Alternative care and deinstitutionalisation programming

• Provide technical oversight and support deinstitutionalization process through family-based alternative care arrangements in coordination with partners.
• Support in identification and training of foster families in project locations.
• Act as focal point and promote partnership and collaboration with child residential and institutional care facilities, local government social and child services and communities.
• Directly manage and provide technical support for programming implemented in collaboration with the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights through Save the Children local partners.
• Contribute to programme design, proposal writing and evaluation and track, monitor and report on deinstitutionalisation and alternative care activities being implemented by partners.
• Support in identification and assessment of child residential and institutional care facilities to establish programming to increase quality standards, transition children to family-based care, adolescents to independent living and overall transformation of the facility including support to transitioning care facility staff to community-based day time services and local social services.
• In collaboration with the MEAL department and CP Managers, facilitate the participation and feedback of children, families and communities involved in alternative care and DI programming.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the quality of activities and adherence to standards, SOPs and guidelines.
• Inform the international AC & DI TA about any challenges, difficulties and concerns in the implementation of activities or issues in the social context and in coordination with local and national authorities.
• Monitor programme implementation and report on any challenges, gaps and opportunities to adjust and improve programming.
• Stay abreast of policy and legislative developments related to the Better Care reform and the deinstitutionalization process in Ukraine and ensure that they are factored in SC DI and alternative care strategy and programming.
• Contribute to advocacy efforts at local level ensuring that child protection and alternative care standards are mainstreamed into advocacy work.

Human resource management

• Lead capacity development of implementing partners in the respective field bases based on plans and tools developed in coordination with the international AC & DI TA liaising with partners, communities and governmental authorities and ensuring feedback informs future training.
• Responsible for monitoring adequate and correct deployment of resources based on programming needs.
• Organize technical team meetings and coordination as planned.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and supervision for SCI programme teams and partners.

Other

• Implement any other task as necessary, and after discussion with the line manager.
• Ensure strict adherence to the principles of child protection and child safeguarding at all times, including respect for confidentiality and always acting in the best interests of the child.
• Comply with Save the Children policies and practices with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, law or other relevant field.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Experience and/or excellent understanding of child rights, child protection in emergencies, case management, alternative care, psychosocial support, child and youth development, child and youth resilience and empowerment.
• At least 3 years of experience in child protection, social work/case management or education.
• Budget management responsibility experience.
• Thorough understanding of Ukraine cultural and societal context as well as social service, child rights system and government authorities.
• Previous experience in deinstitutionalization, alternative care and working with governmental authorities is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills and capacity to maintain relations with governmental officials, community leaders, children and youth.
• At least 2 years of experience in technical support and supervision of staff.
• In-depth experience in capacity assessment, and training development and facilitation in relevant topics.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in computer use including Microsoft Office and excel.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches and safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Flexibility and willingness to change work practices and hours, and spend time in the field, sometimes in difficult conditions and with limited resources, and with remote management.