CFS Assistant

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 8,000 employees and also 8,000 volunteers, while managing a turnover of over 400 million Euro. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, nongovernmental and non-denominational relief organization. The Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest humanitarian NGO and has been ranked the 3rd best NGO in the world in 2018 (for the six consecutive years, the organization is among the top five of the NGO Advisor Annual List).

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency 

Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since November 2015, providing support to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy in ensuring dignified reception conditions for refugees and migrants arriving on Lesvos island. In March 2016, DRC expanded its operations in Athens, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population on mainland Greece.

Purpose

The CFS assistant will carry the daily operations of Child Friendly Space (CFS) for refugees in one community area. S/he will be assist on managing the development and implementation of quality programs and activities inside the CFS, providing on-going support for those working with children, and ensuring the child safeguarding and participation policies of DRC are strictly adhered to.

Duties & Responsibilities

Respnsibilities will include, but not necessarily be limited, to the following:

• Define psychosocial activities to be implemented according to the children’s ages and situation and contribute to the development of a child friendly space curriculum
• Prepare and implement recreational activities for targeted children (large events or small groups)
• Deliver the CFS curriculum and other recreational activities to the children with/or without their parents
• Identify within the activities the children in need of further assistance. Act in the best interest of the child
• Promote, ensure and establish the child as a central actor in the activities
• Communicate with children in a protective manner ensuring the respect of their rights
• Create a positive and trustful atmosphere while interacting with children encouraging them to express their needs and ensuring their feeling of safety
• Understand children as the main actors in their own development and encourage them in decision making of matters that affects them
• Listen to whatever children would like to say, help them express their feelings and needs and respond to it positively
• Closely follow up individual child participation in activities and identify children with special needs
• Report any observed problem of a child to the social worker for necessary support or referral to other supportive network
• Ensure that a child is not alone in the center/location of activity at all times
• Identify materials required for activities preferred by children and request for procurement
• Actively attend supportive trainings and experience sharing meetings
• Accomplish individual and collective assignments given by her/his supervisors
• Accomplish her/his duty of care protecting children from any form of maltreatment/abuse
• Reports to the social worker and/supervisors as soon as she/he suspect or observe or informed a child or children are at risk of abuse or being mistreated
• Close supervision on young children during group plays and avoid harmful exercises
• Ensure activities are appropriate for the physical and mental capacity of children
• Assist in the coordination of Child Protection awareness raising events
• Organize joint events with children from the host communities for community harmonization

Required Qualifications

• University Degree in Refugee and Migration Studies, Psychology, Social Science, Social Work, Human Rights or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience (including volunteer) with refugees and asylum seekers children.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Working knowledge of the following languages: Kurdish (Sorani, Kurmanji/Badini) and/or Arabic, is mandatory.
• Greek language skill is an asset.
• French language skill is an asset.
• Experience of community-based or community mobilization work in a humanitarian context is a strong advantage.
• Strong experience in providing recreational activities to children.
• Excellent creativity and communication skills especially with children.
• Strong computer skills.
• High professional ethics.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Dynamic personality and ability to work under pressure.
• Commitment to the values, vision and mission of DRC, and respect of the DRC code of conduct.
• Commitment and respect of the UNICEF child protection policy.
• Flexible, enthusiastic and willing to learn from others.

Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed
• Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required
• Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must, and a good sense of humor

Terms & Conditions

• The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)
• All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)
• DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.
• The position will be based in Larisa (Greece) and national terms and conditions apply.

Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.

Applications close on the 31st of August 2019. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.