Child Protection Trainee Scheme - (0629)

Save the Children UK_London and international based
Deadline: June 29, 2007

Child Protection Trainee Scheme – Information Pack 2007

SUMMARY INFORMATION

ObjectiveTo enhance the capacity of the international humanitarian system to protect children in emergencies Duration of each training cycle 1 year of structured trainingSuccessful completion is expected to lead to full-time employment in international child protection work with Save the Children or other key agencies. It is anticipated that trainees go on to pursue a career in the sector.

Start date of 3rd cycle

Monday 8th October 2007

Key contact for trainees

• Scheme Manager – Programme Manager –Humanitarian Capacity Building


• Child Protection in Emergencies Advisor


• Coach within the country programme for each placement

Overall structure

• 2 weeks initial familiarisation and training in London


• 5-6 month international placement during which practical assignments are undertaken with the guidance of a trained coach (child protection practitioner)


• A 1-week workshop at the six-month mid-point to share learning and experience so far and enhance technical knowledge


• A further 5-6 month international placement in a different location, again with practical assignments


• A final workshop at the end of the year to review work undertaken, debrief and share learning

Assessment of trainees Assessment of trainees’ learning will be based on:

• Completion of a learning and development plan based on developing a full range of child protection competencies


• Successful completion of reports on four practical assignments associated with international placements


• The coaches’ role is to give continuous developmental feedback to the trainee to enable accelerated learning and development of required child protection competencies

OVERVIEW

Child Protection Trainees will be trained over a period of one year.During this time the trainees will train alongside two coaches in two separate placements in the field. Trainees will attend three training courses - at the beginning, middle and end of the year. The first of the courses will include an induction into the organisation and Child Protection in Emergencies and the second will be an annual learning event to reflect on learning from the field and provide additional instruction as required. Trainees will be required to complete a total of four practical assignments under the guidance of their coaches during field placements (written reports are required).Under normal circumstances, on the successful completion of the scheme, and provided there are vacant posts, Child Protection Trainees are expected to undertake up to two years full time employment with Save the Children UK or other agencies participating in the Scheme (in emergency child protection work).

CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS TO THE SCHEME

GENERAL NOTE

An important entry requirement for trainees is the ability to improvise and take initiative in the face of unexpected challenges. Trainees will be expected to take responsibility for their own learning and development, as well as their own personal wellbeing throughout their trainee year. Trainees' ability to adapt to difficult circumstances, self-start and remain positive and productive in the face of obstacles will greatly impact on the overall success of the scheme. Whilst coaches will be carefully selected, trained in coaching techniques and supported in their coaching roles, they are busy programme staff members juggling a range of responsibilities in unpredictable environments and in some cases this may place limitations on their ability to give extensive support and dedicated time to trainees.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Personal Qualities

1. Commitment to humanitarian work and human rights
2. Commitment to protecting children and a belief in children as citizens
3. Respect for people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures
4. Ability to adapt to different and difficult situations
5. Takes initiative and responsibility for own learning and work
6. Humility, self-awareness and willingness to learn
7. Professional courage (e.g. to questions assumptions and make difficult decisions)
8. Pragmatism
9. Solution-focused and ‘can do’ attitude
10. Ability to achieve and remain calm under pressure
11. Ability to manage stress and a closely linked personal and professional life

Knowledge and skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Analysis and problem solving
• Basic numerical skills
• Excellent written and spoken English, including proven excellence in writing concisely and clearly for different audiences
• Ability to work in an international language other than English (preferably French, Spanish, Arabic, Swahili or Portuguese)

Experience

• Experience of working successfully within a team and alone
• Experience of living and/ or working in difficult circumstances, ideally in a developing or conflict-affected country
• Experience of working with/ volunteering with children

Qualifications

Masters degree in child development, humanitarian work or another relevant field; or demonstrated equivalent level of expertise.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Knowledge and skills

• Ability to persuade and influence
• Understanding of child protection issues (in complex emergencies)
• Basic budget development and financial monitoring skills

Experience

• At least 3 months volunteering or equivalent

All applicants to the scheme will also be subject to Save the Children’s usual Child Protection Policy and checking process (as for Save the Children employees).

What is expected from the traineesA wide variety of training, support and expertise will be provided throughout the course of the year. The central responsibility of the Trainee is to take advantage of all these opportunities and to further their own learning and development in line with the required competencies for child protection employees. It is important that the investment being put into this training scheme is converted into skilled, knowledgeable and committed employees who can promote effective protection for children in emergencies.

In the course of their development, Child Protection Trainees will take on a range of tasks orientated to broadening understanding and developing skills. This will take place under the guidance of their coach in each placement. As they develop through the year, it is likely that Trainees gradually start to add more value to the programmes they are placed with. Placements vary and may or may not include working with children. They may also be with other key agencies in additional to Save the Children.

At all times during their time on the scheme, trainees will be seen as ambassadors for Save the Children and will be responsible for acting in line with key policies relating to professional conduct such as the Code of Conduct and Child Protection policy. Trainees will also adhere to policies on security management in the same way as full time Save the Children employees – this is essential to ensure the safety and wellbeing of trainees and Save the Children employees.

Criteria for successful completion of the scheme

1. Successfully complete two five/six-month placements in Save the Children country programmes or with programmes from other key agencies, carrying out an agreed programme of learning on child protection in emergencies and liaising with an identified coach in each programme.
2. Actively participate in the three training workshops designed to develop particular knowledge and skill areas relevant to Save the Children's (and other agencies’) child protection work
3. In each placement, and in consultation with each coach, draw up and adhere to a learning and development plan containing the following elements:• Four practical assignments (two in the first placement, two in the second placement; a reflective report to be written for each) • Tasks and responsibilities relating to the country child protection programme (trainees will take on elements of child protection tasks from coaches / country teams, in accordance with their growing capacity). • Regular review sessions where progress against performance and development objectives are discussed and jointly assessed by trainee and coach.
4. Complete tasks additional to those in the learning and development plan (as agreed with coach)
5. Monitor and further own learning and development, as advised by child protection coach and wider support team. You will receive help from others but need to take responsibility for this area and show initiative and commitment. A high level of self-awareness and honesty will need to be demonstrated
6. Maintain contact with fellow Child Protection Trainees, supervisors and coaches, requesting support as needed and offering your own skills, expertise and feedback to support others' development
7. Make positive and supportive contributions to the further development of the Child Protection Trainee Scheme. Ensure that problems are identified and addressed quickly and that lessons are learned/shared with relevant others

How to apply

Recruitment for the 2007-08 cycle of trainees will start on Monday 4th June 2007.All candidates need to apply via the website at www.savethechildren.org.uk/jobs

Applications need to include:

• Maximum 2-page role-specific CV
• Response to scenario in the advert (under 500 words)
• Covering letter outlining how the essential criteria has been met

The selection weekend will be held Friday 24th – Sunday 26th August 2007 in the UK.

Further InformationFor further information on the scheme, please contact:Kate GaskellProgramme Manager – Humanitarian Capacity BuildingEmergencies SectionSave the Children UKDirect line: +44 (0) 20 7012 6685E-mail: k.gaskell@savethechildren.org.uk