Job Description

EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT –

SOSOS Children’s Villages Somalia is part of the global SOS Children’s Villages federation, working in more than 130 countries and territories worldwide. SOS Children’s Villages Somalia has been working in Somalia since 1985, supporting children, young people, and families in situations of vulnerability. We work to ensure that children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it grow up with the relationships, care, and support they need to become their strongest selves, while strengthening families and communities to prevent family separation.

Our programmes include alternative care, family strengthening, youth empowerment, education, health and child protection services, implemented in close cooperation with communities, authorities, and partners. SOS Children’s Villages promotes family-based and family-like care solutions in line with the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, prioritizing prevention of separation and ensuring the most suitable care option for every child. SOS Children’s Villages is committed to child and youth safeguarding, and all recruitment and selection processes reflect our zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, and misconduct. SOS Children’s Villages Somalia currently operates in three regions: Banadir Region (Heliwa, Wadajir, Dharkenley, and Daynile districts), Southwest State (Baidoa and Hudur), and Hirshabelle State (Jowhar and Balcad).

SOS Children’s Villages invites applications from suitably qualified and interested internal candidates with experience and expertise in GBV & CP case management; and who fulfil the eligibility criterion for the below position.

Position Title: GBV & CP Social Worker- 2 Positions

Reporting To: Child Protection Officer

Contracting Durations: – 5 Months

Location: Marka

Position Summary

The CP & GBV Social Worker provides child-centred, family-focused and quality child protection and Gender-based violence services to children at risk of or affected by abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, family separation, harmful practices and GBV related protection concerns.

The Social Worker manages GBV & CPIE individual cases in line with organizational SOPs, national child protection procedures, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and relevant UNICEF and child protection standards. The role covers the full case management cycle: identification, screening, assessment, case planning, referral, service coordination, follow-up, review and case closure, while upholding the best interests of the child, confidentiality, participation, non-discrimination and do-no-harm principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Child Protection case management

• Identify and register children requiring protection support through CFSs, community outreach, health facilities, schools, referrals and self-referrals.
• Conduct initial screening, safety/risk assessments and comprehensive child-friendly assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized case plans with children and caregivers, where appropriate.
• Conduct regular follow-up, case reviews and reassessments according to the child's needs and level of risk.
• Facilitate safe and timely referrals and coordinate with relevant service providers.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date case records.
• Ensure appropriate case closure and post-closure follow-up where required.

Child and family engagement

• Build respectful and trusting relationships with children and caregivers.
• Ensure children's meaningful participation in decisions affecting them.
• Use age-appropriate and child-friendly communication.
• Strengthen caregiver capacity and promote safe family- and community-based solutions.

Protection risk response

• Respond to cases involving GBV Cases, UASC, family separation, abuse, neglect, exploitation, child marriage, FGM, child labour, children associated with armed groups, trafficking, disability-related protection risks, displacement and other protection concerns.
• Ensure specialized cases, including GBV and sexual violence, are managed according to relevant SOPs and referral pathways.

UASC and family separation

• Identify, assess and support UASC and children at risk of separation.
• Facilitate family tracing, reunification and appropriate alternative care.
• Monitor children following reunification and ensure all decisions are based on the best interests of the child.

Psychosocial Support

• Provide basic PSS and psychological first aid within the scope of competence.
• Identify and refer children requiring specialized MHPSS services.
• Monitor children's psychosocial well-being through case management.

Documentation and reporting

• Maintain complete and confidential case files and databases.
• Document assessments, case plans, referrals, follow-up, reviews and closures.
• Ensure responsible data protection and need-to-know information sharing.
• Prepare timely case management and activity reports and contribute to analysis of emerging protection risks.

Community engagement and coordination

• Support child protection awareness and prevention activities.
• Strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms and referral pathways.
• Work closely with CP, GBV, PSS, CFS, health and other relevant teams.
• Participate in case conferences and service mapping.

Safeguarding and professional conduct

• Comply with safeguarding policies, Code of Conduct and professional standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Apply best interests, child participation, informed consent/assent, non-discrimination and do-no-harm principles.
• Report safeguarding concerns through established mechanisms and ensure inclusive services for children with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences, Child Protection, Community Development or a related field.
• Minimum 2–3 years of relevant experience in GBV, Child protection, social work or case management.
• Demonstrated experience in GBV, Child Protection case management, assessment, case planning, referrals, follow-up and case closure.
• Experience working with UASC, vulnerable children, families and communities in humanitarian settings is highly desirable.
• Experience with NGOs/INGOs, community-based protection structures and UN-supported programmes is an advantage.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Technical: Child protection case management, child-friendly interviewing, risk assessment, case planning, safe referrals, family strengthening, UASC response, basic PSS/PFA, safeguarding, documentation and information management, child rights and humanitarian protection standards.
• Behavioural: Strong communication, empathy, active listening, teamwork, problem-solving, sound judgment, confidentiality, integrity, accountability, adaptability, professional boundaries and commitment to safeguarding.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of survivor-centred and child-centred approaches, confidentiality, and informed consent/assent principles.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and training skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with survivors, children, and community stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
• Ability to build and maintain effective referral networks and partnerships with local service providers and authorities.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated commitment to gender equality, child rights, and inclusion.
• Fluency in Somali and English (spoken and written) required.

Safeguarding Commitment

SOS Children’s villages in Somalia is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct, and to promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. SOS Children’s villages in Somalia expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults are recruited to work for us. This position is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background and reference checks.

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should send their applications with a CV and scanned copies of your academic and professional certificates indicating telephone numbers and three referees to: the below link: Indicating with the subject line of the position.

The closing date is. 15th September 2026.

Competent Female candidates are Highly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.