Best Interest Determination Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title: Best Interest Determination Specialist
Employment category: 
Reporting to: Protection Coordinator    
Unit/department: Protection
Location: Duty Station: Kibondo/Kasulu

Overall purpose of the role: 
The BID specialist works as part of DRC’s team under the direct supervision of the Protection Coordinator and guidance support of the Protection Manager. The role is based in Kasulu/Kibondo and shall conduct regular field visits to Nyarugusu and Nduta refugee camp.
The BID specialist will provide BID Experties to case management officers and case workers. He/she will be required to complete the BIDs for resettlement cases, BID for cross boarder cases as well as to complete BIDs for newly identified cases and She/he will be the final reviewer of all BID shared to him/her by the case management officers in both camps Nduta and Nyarugusu camp and share them to the relevant UNHCR focal personnel and presenting the cases to a BID panel. He will also be responsible in preparing BID reports. He/she Completes and update all case files and database records as per UNHCR guidelines. Be available, whilst on deployment, to answer any specific technical questions raised by UNHCR colleagues regarding BID proceedings.

Program Responsibilities 
•    Monitor outstanding cases, make assessments and follow-up with relevant UNHCR units and/ or Child Protection unit to ensure smooth processing of referral submissions
•    Analyse all information and interview unaccompanied and separated refugee children whilst conducting home visits for the purpose of preparing BID reports and presenting them to a BID panel.
•    Design and develop appropriate monitoring, evaluation and learning systems for child protection interventions.
•     Evaluate the implementation of DRC child protection activities and draft recommendations for improved program design.
•    Contribute towards identifying resettlement and cross-border cases, compiling interview lists, scheduling interviews, as well as carrying out resettlement interviews panel Identify the staffing needs for the child protection response and support the recruitment process for these staff. 
•    Be available, whilst on deployment, to answer any specific technical questions raised by UNHCR colleagues regarding BID proceedings
•    Undertake additional work-related duties as agreed upon by protection coordinator and Protection manager.

Data collection and reporting 
•    Complete and update all case files and database records per standard operating procedures. 
•    Conduct final review of all BIA and BID shared by the case management officers
•    Track indicators, maintain, update and analyse data on Child protection case management activity (BIDs) and indicators. 
•    Prepare and submit timely and quality weekly, monthly, quarterly and other donor reports as per the donor requirements and accountable to meet reporting deadline. 

Program management 
•    S/he will manage strategic partnerships and external relationships with coordination and donors
•    Coordinate and/or implement training and briefing of DRC staff, partners, and other key stakeholders on child protection and/or BID related issue
•    In collaboration with Protection Manager, Protection coordinator and CP Team leader participate in all CP budget planning; accountable for developing and maintaining work plans, spending and procurement plans, tracking expenditures and ensure all prevention activities are allowable and allocated according to DRC and donor compliance and regulations. 

Logistics Duties 
•    Take care of equipment’s and supplies for the job 
•    Ensure working equipment’s are in good condition and replenish/repairs when out of order 
•    Reports immediately any security incidence/issue detected in the DRC premises 

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience) 
•    Five (3) year’s work experience required, in child protection or child welfare is required.
•    Previous child protection experience (including experience with conducting interviews with children and assessing their best interest) 
•    Legal background or a background in social work through education and/or work experience
•     Proven knowledge of the international legal framework governing refugees, asylum seekers, Internally displaced persons and statelessness
•    Previous confidential case management experience, including use of age-appropriate and gender-sensitive interview techniques is required. 
•    Thorough and demonstrated knowledge of international child protection frameworks, UNHCR Best Interests Procedure Guidelines and demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR resettlement processes.
•    Excellent interviewing and counselling skills.
•    Excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills
•     Excellent spoken and written English and Kiswahili
•     Previous assessment/ monitoring and evaluation skills preferred.
•     Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills. 
•    Strong computer skills, in Microsoft Office and excel application. 
•    Excellent organizational and time management skills. 

Education: 
•    Bachelor’s degree in law, social science or a relevant field in well recognized college or university (A master degree will be an added advantage)    

Languages:
•    Good proficiency in written and spoken English, and Swahili. Kirundi an added advantage    

Key stakeholders: 
•    DRC programme staff (protection and others)
•    Refugees and donors
•    Local Government and host Community representatives.
•    Referral partners

Core competencies     Basic    Advanced   Expert
Striving for excellence       ☐        ☐        ☒

Collaborating                     ☐        ☐        ☒

Taking the lead                  ☐        ☒        ☐

Communicating                 ☐        ☐        ☒

Demonstrating integrity     ☐        ☒        ☐

•Basic: I master the essentials, but may at times need help from others
•Advanced: I can work independently at full professional level.
•Expert: I am the go-to person when others need help.