Social Welfare Systems Strengthening (SWSS) Advisor, OVC - Nigeria at Save The Children

The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Role Purpose

• The primary role of the Social Welfare Systems Strengthening Advisor is to provide technical leadership and assistance to OVC programming with emphasis on strengthening social service systems and building capacity of the social welfare workforce (formal and informal) in the target areas of Nigeria.
• As a member of technical leadership technical team, the Advisor will ensure technical excellence through contributions made to project implementation, delivery and monitoring and evaluation. S/he will support the implementation of learning agendas, tool development and relevant strategic initiatives.
• The Advisor will liaise closely with technical advisors from other sectors to ensure seamless quality programming. Finally, the Advisor will be responsible for sharing organizational know-how, information, and experiences in vulnerable children programming within and outside the organization, as well as incorporate a broad-based approach for the overall well-being of those impacted.
• This position is contingent on the issuance of USAID funding and the selection of applicants is subject to USAID approval.

Key Areas of Accountability

• Advise project staff on technical issues related to OVC programs such as financing of social services, strong coordination and referral mechanisms, social service workforce development, and service delivery with an emphasis on providing comprehensive support at the community and household level.
• Support program efforts by providing guidance and hands-on support in conducting assessments, advising on partnerships and strategies.
• Ensure the day-to-day implementation of the work plan activities in the work plan and provide input into the development, on-going management and maintenance of the work plan.
• Provide technical support to partners and government counterparts to implement social welfare system strengthening activities and to ensure that agreed targets are met.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation efforts of OVC projects by conducting on-site monitoring during field visits or participating in monitoring and evaluation team meetings.
• Support partners to strengthen community child protection structures across project communities, monitor protection needs, gaps and interventions in and around child protection issues.
• Support sub-partners to develop and implement case plans including reviews and evaluations.
• Advocate with the government and other stakeholders to take appropriate measures to remedy violations and address the protection concerns facing children in the communities as well as liaise with relevant line ministries and commissions in order to foster partnerships and encourage national interest and ownership in protection of children
• Collaborate with relevant international development, donor and research institutions through relationship building, information sharing, and representation.
• Facilitate, draft, and participate in the development of, and/or the timely completion/review of OVC technical reports, such as: monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports and newsletters; strategic plans and work plans; and other ad hoc reports, as required.
• Stay abreast of state-of-the-art developments in quality and innovations related to OVC programming and social service system strengthening and share relevant information as appropriate.

Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors

• Advanced degrees in Social Work and Public Health or related fields
• Minimum of seven years' experience in international development either as a technical advisor or social services/health program manager, preferably in Nigeria
• Comprehensive knowledge of the social welfare context and health system in Nigeria, and preferably in the South South / South East.
• Experience working with and/or managing PEPFAR OVC projects preferred.
• Understanding of PEPFAR OVC programming priorities, strategies and monitoring and evaluation tools and systems.
• Technical expertise in principals, theories, concepts and techniques in the area of social service systems strengthening, including knowledge of and ability to integrate across related disciplines
• Knowledgeable of social service professionals and resources in Nigeria is an added advantage
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (professional level).
• Willingness to travel regularly and in difficult circumstances.
• Leadership qualities and ability to create synergies where applicable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Qualified Nigerian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.