Female Social Worker in Freetown, Sierra Leone

PROJECT: FSL GIRLS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
JOB TITLE: Female Social worker
DUTY STATION: Freetown, Sierra Leone
CONTRACT DURATION: One year with possible extension
WEEKLY WORKING TIME: 24 Hours per Week (must be willing to work on Saturdays)

STARTING DATE: The candidate is expected to start immediately after a successful interview.

Brief Description: The association Für Sierra Leone e.V. (FSL), founded in 2013 by dedicated citizens from Bavaria (Germany) and Sierra Leone, provides financial and material assistance for educational, health, and infrastructure projects aimed at sustainable improvement of living conditions for citizens in Sierra Leone. FSL's projects range from education to water/hygiene and youth entrepreneurship. The FSL Girls Empowerment Program (FSLGEP), one of FSL's key initiatives, aims to support socially disadvantaged, talented, and particularly committed girls (aged 14 and older) from Sierra Leone. Through various program activities such as workshops, excursions, and computer courses, the program strengthens the girls' talents, interests, and self-efficacy. Additionally, the association provides financial support for school uniforms, food, transportation costs, books, basic medical care, and other necessities.
Since 2021, the association has awarded university scholarships to successful graduates of the FSLGEP. For Sierra Leone e.V. aspires to empower girls, fostering their individual growth and contributing to a brighter future for their community. This not only ensures a brighter future for the individual girls but also aims to contribute significantly to the development of Sierra Leone as a whole.

Job Purpose: The social worker will be deployed within the FSL Girls Empowerment Program in which selected girls from various secondary schools in Freetown are provided with scholarship scheme in close collaboration with their parents and the school authorities respectively. This ensures that the girls receive necessary support for school and basic social needs, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute effectively to society. The social worker will primarily be involved in working with the high school students. This does not exclude working with the university students. If needed, she can also provide further support. The role involves frequent travel to schools in Freetown and the Western Area, working directly with girls, parents, and schools. Activities include empowering girls through counselling, workshops and serving as a role model, aiming to empower them academically, socially, and as influential women in society.

Furthermore, the social worker will assist and guide our university scholars throughout their academic journey by providing counseling, monitoring their progress, organizing workshops to enhance their academic skills, facilitating access to resources, helping them overcome challenges, and liaising with university staff as needed. These efforts are aimed at ensuring our scholars receive the support they need to succeed academically.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate consultant Social Worker to join our team. The successful candidate will work closely with two colleagues to support the girls in our program and act as a contact person for their parents and guardians.

Description of Key Tasks

1. Support Girls of the FSLGEP in collaboration with our Social Workers:
• Support in implementing new and ongoing activities, including excursions, workshops, and events within the FSLGEP.
• Provide individual and group support to all girls in the program.
• Develop and implement personalized development plans for the girls to help them achieve their goals.
• Design, implement and monitor girl`s progress including door to door visitation.
• Provide feedback to Program Lead and team on the level of progress of the girls on a regular basis.
• Serve as role model for the scholars in the FSLGEP.
• Be willing to travel in the provinces as and when necessary.

2. Communication:
• Directly interrelate with parents, teachers, and service providers in compliance to the FSL strategy.
• Provide regular updates on the girls' progress and well-being.
• Discuss regularly with Program Lead, teachers and parents about social situations and propose ways to resolve any issues affecting the girls.
• Facilitate meetings and maintain open lines of communication.

3. Program Development and Implementation:
• Assist in the planning and execution of program activities and events.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of program services.
• Support the Identification of new beneficiaries during our yearly application period.

4. Administrative Duties:
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of each participant.
• Prepare reports and documentation as required.
• Organize by weekly meetings and lectures in critical life changing topics.

What we expect from the candidate:

Education:
• A relevant university degree in social work, psychology, or another related field.
Work Experience:
• Minimum of two years’ work experience, particularly with girls, young women, and families from underprivileged backgrounds, preferably in a similar program.
• Practical experience in planning and implementing group activities, especially in the education sector.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support the well-being of program beneficiaries.
Personal Skills:
• A high degree of commitment, flexible working style, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• An independent, structured, and reflective way of working with excellent communication skills.
• A networking talent
Language:
• Very good written and spoken English.
Computer Skills:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

What we offer:
• Local performance-based remuneration.
• Transport allowance.
• Participation in a young, agile organization.
• Assumption of responsibility.

• Individual career development prospects.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates (preferably female candidates) should submit their CV and cover letter detailing their relevant experience, why they are interested in this position, references, availability, and salary expectations (not exceeding 2MB) to Jessica Linke (jessicalinke8@gmail.com) OR Mr. Joseph Cole (joseph.cole@forsierraleone.org) not later than 31st August, 2024.

Please include “Female Social Worker Application” in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information, please visit our website: www.fuersierraleone.de/en.