchanges among stakeholders. Additionally, the officer will be responsible for identifying challenges and gaps in project implementation and making necessary adjustments to ensure the success of care reform initiatives.

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. Strong understanding of Kenya’s childcare and protection policy environment, including current issues in care reform, is essential. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in case management systems, community mobilization, and disability-inclusive child protection. Familiarity with Kenya's national care reform structures and experience working directly with children and families are also important qualifications.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines such as social sciences, international development, social work, or community development. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of child protection and family strengthening initiatives, as well as for effectively engaging with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of professional experience in child protection, family strengthening, or related fields. This experience should include a strong understanding of case management systems, community mobilization efforts, and the ability to work with diverse populations, including children with disabilities. Experience in conducting assessments and working directly with families is also necessary to ensure effective implementation of care reform initiatives.

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. These language skills are essential for engaging with stakeholders and documenting project outcomes.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to involve 50% travel within the project areas of operation. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. Candidates from marginalized backgrounds and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates should be cautious of any individuals or agencies claiming to represent CRS for employment opportunities.