🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ Plan International

Freetown | Sierra Leone Posted 6 months ago Posted on NGO / Community Services

Plan International is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Child Protection and Safeguarding Specialist
2.) People and Culture Manager

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Child Protection and Safeguarding Specialist

Plan International Sierra Leone

Job Announcement (1 position for nationals only)

10-05-2024 Child Protection and Safeguarding Specialist

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

We strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at the local and national levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and are now active in over 80 countries.

Plan International is registered in (country) and started operations in Sierra Leone in 1976. Plan is one of the largest INGOs in the country. Plan has about 100 staff with offices located in Moyamba, Port Loko, and Freetown. Plan International Sierra Leone has been working with girls, young people, communities, and the government to raise awareness about the importance of children’s rights.

We are currently seeking to recruit:

Title: Child Protection and Safeguarding Specialist

Grade: Level 16

Location: Country Office

Reports to: Head of Programmes Development and Quality

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

To lead and provide technical expertise in the design and management of both child protection (70%) and safeguarding (30%) programmes using child centered community development and influencing approach.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. We recognize that the abuse and exploitation of children and young people occur throughout the world and in all societies and includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect.

Plan International is fully committed to providing a safe, protective, and supportive environment for all children and young people and intend that their welfare will at all times be the paramount consideration. This is fully reflected in our organizational Values and Behaviors.

We hold ourselves to account, through our Child and Youth Safeguarding Policy (CYSP) Say Yes! to Keeping Children and Young People Safe, in making sure that whatever we do or however we or those associated with us behave, we do no harm to children and young people.

Therefore, the role of the Child Protection and Safeguarding Specialist focuses on Child Protection issues within the nation and globally. The role also provides coordination of Safeguarding that ensures our organization including our interventions and people are of no harm to children and young people.

The role ensures the design/adapt tools, guidance and procedures and provide expert advice and support which ensures children and young people in the community and who engage with the organisation are protected from all abuse and do so in a manner that is safe for them. In addition, the role ensures Plan International Sierra Leone attains and maintains its standards on safeguarding children and young people, ensuring they are meaningfully engaged and that no child or young person comes to harm through their association with the organisation.

DIMENSIONS OF ROLE

Provides technical and professional advice and support to Child and Youth Safeguarding Focal Points within Plan International Sierra Leone, empowering them to take full ownership of their role and strengthen the implementation of the policy and procedures within their departments and Programs. Meets with safeguarding focal points on a monthly basis to discuss progress, gaps and proffer solutions to problems and submit report to Head of Programme Quality and Development.
Provides technical support, input and/or implementation of safeguarding for specific Country/ regional level tasks as delegated by the Regional Child and Youth Safeguarding Technical Advisor (Country/Regional level tasks may be Safeguarding in -Emergency Response, Engagement, Case Management, Programming, and Sponsorship for example).
Designs, and develops initiatives for a robust child and youth safeguarding framework across Plan International Sierra Leone. This will include the adaptation and socialization of child protection and safeguarding toolkits and training materials. Leads and promotes a culture commitment to attain the Plan International Standards on keeping children and young people safe, ensuring it remains alive, and current and reflects emerging risks in the sector.
Carries out investigations into concerns or reported incidents or provides distance or onsite support on case management and case review.
Actively facilitates and promotes collaboration, engagement, communication, teamwork, learning, and sharing on safeguarding safe and meaningful engagement at the National level. Proactively works with members of National and Local level Child protection and youth Safeguarding networks to ensure the safe and meaningful engagement of children and young people.
Supports resource mobilization efforts by providing valid input to proposal development.
Execute other tasks at the request of the Supervisor or the CD within the child protection and safeguarding sector.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

To ensure that Plan International Sierra Leone is well supported in meeting its commitment to keeping children, and young people safe with initiatives, confidence and courage, upholding high standards in providing safe and supportive environments which are responsive to the needs of all children, young people, girls and boys benefitting from, and engaging with us as well as protecting the reputation of the organisation.

Specific accountabilities are:

Programme development & quality management

Develop and manage the implementation of the child protection and participation program component of the country strategy to achieve the set objectives in a quality and timely manner to support the fulfillment of the rights of the child.

Provides technical support to Programme Implementation and Influencing Ares (PIIAs) in the implementation of all rights of children (ROC) related programme activities.
Facilitates context analysis, baseline studies, monitoring, and evaluation of ROC activities in the PIIAs to identify current situations, and future impacts and guide implementation.
Conduct regular visits to the PIIAs to provide technical guidance to staff for effective implementation and management of all ROC-related programme activities.
Ensures Gender is mainstreamed in all ROC related program interventions and maintains gender sensitivity towards staff and Plan associates to avoid gender discrimination.
Ensures Child Protection is mainstreamed in all ROC-related program/projects to meet the Country’s Strategic goals.
Prepares and submits quarterly work plans detailing tasks (including monitoring plans) to be undertaken and indicators of performance and prepares progress reports for work implementation.
Participates in regular Technical Support Team meetings to discuss work progress and develop appropriate strategies to ensure the attainment of project objectives.
Strengthen keeping children and young people safe and protected by ensuring mainstreaming of child protection and safeguarding in all programmes and initiatives
Fulfills Plan’s Child Protection Policy at all times to protect children from all forms of abuse

Training and Human resource development

Provides technical support in building the capacity of CBOs to enhance their capacity and improve their performance.
Develops training programs, and facilitates training of staff, partners, and project communities to improve the delivery of child protection-sensitive programs/projects.
Initiate/support/contribute to the design, development, and/or delivery of training on keeping children and Young People safe and protected for various modalities (self-directed, online, face-to-face) and for various audiences (staff, managers, partners, children) to ensure high levels of understanding and awareness on the organisation’s commitment to and framework for keeping children and young people safe, including reporting and responding to concerns.

Resource mobilization, partnerships, and knowledge management

Liaises with the Grants department in sourcing adequate funds both internally and externally for the implementation of ROC activities as outlined in the Country Strategy.
Writes and submits Child Rights and Protection write-ups for publication to share with internal and external audiences periodically
Develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions and materials to enhance awareness, understanding, and implementation of the organisations commitment to keep children safe and deliver on its current operational plan.
Participates in, and contributes to regional, sub-regional, and national networks and alliances on partnership development and other ROC initiatives in the light of the CCCD approach.
Develops/initiates and supports partnerships with research institutes to improve program activities.
Ensure our partnerships embed and embrace principles of keeping children and young people safe and protected.
Facilitates building of partnerships, networks coalitions, and alliances with other stakeholders to participate in and support collaborative efforts in addressing child rights issues/violations.

Advisory support for the Country Leadership Team (CLT) and dealing with problems

Ensuring that the Country Director is made aware of potential and emerging risks /issues that could impact the organisation’s commitment to keeping children and young people safe and protected particularly as they pertain to focus areas outlined above
Support Child and Youth Safeguarding focal points to identify, manage, and monitor risks to keeping children and young people safe and protected.
Provide high-quality technical support and advice on the implementation and application of child protection and safeguarding principles and practices.
Lead Country office or Partner reviews in consultation with CLT – review of the safeguarding environment and policy implementation of the country office or partner organization, in all cases, there would be a requirement to identify what went wrong, gaps to be addressed, and implications for management.
Ensure accountable and engaged leadership in keeping children, young people, girls, and boys safe and protected.
Performs any other duties that may be assigned to support the achievement of organizational goals.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Maintains contact with the Country Leadership Team

Maintains contact with other Plan Sierra Leone Technical Advisors / Specialist
Maintains contact with Head of Programme Implementation/Project Coordinators/Managers
Maintains contact with Head of Programme Development and Quality
Maintains contact with Business Development Manager and Partnerships Manager
Maintains contact with People and Culture Manager/Specialist
Maintains high contact with Safeguarding Focal Points
Maintains high contact with Child and Youth Safeguarding Advisors in other COs, RH and GH
Maintains medium contact with the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in charge of Children
Maintains high contact with staff working on child rights and protection program activities to provide support for understanding and implementation of child rights and protection-related activities
Maintains high contact with external stakeholders on CP

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

Qualification and Experience:

A University degree in Child Psychology, Social Science, Law, or equivalent
At least 5 years’ experience in a child protection-related field of practice
Knowledgeable in the UNCRC and Child Protection Policy and practices in Sierra Leone.
Expertise and substantial experience in safeguarding child rights in a development setting.
Knowledge and understanding of safe and meaningful participation and engagement of children and young people and a deep understanding of safeguarding and protection issues that may arise.
Expertise, technical knowledge, and substantial experience in responding to issues, breaches, investigation and case management.
Experience in providing advice and developing and delivering training on keeping children and young people safe on a diverse range of issues and to a diverse audience
Understanding of safeguarding standards within the sector (e.g. Keeping Children Safe Coalition standards).
Excellent conceptual understanding of the organisational risks associated with keeping children and young people safe and protected.
Knowledge of human rights, child rights, inclusion, and gender equality.
Knowledge and/or experience of child and Youth Safeguarding programming and/or child protection in emergency interventions is a significant bonus.
Knowledge and use of different learning modalities to design and deliver blended learning techniques.
Knowledge of risk assessment approaches.

Desirable

Excellent ability to influence, build strong relationships, and inspire people at all levels.
Highly effective at using skills in the application of procedural, briefing, and training materials.
Strong analytical and report-writing skills with excellent attention to detail.
Training, facilitation, and clear communication skills.
Ability to think and work under pressure.
Ability to challenge behavior/attitudes in a non-confrontational evidence-based manner.
Self-motivated and efficient with the ability to prioritize tasks.
Advanced Excel and computer skills.
At least 5 years of experience in an international organization similar to Plan would be an added advantage.
Knowledge of local dialects (E.g. Mende, Temne, Krio, etc.)

Skills

Communicates clearly and effectively (written and oral).
Analytical skills
Excellent report-writing skills
Strong team-building and motivational skills.
Strong negotiating, facilitating, and influencing skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Typical office environment with 30% travel in program areas and abroad

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

High level: Frequent interaction with children

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE

We are open and accountable

We create a climate of trust inside and outside the organisation by being open, honest, and transparent. We hold ourselves and others to account for the decisions we make and for our impact on others, while doing what we say we will do.

We strive for lasting impact

We strive to achieve significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to secure equality for girls. We challenge ourselves to be bold, courageous, responsive, focused and innovative.

We work well together

We succeed by working effectively with others, inside and outside the organisation, including our sponsors and donors. We actively support our colleagues, helping them to achieve their goals. We come together to create and implement solutions in our teams, across Plan International, with children, girls, young people, communities, and our partners.

We are inclusive and empowering

We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge inequality in our programmes and our workplace. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.

Applications:

The last date for submission of the Application (CV and cover letter) is: 24nd May 2024 by 5:00 pm

Your application should include:
· A cover letter
· A comprehensive CV including details of two referees, one of whom should be your current of most recent supervisor

Send applications to the below link: [email protected]

Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted. References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People’s Policy.

Plan International follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with disability.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early

2.) People and Culture Manager

Job Announcement (1 position for nationals only)

10-05-2024 People and Culture Manager

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

We strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local and national level using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and are now active in over 80 countries.

Plan International is registered in (country) and started operations in Sierra Leone in 1976. Plan is one of the largest INGOs in the country. Plan has about 100 staff with offices located in Moyamba, Port Loko and Freetown. Plan International Sierra Leone has been working with girls, young people, communities and the government to raise awareness about the importance of children’s rights.

We engage people and partners to:

Empower children, young people, and communities to make vital changes that tackle the root causes of discrimination against girls, exclusion, and vulnerability.
Drive change in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels through our reach, experience, and knowledge of the realities children face.
Work with children and communities to prepare for and respond to crises and to overcome adversity.
Support the safe and successful progression of children from birth to adulthood.

As One P&C, we support the achievement of Plan International’s Global Strategy by

Creating a more engaging people experience
Supporting the evolution of our workforce
Accelerating performance, leadership, and learning
Promoting technology and process excellence

Plan International embarked on an ambitious and exciting strategic change initiative to make the organization more transparent, legitimate, and agile. Strengthening our People and Culture processes is one of the key enablers in attaining our strategic goals.

The Country Office P&C Manager will:

- Understand, influence, and Interpret the Country Office (CO) strategy and Plan International Inc (PII) P&C’s Strategic Plan and priorities to develop and implement CO P&C strategic and operational plans to enhance the Country Office’s performance through our people.
- Partner with the Country Management Team (CMT) to nurture an agile organizational culture in the CO, underpinned by our values and feminist principles.
- Lead and manage the P&C function in the Country Office (CO) focusing on responsive and efficient operations and targeted excellence.

Build CO P&C capacity and capability to deliver CO strategic and operational plans, through competency assessments, learning and development, performance and talent management, workforce planning, etc.

We are currently seeking to recruit:

Title: People and Culture Manager

Grade: Level 17 – Part of the Country Leadership Team

Location: Country Office

Reports to: Country Director

Direct Reports: People and Culture Specialist

Matrix Reporting to: Country Director (Business Leader) Regional P&C Director (Functional Leader)

DIMENSIONS OF ROLE

The impact of this role is significant within the country and the region and could have some impact PII-wide. The role operates in scope of, and aligned to:

Country Office Strategy
PII P&C Strategy and Strategic Plan
Labour Law, PII policies and procedures and industry best practices
International assignee hosting
CO Complexity related context: (customise as required: Low, Medium, High)
Membership in relevant networks in the country with other INGO’s and/or private sector

Other dimensions of the role are as follows:

A member of the Country Management Team
Line management and budget management of the P&C department
Management of sensitive and confidential information
Membership in relevant networks: PII Regional and Global P&C other professional networks

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Direction

Understand, influence, and Interpret the Country Office strategy and Plan International Inc (PII) P&C’s Strategic Plan and priorities to develop and implement CO P&C strategic and operational plans to enhance the Country Office’s performance through our people.

Be an active participant and contributor to the Regional and the Global P&C team (i.e., sharing of skills, ideas, and expertise)
Influences the development of PII P&C strategy and ensures and supports operational implementation within the country office and the region, to enhance the Country Office’s performance through our people.
Operate as One Plan across the breadth of P&C specialisations. Integrate P&C work in the CO operations and programme planning (including people aspect of project/grants from proposal development to grants completion) as appropriate. Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity in the CO.

Agile Organisational Culture

Partner with the Country Management Team (CMT) to nurture an agile organisational culture in the CO, underpinned by our values and feminist principles.

Partner with management to build a highly engaged and inspired team and achieve targeted excellence through our people.
As a member of the Country Management Team, support change management and initiatives required for sustainability, accountability, and quality.
Adopt a culture of continuous improvement as part of the Country Management Team (CMT) – process, policies, and systems, conduct reflections and analysis with CMT of P&C Key Performance Indicators for making strategic decisions and improvements.

Globally integrated, responsive, and efficient P&C function

Lead and manage the P&C function in the Country Office focusing on responsive and efficient operations and targeted excellence.

- Ensure high-quality operational service across the full employee lifecycle for staff, including but not limited to contracts of employment, pre-employment checks, onboarding, payroll, probation, sickness absence, parental leaves, job changes and exit. Ensure that the country’s P&C function (policies, procedures, systems, and controls) is in place and compliance with PII policies, P&C frameworks local labour laws and requirements.
- Ensure implementation and enriching PII P&C strategic priorities within the CO, specifically around Employee Relations, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Engagement, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management and Succession Planning, Total Rewards, Staff Care and Wellbeing, Data and Analytics, Employee Value proposition etc., to ensure successful implementation.
- Make decisions, develop solutions to diverse and complex problems and anticipate and resolve challenges within the country and in line with regional and P&C policies/ parameters.
- Ensure the Talent Acquisition pipeline is in place and critical positions are filled within expected timelines to enable CO effective operations.
- Facilitate Talent Management and Workforce/ Succession Planning, including short and long-term succession bench strength for leadership and strategically critical roles. Contribute to cross-regional succession planning.
- Ensure High-Performance culture through coaching CO leadership, management, and staff in performance management. Ensure cadence is in place for CMT reflections, staff objective setting, mid-year, and annual performance reviews, development plans, regular 121 on deliverables, aligned to values, wellbeing, and development, etc.
- Ensure Staff Care and Wellbeing practices are in place, in line with the global framework and CO context, Staff Care Framework is adjusted to the local context and applied consistently, Staff Care champions are in place and EAP is used.
- Ensure Employee Relations and Case Management practices are robust and in line with global framework and use of data and trends to address focus areas, update policies, communication and training and leadership decision making.
- Interpret people-related Data and Analytics drive data-driven decision-making by the CMT. Facilitate ongoing data integrity and staff ownership of their data on HRIS. Work to continually improve data and reporting to help COs to enhance their performance.
- Ensure Total Rewards policy and practices is embedded and aligned with the CO context and PII Total Rewards philosophy.

Support the humanitarian response plans according to the Emergency Response Manual and CO Disaster Preparedness Plan. Support and provide expertise and advice to the Surge P&C Manager.

P&C capacity and capability

Build CO P&C capacity and capability to deliver CO strategic and operational plans, through competency assessments, learning and development, performance and talent management, workforce planning, etc.

Coach, monitor and train the P&C team to ensure teams are equipped to deliver on agreed P&C services and priorities, in line with global P&C strategy, plans and frameworks.

- Work with P&C teams to identify:
  - capability gaps and training requirements and develop strategies and plans to address needs/gaps.
  - talent pools and manage capability and capacity development opportunities.
- Oversee competency development, talent and performance management, succession planning and workforce planning of staff and roles in the P&C function of the Country Office.
- Support the PII P&C in the design and roll out of capability development initiatives within the country office.

Ensure the P&C team is equipped to support national, international, and hosted employees in the country.

Analysis and preparation and presentation of analysis of key areas for Country Management Team; cost-efficiency, staff turnover, in-depth analysis and development of scenarios of possible pathways of mitigation key risks in their area of expertise

Safeguarding

Ensure that Plan International’s global policy for Safeguarding and PII policy for Preventing Sexual Harassment Exploitation and Abuse; and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Regional P&C team
Country Office Management team
Country Office P&C Managers in the region
Country Office P&C team (line management)
Country authorities in relations to the labour law and compliance

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

High and Medium Complexity

Significant professional expertise and in-depth knowledge acquired through professional qualifications, inherent understanding, and substantial relevant experience in developing and embedding people, capability, and organisational / HR practices.
Fundamental understanding and extensive experience in strategic and operational aspects of people, capability and organisational/HR practices in a leadership role and ability to plan and prioritise work within the context.

Low Complexity

Professional expertise and knowledge acquired through professional qualifications, inherent understanding, and relevant experience in developing and embedding people, capability, and organisational / HR practices.
Good understanding and some experience of working in strategic and operational aspects of people management, capability and organisational/HR practices and ability to plan and prioritise work within the context.

Desirable

Experience of working in non-profit sector
Local language and Intermediate level of English

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

- Understanding Plan International in context Business Competency, aligned to ‘We are open and accountable’ Leadership Competency, Maintaining professionalism.

Working well together: Listening to colleagues, stakeholders, and partners with humility, sharing information and listening to their input, being open to feedback, aligned to Managing people and relationships business competency.

- Adapting and coping in challenging and changing environments

Self-awareness, aligned with Plan International Leadership Competency ‘I see and develop myself as a leader’.

Motivating and influencing others, and working with others, aligned to ‘We work well together’ Leadership competency, and Business Management competency ‘Managing People and Relationships’:

Working with others, managing people, and promoting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Delivering results: Planning and managing resources, projects and partnerships for the effective and efficient delivery of results, aligned to the Leadership Competency ‘We strive for lasting impact. Ensuring a realistic budget is in place for the team and our activities, aligned with business priorities and including planned change (We are open and accountable).

P&C TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Business Acumen: Ability to understand influence, and translate key business drivers, priorities, and demands of various stakeholders in a globally diverse organization.

Business Knowledge, Industry Knowledge and Financial Knowledge

Relationship Management: Ability to understand the needs of various stakeholders and focus on continuously improving the stakeholder experience, Customer Focus, Collaboration and Networking, Persuasion and Influencing

Talent Management: Ability to nurture and act as a champion of an agile organisational culture of high performance, inclusion, innovation and engagement. Comfortable with Change and shifting priorities, able to deal with ambiguity and uncertainty.

Strategic HR Expertise, Employee Experience management, Change Management and Technology Savviness

Data Savviness: Ability to analyze, interpret and communicate data to influence and support business decision making for different stakeholders and audiences.

Data foundation, interpretation and story-telling

Agility: Ability to analyze and evaluate information, create diverse solutions and ideas and take constructive criticism to further stretch the imagination of what is possible Critical thinking, Creativity, Innovation and Growth mindset

Strategic Consulting: Customer and stakeholder centric design of processes rather than internal focused Consultative Problem Solving, Project Management, Risk Management

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Office /desk; in country travel to CO locations.

10% international travel, mostly for 5-8 calendar days each, with several weeks’ notice.

LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

Low contact: No contact or very low frequency of interaction.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Ensure staff understands Plan International’s commitment to driving a feminist agenda within the organization, and the ambition for gender equality and gender transformative leadership is embedded in our value-based leadership framework.

PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES