Economic Strengthening / Livelihoods Specialist – Child Protection

Organisation: 

Heartland Alliance
Country: 

Democratic Republic of the Congo (the)
Closing date: 

02 Dec 2011

Job Title/Req: Economic Strengthening/Livelihoods Specialist – Child Protection
Location: Democratic Republic of Congo

*** PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING***

1) This announcement is for a proposal and employment is contingent on Heartland Alliance being awarded the project.

2) When you apply for this position, you will be required to select a US state from a drop down menu. If you are not residing in the US currently, you will still need to select a US state in order to proceed with the application process. The remainder of the address fields are text boxes in which you can type in your actual location.

Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights
Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights is a non-profit 501(c)(3) service-based human rights organization founded in 1888 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Heartland Alliance advances the human rights and responds to the human needs of endangered populations – particularly the poor, the isolated and the displaced – through the provision of comprehensive and respectful services and the promotion of permanent solutions leading to a more just global society.

Overview of the Economic Strengthening/Livelihoods Specialist Position
Heartland Alliance seeks candidates for Economic Strengthening/Livelihoods Specialist for an upcoming five-year USAID-funded program to protect vulnerable children and families from human rights abuses, exploitation and family separation by preventing and responding to vulnerability and abuse, and by supporting interventions that build the capacity of families, communities, NGOs, the private sector and GoDRC to prevent and respond to abuse. The anticipated start date for the program is early-to-mid 2012.

The Economic Strengthening/Livelihoods Specialist will be responsible for provide technical guidance and leadership in the design and implementation of the program listed above.

Responsibilities Include:
- Design, implement and evaluate a variety of activities, programs and events for children;
- Contribute to the development of livelihoods applications and tools;
- Advocate for the rights of vulnerable children and families and build their capacity through personal and professional development;
- Collaborate and network with key local agencies and organizations across DRC;
- Develop mechanisms to evaluate the outcomes of the children’s activities, programs and services provided;
- Provide technical expertise to field staff in program design, implementation strategies, and work planning.

Requirements
Education and/or Experience:
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, such as international development, social work, public policy, or other areas directly related to providing services to vulnerable populations, or equivalent experience;
- At least five years of experience in cost-effective and successful programming for economic
- strengthening/livelihoods in a developing country (experience in DRC or Sub-Saharan Africa is highly desirable);
- Experience with human rights and protection of vulnerable groups;
- Sound understanding of Congolese development needs and political environment;
- Fluency in written and spoken French and English;
- Strong communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to develop excellent relationships with Congolese counterparts and donor officials;
- Previous experience working with international development implementing partners is strongly encouraged.

Other qualifications:
- Sensitivity to and intimate knowledge of children and families’ human rights and an ability to support and strengthen the autonomy of grassroots organizations/associations;
- Strong commitment to advancing human rights;
- Strong M&E skills and experience;
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.

How to apply: 

This announcement is for a proposal and employment is contingent on Heartland Alliance being awarded the project. To apply, send an email with the job title in the subject heading. Include CV, cover letter – send to [email protected].