Senior Case Management And Alternative Care Specialist

ROLE PURPOSE: The Senior Case Management and Alternative Care Specialist will be responsible for spearheading case management and alternative care interventions within Save the Children Lebanon’s child protection portfolio, with an aim of strengthening a systemic response to identified major child protection issues among emergency affected population groups in Lebanon. Furthermore the post holder will develop systems for, and build capacity, to case manage unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). She/he will ensure that Save the Children Lebanon’s work in this sector is fully aligned with the inter-agency approaches and tools / Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) developed by the Child Protection in Emergency and that it strategically contributes to the medium and long term child protection system strengthening work.   KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Programme Quality Overall responsible to enhance the current implementation of case management work and develop systems for UASC, including tools and processes to ensure full compliance with the Practical Guidance for Child Protection Case Management Services in the Emergency Response, SOPs, Alternative Care in Emergencies (ACE) and Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS). Contribute to effective documentation of the work for accountability and learning purposes (e.g. maintaining a well-functioning information management system). Map the situation of USAC by conducting desk and field reviews to identify the legal framework, nature and extent of UASC and the capacity of services to work with UASC. Use this to inform the development of alternative care tools for UASC. Review interim care arrangements, including existing community based alternative care arrangements and include recommendations for the establishment of family based care as part of the above mapping. Contribute to research on community based child protection mechanisms and use the results to support communities to develop alternative care arrangements, including strengthening families and prevent separation. Develop a pilot project to provide case management for UASC Provide technical back up to the Child Protection teams in all areas of operation in the setting up of more effective and accountable internal systems for early detection and timely referral of cases of children at-risk to appropriate services.  With the Child Protection Team, integrate child protection case management into the other core sectors of the Save the Children Lebanon programme Conduct regular visits (60% of time) to field offices to coordinate with field managers and CP field staff.   External Relations Represent Save the Children at the Case Management Task Force; facilitate discussion and agreement on the use of common standards and tools among cluster partners. Champion the development of case management tools in line with SOPs, national guidance, standards and global tools with the Case Management Task Force. Finalise the ACE model for Lebanon and integrate ACE tools into the Case Management Practical Guidance. In consultation with the Child Protection in Emergency Working Group in Lebanon, provide leadership for the establishment of child protection coordination structures for preventing and addressing the needs of UASC. Ensure inter-sectoral and interdepartmental collaboration and coordination within and outside the CO. Lead technical discussions with the Child Protection in Emergency Working Group  on Save the Children Lebanon possible engagement in managing UASC or other “high risk” cases in selected locations (this may include, for instance, cases of former “child combatants”, children victims of violence and abuse). Liaise with the relevant government authorities with child protection responsibilities, namely the Ministry of Social Affairs at central level and the relevant Social Development Centres at local level in Save the Children areas of operation. Liaise with Union pour la Protection de l’Enfance au Liban (UPEL), child protection statutory NGO (under Ministry of Justice). Liaise with UNICEF focal point in charge of child protection systems strengthening project with the University of Saint Joseph / School of Social Work to ensure that work feeds into broader ongoing national child protection system initiatives.   Monitoring and Evaluation Regularly visit project sites to ensure that teams are appropriately supported to drive case management forward for the country office and ensure learning is documented and shared. Work closely with senior staff to support fundraising for child protection, including development of high quality concept notes and proposals, and engagement with donors. Provide timely inputs to programme and donor reports on child protection project activities in compliance with internal Save the Children requirements and any relevant external donor requirements.   Capacity building and staff supervision Develop training modules and capacity build staff Save the Children Lebanon, government and NGO partner staff to provide effective case management. Train and coach Save the Children Lebanon staff to carry out case management with unaccompanied and separated children and the establishment of alternative care arrangements. Supervise the National Case Management Specialist to provide on the job training and mentoring to support high quality case management. Further contribute to any capacity building initiative in this sector including in relation to the possible introduction and use of the child protection protection information management system. Ensure that all staff understand and are able to perform their roles in their context. Performance management of line managed staff as per Save the Children policies and procedures.   General Comply with and promote Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Advanced degree in Social Sciences/Social Work or a field(s) relevant to international development assistance. At least 5 years of professional work experience at national and international levels in fields relevant to child protection, proven technical expertise in case management required. Demonstrable understanding of international humanitarian response architecture, co-ordination mechanisms, humanitarian reform and action. Ability to formulate strategic documents for programming, engagement, and coordination involving international organisations and Government. Demonstrated experience of effective high-level coordination and chairing of meetings. Experience in a comparable regional country, working in the field of case management. Experience in and knowledge of Syria situation and response is considered a strong asset. Experience of working with UASC in an emergency context. Experience in identifying main gaps in service provision in child protection and recommending solutions. High-level communication skills, including ability to speak formally, negotiate, demonstrate tact and diplomacy, and advocate for child protection issues with humanitarian community and authorities. Highly developed leadership and coordination skills. Demonstrated experience in building capacity of teams and staff. Fluency in English, knowledge of Arabic an asset. Commitment to the aims and principles of Save the Children International. Ability to work well in a team and under pressure and in response to changing needs. Ability to plan well, set own targets and meet them. Commitment to Save the Children values, including willingness to abide by and enforce the Child Safeguarding policy.