Project Supervisor at Terre des hommes Foundation (Tdh)

General job description:

General description of the position:

• Under the close supervision of the Project Manager/Area Coordinator, the Project Supervisor will bring specific expertise in Participatory Action Research and will work to combat child labour and child rights violations through a holistic, multi-sectoral, and innovative approach. This project is structured around the deep participation and empowerment of children and communities, enabling them to take on roles as leaders in identifying and implementing solutions to child labour and child rights issues within their communities.
• The project commences with a rigorous Participatory Baseline Assessment to understand the communities, their needs, and potential child protection risks, and ensure the proposed approach is appropriate and tailored to actual needs. This includes “Child and Community Centric Design Thinking” - having children and communities at the forefront of decision-making from the start of the project – adjustments may be made to the approach and in consultation with our donor, based on the results.
• This position holder must be committed to the delivery of high-quality services within a changing and complex environment. He/she must have passion for the programme approach e.g. participatory approach, child-centeredness, commit to the principles of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice, be self-motivated, goal-oriented, enthusiastic and possess an entrepreneurial attitude and must be willing to travel to and work with communities living in poverty in remote areas.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning and Implementation

• Lead planning and implementation of the project in their assigned locations by the proposal document, Tdh, donor and global standards and principles.
• Lead in ensuring a safe approach to working practices by creating awareness through meetings, training and events that present opportunities for discussing vulnerabilities, safeguarding risks and best practice in preventing and mitigating harm and abuse to children especially those participating in CLECA and vulnerable adults in the programme.
• Work with and provide guidance and support to volunteers to improve access to quality education at the primary school level by establishing child-led protection clubs and supporting them to engage in a community-led evidence collection and action.
• Establish child protection committees including specific child-led CPCs and support them to act as drivers of change and engines of innovation in the prevention and response to child protection concerns within their communities.
• Train government stakeholders on child protection case management to further strengthen the formal child protection systems for these communities.
• Support village savings loans association (VSLAs) in establishing sustainable community child protection fund and in turn improve their access to livelihoods.
• Strengthen community structures including child-led protection clubs and CPCs in collaboration with the government to improve community infrastructure through the CLECA methodology.
• Through a collaborative effort, the project supervisor will improve multi-stakeholder engagement by establishing a steering committee to act as a strategic decision-making body for the project.
• Identify and build strong relationships with community and government stakeholders including humanitarian actors and coordination bodies relevant to this project implementation.
• Review and update line manager about knowledge of policy and procedural frameworks and demonstrate professional competencies in ethical practices that will keep children and vulnerable adults involved in the programme safe.
• Work with individuals, families, communities, and children’s groups to help them make informed decisions, enabling them to clarify and express their needs and contribute to programme planning and delivery.
• Assess needs, risks and options pertaining to programme participants, taking into account legal and statutory requirements regarding safeguarding children   and vulnerable adults.
• Ensure the compliance of the activities with the internal and sector quality standards.
• Undertake all other duties as assigned by the Team Lead that are compatible with the job.
• Provide written and concise monthly reports to the line manager on all activities undertaken

Staff management

• Supervise and provide technical guidance to volunteers assigned to the project to achieve project deliverables.
• Support selecting trusted, passionate and diligent community volunteers and provide regular capacity building in collaboration with the HR department and the Project Manager.
• Promote a constructive, motivational, and respectful working environment within the team and towards community members, especially children.

Capacity building and development

• Build the capacities of child-led protection committees, child protection committees, and VSLAs, and strengthen government capacities to identify and respond to prevailing child protection concerns with a major emphasis on addressing child labour in cocoa-producing communities in Ondo and Cross River states.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Support the MEAL department in conducting Participatory Baseline Assessments to examine the existing child protection structures and capacities within their assigned communities.
• Support the development of project tools and related activities for improving project performance.
• In coordination with the MEAL department, s/he is tasked with data protection assurance.
• Lead the development of appropriate IEC materials on MHPSS, to build awareness of services and promote key messages.
• Actively participates in monthly project reviews and contributes to the monthly update of the Programme Follow Up
• Provide monthly progress reports for his/her assigned community which contributes to donor and internal reporting.
• Promote the culture of learning and documentation so that lessons learned, and good practices are documented and shared.

Coordination

• Regularly liaise with the directorate of relevant ministries, agencies, and departments (MWASD, SUBEB, SAME, LGEA)
• Coordinate with other humanitarian actors within the area of responsibility, and actively participate in coordination meetings and activities including the Child Protection Sub Sector, CM Task Force, and other working groups where available.
• Ensure full coordination with community members and community leaders, women and youth groups, children clubs and other structures relevant to the project implementation.
• Promote coordination and integration with other sectors (Logistics, Finance, MEAL, Compliance etc) within Tdh.

Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively with children and adults, local authorities, and other partners, and express oneself concisely.
• Proficient capacity building skills
• Excellent team-building skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment and under pressure.
• Ability to write clear, concise records and reports.
• Skills in assessment and analysis of risk.
• Ability to communicate effectively and creatively with children/vulnerable adults in a non-judgmental manner.
• Ability to effectively organize work within a framework where time and service delivery targets are set.

Advocacy skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in mixed-skill teams (e.g. researchers and practitioners); Skills in negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage a complex workload.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge

• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Fluency in local language/s
• Good understanding of the realities faced by children in the worst forms of child labour and those who are vulnerable to being drawn into it.
• Knowledge of / experience of the programme approach e.g. Participatory Action Research approach, child-centeredness.

Education & Training

• HND, B.SC, B.Ed M.SC in Social Sciences, Management, Education and other relevant field, with experience working in humanitarian and/or development contexts.
• Experience working with children and vulnerable adults is an added advantage.
• Good knowledge of PAR and IT

Security and Compliance:

• Commit to Tdh’s Risk Management Policies: Adhere to the Tdh Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding Policy, Safety and Security Policy, Anti-Fraud/Corruption Policy, and Whistleblowing Policy. Promptly report any suspicions or breaches.
• Ensure Adherence to Standards: Uphold Tdh standards, quality requirements, and security regulations in all project activities. Promote alignment with child protection principles, humanitarian principles, and Nigeria’s child protection system.
• Mainstream Child Protection: Integrate Tdh’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Child Protection Minimum Standards across all programmatic activities, while respecting cultural values and traditions.
• Promote Awareness and Open Leadership: Foster awareness of abuse, violence, and rights within the Foundation, ensuring the dignity and safety of children, community members, and staff. Develop a culture of open leadership to mitigate risks of abuse and harm.
• Adhere to and ensure the team under her/his responsibility follows Tdh administrative, logistical, financial and compliance regulations and procedures.