Organization: HIAS
Location: Nairobi
Grade: Mid level – Mid level
Occupational Groups:
Closing Date:
TITLE: BEST INTEREST DETERMINATION (BID) SPECIALIST
TYPE: JOB
DEPARTMENT: PROTECTION
DIVISION: CHILD PROTECTION
SUPERVISOR: CHILD PROTECTION COORDINATOR
LOCATION: NAIROBI
START DATE: 1ST NOVEMBER 2024
END DATE: 31ST DECEMBER 2024 (Renewable contract)
GRADE: 6
POSITION SUMMARY:
HIAS seeks to recruit a Best Interest Determination (BID) Specialist who will carry out program goals and objectives associated with all Child Protection activities. The Specialist will be responsible for the Best Interest Assessment and Determination process for all identified children.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Overall management of the Best Interest Assessment (BIA) and Best Interest Determination (BID) processes of all identified children and finding durable solutions.
Work closely with the Child Protection Coordinator to ensure effective management of assessments and documentation processes of the Refugee and Asylum seekers children.
Support conducting and follow ups of BIA/ BID interviews for case management.
Review BIDs & BIAs presented by the Child Protection Associates to ensure they meet the required standards before submission to the BID panel.
Submit BID cases with findings and make recommendations on a bi- weekly and monthly basis to the Child Protection Coordinator.
Present reviewed BIDs and BIAs to the Child Protection Coordinator.
Support and foster inter-partnership coordination on child protection project with UNHCR & other partners
Coordinate closely with other partners and the County/ Sub County Childrens Officer, ensuring compliance with the Childrens Act of Kenya, and other legal and institutional frameworks, and promote the sustainability of initiatives undertaken.
Represent the organization at external meetings as may be assigned by the Child Protection Coordinator.
Be a strong advocate for childrens best interest in all care arrangements and wider discussions affecting childrens welfare.
Support Organizational compliance to the Child Protection Policy.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Education
Degree in Law, International Relations, Social work, Gender and Development Studies, Community Development or Counseling Psychology.
Experience
Previous practical experience in the BID process; minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in Child Protection Programs.
Demonstrate experience in Child rights & protection issues in the Kenyan context including knowledge of international and national legislation and policies.
Solid knowledge of UNHCR BIP Guidelines (2021) and Field Handbook for the Implementation of UNHCR BID Guidelines.
Solid knowledge of Alternative Care in Emergencies toolkit, Guidelines for the Alternative Family Care of Children in Kenya and Childrens Act (2022)
Experience in designing and conducting trainings such as UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Child Protection Policy, Effects and Forms of Child Abuse among others for a variety of actors.
Skills
Strong self-starter with demonstrable ability to adapt to changing program priorities and emergency priorities that may arise.
Ability to work successfully within deadline requirements.
Fluent in written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
Positive attitude towards community work with emphasis on the ability to learn from communities and support participatory, innovative approaches to problem solving.
Excellent communication skills and ability to be respectful, kind, sensitive and empathetic with all children
Knowledge and skill in Computer Applications
Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
Ability to work in a demanding and high-pressured environment
Knowledge in Accountability to Affected Populations
Knowledge in PSEA
DISCLAIMER:
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.
SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:
We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Heres a snapshot of our hiring process:
Step 1: Submit your application!
Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.
Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.
Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.
Step 5: Reference check.
Step 6: Offer and background check.
Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!
Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.
ABOUT US:
Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish peoplea history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.
HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.
VISION:
HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.
MISSION:
Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.
VALUES:
Welcome Acogimiento Hospitalité ????? ?????? (Hachnasat Orchim)
We Welcome the Stranger
Justice Justicia Justice ??? (Tzedek)
We Pursue Justice
Empathy Empatía Empathie ??? (Chesed)
We Approach our Clients with Empathy
Partnership Compañerismo Coopération ?????? (Chevruta)
We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership
Courage Coraje Courage ???? (Ometz)
We Act with Courage to Build a Better World
Resilience Resiliencia Résilience ??? (Ruach)
We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience
DIVERSITY:
HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.
SAFEGUARDING:
HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.