Save the Children is a recognized leader in protecting children in emergencies in the U.S. and ensuring children and their families have the resources they need to recover. Building on Save the Children’s global experience, Child-Friendly Spaces in transit shelters and hospitality centers offer children and families a safe, child friendly opportunity to continue to learn and develop after leaving detention. The Child Friendly Space Site Lead is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the Child Friendly Space program team and operations. They lead the design, implementation and documentation and tracking of the activities, while ensuring all child safeguarding standards are maintained. Save the Children is currently working in New Mexico to support local transit/shelter partners in conducting Child Friendly Spaces in the Deming transit shelter. The position will receive direct guidance from the Project Manager and Child Protection (CP) Technical Lead.
- SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF CHIDLREN IN OUR CARE: The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure the safety and protection of children in our care.
- ASSESSMENTS: In collaboration with the CP Technical Advisor, conduct assessments of CFS program locations to identify risks for children. They will lead on the creation and implementation of a site plan to mitigate and reduce risks.
- PROGRAM PLANNING, TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS: With inputs from the CFS Implementers and guidance from the Project Manager and CP Technical Lead, plan and implement recreational, educational, and psychosocial ag-appropriate activities for children in youth in the Child Friendly Space (CFS). Ensure that children’s views and feedback are incorporated.
- The Site Lead is responsible for the set-up, organization and daily maintenance of the CFS site- including set-up, registration, monitoring and cleanup.
- Site Lead will hold a daily CFS Implementer team meeting at site to review the day, identify areas for program improvement, review a schedule of activities (if feasible) and debrief at site with staff.
- Site Lead, in collaboration with the Child Protection Technical Advisor and Project Lead, will be responsible for orienting CFS Implementers to Standard Operating Procedure for CFS, documenting and filing incident reports and supporting Project Manager on incident report tracker.
- Site Lead will identify capacity-building opportunities for CFS staff and support CP Technical Advisor and Project Lead in leading the capacity building.
- Site Leads, in collaboration with the Child Protection Technical Advisor, will be creative in identifying new activities for CFS
- Site Leads will coach, mentor and support CFS implementers in providing support for children, as well as encouraging self-care
- Site Lead will work with Project Manager and Child Protection Technical Advisor to help identify where program modifications or adaption need to be made to meet the needs of the beneficiaries and local community.
- CHILD SAFEGUARDING & INCIDENT TRACKING: Ensure that all staff and volunteers working in the CFS uphold Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy and procedures (like bathroom safety procedures) as well as principles of do no harm and confidentiality. Lead the reporting of any incidents, in close collaboration with the Project Manager. Site Lead will identify and refer vulnerable children to social services, if any issues are identified and as appropriate. Report any suspicious behavior and follow any mandatory reporting laws for suspected abuse, if applicable.
- ENSURE THAT THE CFS SPACE IS AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE: Ensure that children feel comfortable, safe, and respected. Promote their participating in activities and model respect for others. Respect personal information. Promote inclusivity through ensuring that all children are able to participate equally in activities, and that activities meet the needs of boys, girls, children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
- PARENT ENGAGEMENT: Site Lead will build positive relationships with children’s parents and the community, and keep them informed about objectives and activities of the CFS. Involve parents in decision-making where possible and discuss with them the benefits of the activities for children and their psychosocial well-being.
- POSITIVE ROLE MODELING: Act as a positive role model for children attending the CFS. Ensure all CFS staff use words and actions that reflect a positive role model at all times.
- PARTNERSHIPS: Site Lead will be responsible for daily communication with the shelter management and on-site partners, providing updates on CFS program and trouble-shooting any issues.
- STAFF MANAGEMENT: Site Lead will manage CFS Implementers assigned to work at their CFS site. He/she will set a daily staffing plan for their site(s). Site Leads will communicate any staff gaps or issues to the Program Manager in a timely manner
- PROCURED ITEMS AND GIFT IN KIND (GIK): The Site Lead is responsible for writing and submitting purchase orders for materials and supplies for the CFS site. The CPiE Program Manager must approve each purchase. If GIK is provided to the site, the Site Lead will work closely with the logistics and finance teams to ensure that procedures and policies are fulfilled.
- MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEARNING: Site Lead will write a daily CFS update for their site and give to Project Manager. Site Lead will be responsible for ensuring accurate beneficiary tracking details (new boy and girl, repeat boy and girl) to the Project Manager & Monitoring and Evaluation lead on a daily basis.
- Minimum 2-3 years' professional experience
- Advanced Spanish language skills
- Dedicated people manager, competent in coaching and mentoring others, with the ability to provide personal support to a diverse cohort of staff/partner volunteers
- Clear thinker who remains calm and focused when working under pressure
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience ensuring adherence to organizational policy, practice and systems that ensures compliance with requirements and organizational risk management standards.
- Self-starter who can identify strategic opportunities and areas for improvement
- Flexible team player
- Highly developed relationship building, influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills.
- Adaptable working style; effective when working in situations that may appear ambiguous.
- Proven problem solver and ability to prioritize in a fast paced and often high pressure work environment
- Experience as a champion and advocate of good Child Safeguarding and Anti-Harassment practice.
Desirable:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Non-profit experience
- Experience working with multi-cultural teams
- Strong command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Strong project management and administrative skills grounded in pragmatic and solution oriented outcomes