Head of Child Protection Unit

The HOME Project is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 to address the needs of unaccompanied refugee children who arrive in Greece alone. Children who have been forced flee their countries and remain unprotected, find shelter in the safety of our 13 homes in the center of Athens. There, in addition to warmth, security, and stability, we provide them with a comprehensive framework of child protection services, while facilitating their smooth and meaningful integration into society. (The program is funded by the National Development Program and will have a duration of 12 months.)

The Home Project announces the opening of one (1) full-time position for Head of the Child Protection Unit in Attica. The selected candidate will be employed under an open-ended employment contract, with a six-month probationary period. The employee will work at the organization's headquarters.

The Head of the Child Protection Unit (CPU) plays a vital role in supporting the Chief Child Protection Unit (CCPU) supervise the management and operation of the shelters according to THP values, ethics and legal regulations. The position entails significant responsibility in overseeing daily operations within the shelters, ensuring that child protection policies are meticulously followed, and that the children's safety and well-being are prioritized. The role is tasked with the direct supervision of the shelters' staff and the continuous monitoring of the shelters' activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Supervision & Operational oversight

• Will be responsible for the scientific supervision of the child protection operations of the Home Project shelters
• Supports shelter staff, providing direction and guidance in daily matters. Collaborates closely with the CCPU especially in complex cases
• Assists CCPU in managing the daily operations of shelters ensuring they are safe, secure and supportive environments for unaccompanied refugee children
• Supports CCPU to supervise the shelter coordinators to ensure consistent and effective implementation of child protection policies and procedures
• In cooperation with the CCPU, monitors and evaluates shelters operation to ensure compliance with legal standards and organizational policies
• Supports the management of all staff-related matters in the shelters, from the stage of recruitment to departure
• In coordination with the CCPU, organizes group and individual sessions with children for damage restoration and conducts initial investigations for possible abuses, suspicions or testimonies of harmful behavior
• Stays informed about major protection issues related to the residents
• Creates, leads, implements in trainings on child protection issues and disseminates the acquired knowledge to employees and management
• Participates in team, supervisory and administrative meetings
• Identifies areas for improvement within shelter operations and shares information with CCPU
• Receives and records confidential information from resident child or employee who may have a concern or wishes to report an incident of harm, in accordance with THP's protection policies and procedures
• Supports CCPU in evaluating the potential risks for activities involving the children staying in the shelters
• Conducts crisis management
• Maintains continuous collaboration and communication with all departments of THP aiming at the smooth operation of the shelters and ensuring confidentiality of personal data for all sheltered children and staff members

Policies & Procedures

• Ensures that all protection policies and procedures are up to date and properly implemented
• Guarantees that all staff, volunteers and other personnel of THP are informed about the policies and procedures and know what to do

Reporting

• Maintains accurate records and documentation of shelter data, activities and incidents
• Prepares reports on shelter operations to CCPU as and when required

Requirements
Education

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
• A Master's degree in a related field can be advantageous

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience of at least 5 years in social work preferably within the NGO sector
• Relevant institutional knowledge and expertise will be considered an asset

Skills
Technical skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Greek and English
• Advanced skills in identifying potential risks
• Competent in working with data and maintaining accurate records
• Digital skills
• IT literacy

Soft Skills

• Excellent collaboration skills
• Problem solving abilities
• Advanced cultural awareness; good understanding and respect for different cultures, traditions and social dynamics
• Good people management skills, ability to guide and motivate
• Agility and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and requirements
• Passion for THP mission and values
• High level of professionalism and integrity
• High level of self-motivation

Benefits

• Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to socially vulnerable groups
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Training and full support during onboarding
• On-site work at the organization's headquarters in Athens