Position: Accommodation Social Science Protection Officer

Location: Thessaloniki

Starting Date: ASAP

Status:  Full Time

Solidaritynow (SN) aims at establishing a multidisciplinary team to staff its Protection Unit, tasked to support the implementation of its projects by ensuring access to protection services to refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations of concern. For this purpose, SN seeks to hire an appropriately qualified Protection Service Officer. The Protection Service Officer has a primary responsibility for the technical planning and implementation of the organization’s protection policies, in close collaboration with field staff and senior management. The post holder will be called upon as and when necessary to support the accommodation team in cases protection issues arise and in emergencies.

Child Safeguarding Policy

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensures protection of refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations of concern benefiting from SN’s accommodation project, in accordance with international humanitarian standards and legally binding obligations.
• Coordinates and organizes the day-to-day operations of the team unit, vis-à-vis high protection cases
• Plans and guides the development, implementation and monitoring of standard operating procedures in relation to protection mechanisms and activities
• Provides support and technical assistance to field staff
• Provides advice and guidance and ensures proper documentation and follow-up
• Coordinates case planning and implementation, reviews information and protection plans developed by field staff, identifies and pursues proper referrals
• Conducts (or advises on) best interest/risks/needs assessments
• Facilitates communication and cooperation with social services and authorities and prepares relevant documentation
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with donors, (I)NGOs and other key stakeholders to ensure coordination, collaboration and dissemination of information for protection-related issues.
• Collects and keeps record of quantitative data related to high protection cases.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor degree, preferably in Social Sciences (social worker, psychologist etc, if work experience requirements are met).
• Advanced degree or specialized qualification in a protection-related discipline will be considered an asset.
• Degrees awarded by foreign institutions must be recognized by DOATAP. License to practice social work or psychology in Greece is essential.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of five years’ solid experience in social work and case management
• Strong protection background (e.g. child protection, domestic violence, other forms of GBV), as well as demonstrated ability to identify and refer vulnerable cases.
• Knowledge of Greek context in relation to social services provision, including national referral mechanisms and procedures is a must.
• Experience and good understanding of refugee context is considered a strong asset.
• Experience in setting-up standard operating procedures and ensuring implementation.
• Experience in conducting best interest/risk/needs assessments
• Experience in case planning and following-up
• Experience in providing guidance to junior staff and capacity building
• Experience in communicating and providing documentation to competent authorities (e.g. social services providers, public prosecutors)
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Previous team-management experience is preferred.
• Experience in regular report writing.
• Experience in supporting senior staff in decision making processes by providing concise information in a credible and timely manner.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Commitment to human rights, including gender equality.
• Strong organizational skills and keen eye for detail.
• Problem solving-oriented attitude.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to gain trust and build relationships.
• Fluent in English, strong written skills in English.
• Proficient computer user, including spreadsheets and databases. Experience in CRM will be considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
• Flexible and able to work in a dynamic, diverse and challenging environment.
• Capacity building and team building/motivational skills.
• Strong cross-cultural communication and resilience skills.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and motivation letter to recruitment@solidaritynow.org mentioning in the email subject “Accommodation Social S.S. Officer­_Thessaloniki”.

SN is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities and from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Recruitment processes reflect SN’s commitment to keeping children safe from harm and abuse. Employment is subject to SN Child protection standards, including background checks and adherence to SN Child Safeguarding Policy.

 Closing date: Wednesday 14^th November 2018

Only short-listed candidates will receive a written reply.