Child Protection Facilitator/Incentive Worker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operating in Syria since 2012, focusing on delivering essential programs in protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development. The organization has expanded its reach to various regions including Idlib, Aleppo, Raqqa, Al-Hasakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, and has recently extended its operations into Hama, Rural Damascus, and Homs. With a workforce exceeding 700 employees, the IRC has established strong trust and solid relationships with local communities, ensuring effective access to services. The IRC plays a pivotal role among NGOs and donors within Syria's coordination mechanisms, holding influential positions and continuously adapting to the evolving context. In response to recent developments and the transition to a new government, the IRC has deployed a team to Damascus to establish operations and engage in coordination mechanisms for newly accessible areas across Syria, including parts of Northeast Syria, Northwest Syria, and other regions that were previously inaccessible. The organization is currently adapting its operations to expand service coverage and improve efficiency.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Facilitator/Incentive Worker is responsible for implementing Safe Healing and Learning Spaces (SHLS) and SAFE activities, providing psychosocial, educational, and protection support to children, adolescents, and caregivers affected by displacement. This role involves facilitating structured and age-appropriate activities, including Early Childhood Development (ECD), recreational, life skills, and parenting sessions through both group and individual interventions aimed at enhancing wellbeing, resilience, protection, and learning outcomes. The position requires active participation in training organized by the IRC, adherence to the IRC Code of Conduct, and the ability to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. The facilitator will engage positively with children and adolescents, observe their needs, and ensure that all safeguarding principles are consistently applied. The role also includes collecting program data, maintaining accurate records, and communicating effectively with parents and community members to promote program activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Child Protection Facilitator/Incentive Worker include attending training organized by the IRC and participating in all required learning activities, including pre/post-tests and debriefing sessions. The facilitator must adhere to the IRC Code of Conduct at all times, both in the SHLS and within the community. Responsibilities include facilitating recreational, educational, and psychosocial activities for children and adolescents in accordance with IRC curricula and program guidelines. The facilitator is expected to create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment by effectively utilizing teaching and learning materials. They will prepare weekly activity plans, lesson plans, and daily/weekly schedules to ensure effective program implementation. Engaging positively with children and adolescents, providing support and mentorship, and promoting their wellbeing and participation are crucial aspects of the role. The facilitator will observe children with special needs, ensure their inclusion in activities, and refer them to relevant services when necessary. They must ensure all children and youth are protected from harm and that safeguarding principles are consistently applied. Additionally, the facilitator will collect program data, maintain accurate attendance records, and complete required observations, weekly reports, and documentation. Communication with parents, caregivers, community members, local authorities, and community leaders to raise awareness of program activities and promote community acceptance is also essential. The facilitator will organize outreach and communication events, support beneficiary identification, and conduct needs assessments when required. Implementing Parenting Program sessions according to established manuals and guidelines, facilitating feedback discussions with children, adolescents, caregivers, and community stakeholders, and sharing lessons learned and recommendations with supervisors are also part of the responsibilities. Finally, the facilitator will report supply and material needs to the SHLS Leader and coordinate with relevant staff to support effective program delivery, remaining open to feedback and working collaboratively with SHLS Leaders, supervisors, and IRC staff to strengthen program quality.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a degree in education, social work, human rights, or any other related field, although completion of secondary education is mandatory. A minimum of one year of similar work experience is required, and candidates should be qualified teachers with teaching experience in primary and elementary school. It is essential that candidates are well respected and nominated by the community, although final selection will be conducted by the IRC. Previous experience in an emergency or conflict-afflicted setting is also required. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to IRC’s mission, vision, values, and the IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct. A demonstrated understanding of working with children, particularly vulnerable children, is crucial. Personal qualities such as being a team player, flexible, possessing strong communication skills with children and caregivers, analytical skills, and the ability to handle pressure well in a cross-cultural setting are also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a degree in education, social work, human rights, or a related field. Completion of secondary education is a strict requirement for this position, ensuring that candidates have a foundational level of education that supports their ability to engage effectively with children and adolescents in the program.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant work experience, particularly in roles that involve direct interaction with children and adolescents in educational or psychosocial settings. Experience in emergency or conflict-affected environments is essential, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges associated with working in such contexts. Candidates should also have a background in teaching, particularly in primary and elementary education, which is crucial for implementing the educational components of the program effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with children, caregivers, and community members. While proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial, it is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Homs, Syria, and requires 100% travel to field sites within the city. The role involves attending regional and global workshops, trainings, and meetings. The IRC strongly encourages national or returning national candidates to apply for this position, particularly those who are citizens of Syria and currently located outside of their home country with over two years of international work experience. The Middle East Region offers an attractive remuneration package for eligible candidates, which includes competitive compensation, return flights to post, shipping allowances, temporary housing, and relocation allowances, although certain restrictions may apply. The IRC is committed to attracting, motivating, and retaining qualified national staff in its programs. Additionally, the IRC emphasizes accountability to clients, gender equality, and diversity and inclusion within its workforce, striving to create a respectful and safe work environment for all individuals.