Project Assistant (Case Worker) – Kakuma

Job Description

ROLE PURPOSE: 

The Project Assistant- Child Protection is responsible for supporting the implementation of child protection case management activities, including the timely and quality delivery of Best Interest Assessments (BIA) and follow-up of children at risk. The role ensures children’s protection concerns are identified, documented, and addressed through appropriate case plans, referrals, direct support, and continuous follow-up.

The project Assistant who is the project Case Worker will work directly with children, families, community structures, and partners, contributing to durable solutions for vulnerable children. The role contributes to SCI’s child protection programming in Kakuma/Kalobeyei refugee camps and host community.

The role works under the supervision of the Child Protection Officer/Coordinator.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE:  

Reports to: Child Protection Coordinator

Dimensions: Save the Children has been operational in Kenya since the 1950s, supporting children through both development and humanitarian relief programs. These initiatives are delivered directly and in collaboration with local partners. Our current programming focuses on child protection, child rights governance, education, health, HIV/AIDS, livelihoods, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

In 2012, as part of a global reorganization, Save the Children unified the operations of Save the Children UK, Canada, and Finland into a single entity in Kenya. In February 2014, we completed a second transition by merging with the British INGO Merlin, integrating their health and nutrition programs into our portfolio. Today, Save the Children maintains an operational presence in Nandi, Kajiado, Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kakuma Refugee Camp, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana, and Wajir, and works through partners in many other regions across the country. We employ approximately 230 staff, including members of the Global team who are hosted and hired in Kenya, but support Save the Children International (SCI) global operations. In 2025, our annual operating budget was approximately USD 20 million.

Staff directly reporting to this post: Incentive Child Protection Volunteers

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Program Implementation:

Case Management and Direct Support

• Conduct Best Interest Assessments (BIAs), initial assessments, and develop case plans for identified children at risk in line with inter- agency case management standard operating procedures.
• Provide regular follow-up for assigned child protection cases (case load), ensuring timely updates and documentation.
• Support safe alternative care arrangements through monitoring foster parents/guardians in collaboration with the State Department of Children Services as per the national guidelines.
• Facilitate home visits, interviews, and meetings with relevant individuals to gather information on the child’s situation (family members, teachers, community leaders, neighbors, etc.).
• Ensure all case files are complete, accurate, and stored in line with SCI data protection and confidentiality standards.

Coordination and Referral Pathways

• Identify and refer children to appropriate services which many include health, education, psychosocial support, legal aid, nutrition among others using existing referral logs.
• Coordinate closely with Child protection volunteers, State Department of Children Services and partners, to support the case management process in camps and host community.
• Participate in case conferences, CPWG meetings, and other relevant inter-agency case management coordination platforms as delegated

Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Maintain up-to-date case management records and enter case information into CPIMS+ for review by Case Manager 
• Prepare timely activity updates to assist the Child protection Coordinator in preparation of periodic progress reports in a timely manner for both internal and external use
• Support in documentation of best practice and learning from Case management process.
• Support monitoring visits, data collection exercises, and evaluations led by MEAL teams.
• Immediately escalate serious complaints or safeguarding concerns to the Programme Manager and Child Safeguarding Focal Point.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• Takes responsibility for assigned tasks and ensures quality completion in line with case management principles and standards.
• Maintains confidentiality and upholds SCI child safeguarding commitments.

Ambition:

• Sets personal goals to improve performance and supports peers in achieving team objectives.
• Proactive and result oriented.

Collaboration and Collaboration:

• Works effectively with colleagues, community members, and partners.
• Values diversity and promotes inclusive practices.
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
• Work with other child protection actors including UNHCR for collaborative case management 
• Represent SCI with delegated authority, from Child protection Coordinator, in inter-agency coordination meetings.
• Establish good working relationship with respective local authorities, implementing partners, protection volunteers and target communities.

Creativity:

Suggests practical solutions to challenges encountered in the field.

Integrity:

• Demonstrates honesty, transparency, and adherence to SCI policies.

Safety and Security:

Proactively monitors the political, military and security situation at local level and regularly reports  any incidences that have potential impact on SC’s activities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, or relevant social sciences.
• Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in child protection, social work, or humanitarian programming.
•  Prior experience in child protection and best interest determination process in refugee set-ups is essential.
• Experience in use of CPIMS+ is an added advantage.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili; knowledge of local language in the camps and host community.
• Sets high standards for quality and consistently achieves project goals.
• Ability to effectively work with individuals within the organisation, government, partners and community. 
• Positive attitude towards community work with emphasis on the ability to learn from communities and support participatory, innovative approaches to problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive and empathise with all children and families in distress.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Good report writing skills.
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.
• Commitment to Save the Children’s Child Protection Policy.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in refugee camps, displacement settings, or emergency programmes.
• Familiarity with CPIMS and understanding of Best Interest Procedures (BIA/BID).
• Training in psychosocial support, child safeguarding, GBV, or related fields.

Equal Opportunities 

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.