Child Protection and Care System Strengthening Advisor

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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its programs are inclusive and respectful of all individuals, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS employs a diverse workforce and encourages candidates from marginalized backgrounds and people with disabilities to apply, reflecting its mission-driven culture and commitment to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection and Care System Strengthening Advisor will serve as the subject matter expert, providing technical advice and support to enhance child protection, care, and development systems in Kenya. This role is pivotal in implementing a multi-county child development project aimed at strengthening national systems that protect vulnerable children and support families. The advisor will leverage specialized technical expertise to improve policies, practices, and service quality, ensuring that interventions are sustainable and locally led. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and community organizations, to foster integrated approaches that enhance early childhood development and reduce reliance on residential care. The advisor will also be responsible for analyzing existing systems, developing training materials, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives to ensure that child protection standards are met and maintained across the project areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The advisor's responsibilities include serving as the project’s subject matter expert for child protection and care system strengthening, providing technical guidance on various aspects of child protection systems, and ensuring that approaches reflect current evidence and national standards. The advisor will analyze the government child protection information management system (CPIMS) and develop competencies and training materials for health and social service actors. They will provide technical support to child protection authorities, work closely with project directors and teams to align strategies with early childhood development, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. The advisor will also monitor national issues affecting child protection outcomes, incorporate safeguarding best practices, contribute to reporting and documentation, and actively participate in relevant working groups and networks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and have a minimum of eight years of relevant work experience. They should have experience managing multiple projects, working with government and civil society, and applying technical knowledge to program implementation. Skills in facilitation, coaching, and capacity strengthening are essential, along with the ability to collaborate across technical areas and utilize program data for quality improvement and adaptation. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and demonstrated knowledge of Catholic Church organizational structures and Catholic Social Teaching, as well as experience in multi-country development programs.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. The educational background should align with the technical requirements of child protection, care systems, and early childhood development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least eight years of work experience in child protection and care systems, with a proven track record of managing projects and collaborating with various stakeholders. Experience in complex, multi-partner development programs is highly desirable, particularly in contexts involving national and sub-national government entities.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili is mandatory. Knowledge of the local language of the county is considered an added advantage, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The position requires travel approximately 70% of the time within project areas. There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this role. 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, and expects successful candidates to adhere to its Code of Conduct. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are advised to be cautious of any individuals or agencies claiming to represent CRS for employment opportunities.