Child Friendly Spaces Coordinator

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: To improve the psycho-social well-being and resilience of vulnerable children, adolescents and families, through the provision of psycho-social support and strengthening of community and national capacities for child protection in emergencies, Mercy Corps has launched an “Advancing Psychosocial Support and Child Protection of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (APSCP)” program. A10 month program funded by UNICEF, APSCP will provide direct services of psycho-social support (PSS) activities for children, adolescents and their families and specialized case management support of child protection cases, while also building community and national capacities toward a Child Protection System for effective identification and response. The program builds on the Mercy Corps’ significant experience with children and youth in the region and previous successful work in Lebanon through Psychosocial Response Support for Vulnerable Refugees (PRSVR) conducting PSS activities and improving access to services in the Bekaa in partnership with UNICEF. In APSCP, the intervention will continue to be based on the effective Comfort for Kids (C4K) and Moving Forward (MF) PSS activity modules for children and youth. In this phase, Mercy Corps will support local partners and community actors to directly implement PSS activities themselves as well as increase the capacities of Social Development Centres and other community centres to provide specialized support to the Syrian refugee community. Mercy Corps will channel protection data and lessons learned to share with other service providers and child protection actors, as well as to inform specialized technical support to the Ministry of Social Affairs. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The CFS Administrator will manage the day-to-day activities of Child Friendly Space being implemented in Nabatiyeh. Activities will include oversight and coordination of CFS activities and working with representatives from the local community and municipalities to ensure collaboration and transparency. S/He will maintain impartiality and neutrality in dealing with all stakeholders. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Along with Mercy Corps’ Area Manager and Child Protection Officer organize CFS activities for vulnerable children & youth in the community Administer the functioning the CFS, and manage maintenance, security and activity supplies needs with the relevant resources/service providers. Ensure the efficient and effective work of outreach workers, psychosocial assistants, animators and volunteers through clear scheduling of activities; lead CFS staff meetings before the CFS opens and closes each day. Supervise activities to confirm that best practice standards of CFS are being implemented (using CFS checklists, supervision and assessment tools) Identify gaps in implementation (materials, human resources, training needs) Appoint staff to specific roles and adapt as necessary Participate in self-care sessions with Syrian outreach workers, psychosocial assistants, psychologists, local partners and community actors; Liaise with parents, community leaders and municipalities in Nabatiyeh as a Mercy Corps CFS representative. Meet with Mercy Corps staff on regular basis and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings. Submit regular monitoring and progress reports in English. Work with MC staff on the development of reporting format. Attend relevant workshops and trainings as instructed Ensure the close coordination and sharing of information with the various activities of the (APSCP) program staff including area manager, program officer, psychologists, case managers, outreach workers, psychosocial assistants; Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission; Other duties as assigned; KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:  Five years of experience administering schools, or working in Child Friendly Spaces with NGOs. Understanding of emergency response, familiarity of the Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues. Positive, respectful attitude and collaborative approach to diversity. Demonstrated experience working with communities in an education or protection setting, particularly with parents, community leaders and municipal authorities. Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members. Written and oral communication skills in Arabic and English. Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, social, economic, cultural and historical context of Lebanon and Syrian crisis KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: The successful CFS Administrator will effectively coordinate activities throughout Nabatiyeh that will be implemented at the centers including PSS activities for children and youth, parent support groups, self care sessions, etc. S/He will have an outstanding ability to organize facilitators, animators, volunteers and children. S/He will also have proven experience with cross-cultural team, communication, and strong analytical skills. Able to learn about: emergency response, child protection and Gender Based Violence in addition to other topics. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.