Case Manager

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

In the first quarter of 2024, arrivals remain lower compared to the same period in 2023, however, since early March, departures have resumed consistently from Tunisia and Libya, with peaks of over 1,000 people landed in Lampedusa over 24 hours. Furthermore, there has been an increase of extremely vulnerable cases, including single-parent families, pregnant girls, and children under 14 traveling alone (UASC).

Despite the Italian child protection system foreseeing a solid legal framework for the protection of UASC, the legal provisions remain partially implemented and the system continues being challenged by the constant increase of numbers of children in first and second-line reception centers.

The reception capacity continues to be overwhelmed, with an ongoing struggle to accommodate refugees and migrants, particularly unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). Child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) support services within first line reception centers across Italy are inadequate, the tendency to promiscuity and overcrowding, especially in times of high numbers of arrivals, combined with overall substandard living conditions (e.g. reported limited availability of separate bathroom facilities, no locks on bedroom doors), limited expertise of staff and availability of accessible information on available GBV services, negatively impact protection and security of children and women exposing women, girls and children to the risk of violence, abuse and exploitation. Despite efforts from the Italian Government, including the declaration of the state of emergency to handle the increase of migratory flows and a solid legal framework, the system remains highly fragmented, with several disparities in quality of services and care. The declared state of emergency was renewed for six more months as of 10 April 2024.

Against this background and under the framework of the EU Union Action Programme, UNICEF aims at strengthening the capacity of the Italian protection and reception system from arrival to all the subsequent reception phases, to ensure protection and care for the most vulnerable refugee and migrant children, including those transitioning to adulthood, UASC, families, and women survived/at risk of gender-based violence. These people of concern (PoC) will have access to emergency protection interventions, alternative care solutions, and lifesaving information.

Under the supervision of the Case Management Coordinator and the Child Protection Specialist - and in close coordination with other relevant EU and UN Agencies - the Case Manager will support local Prefectures in Sicily (Ragusa, Catania, Trapani, Agrigento) and Calabria (Reggio Calabria) to properly manage cases of unaccompanied children, those transitioning to adulthood, and women survived and/or at risk of GBV.

The position will be covering Area IV of the Prefecture of Reggio Calabria.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Case Manager Coordinator and the Child Protection in Emergency Specialist, the UNV Case Manager will work in Area IV of the Prefectures of Reggio Calabria to support the local authority in properly manage cases of unaccompanied children (UASC), those transitioning to adulthood, families with children and women survived and/or at risks of GBV. The case manager will facilitate the coordination between prefectures and local protection services (e.g. local health services, justice and social authorities, including Juvenile Courts, Social Services, Regional Ombudspersons for Childhood and Adolescence, Managing Bodies of reception facilities, anti-violence centers and Civil Society Organizations). Specifically, he/she will provide: • Technical advice and guidance to Area IV of Prefectures to support prompt and appropriate transfer/allocation in adequate reception facilities and facilitate foster care options when available. • Implement a comprehensive Child Protection Case Management (CP CM) based on international standards throughout the following steps: best interest assessment, action planning, implementation, follow up and case closure. • Maintain the mapping of available protection services updated. • Facilitate the referral mechanisms between Prefectures and CP actors and stakeholders (e.g. Juvenile Courts, Health and Social Services, Guardians, Ombudspersons, Reception facilities, Anti-violence Centers and all the other relevant players/services).

Further, the case manager will provide:

• If and as needed, technical support to the other operational teams (GBV team) to collect qualitative/quantitative data on the protection needs of PoC (with a specific focus on girls and women) in hotspots and/or first line reception facilities to gain insights into the existing gaps around protection needs, safety, and related aspects. • Gather and systematize data on the intervention conducted by case managers to facilitate analysis of their effectiveness and impact. • Any other related tasks may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs: • As an active team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to [UNICEF Italy] and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

Task 1: Support local Prefectures in performing their legally duties as concerns the most vulnerable cases among UASC, families and women survived to/at risk of gender- based violence, in line with international and national standards.

Deliverables linked to Task 1:

• 1 report at the end of the contract on the continuous support (technical advice and guidance) provided to local authorities.
• Daily case management support for UASC, families and women survived to/at risk of GBV.
• 1 updated mapping of protection services available per location with related referral mechanism to be enacted.

Tasks 2: Support the identification of protection needs with regular participatory assessments:

Deliverables linked to Task 2:

• Information regarding protection needs is gathered by consistently supporting other teams (GBV team) through different methods (if and as needed Focus Group Discussions and/or safety audits) conducted in hotspots and/or primary reception facilities.

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF ECARO Rome OP ; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF ECARO Rome OP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF ECARO Rome OP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards ECARO Rome mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the national and/or international level with refugees and migrants or vulnerable children along with extensive experience in the field of child protection and gender-based violence; experience with UNICEF is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization. • Proven experience of work with local institutional authorities in protection and reception of migrants and refugees is an asset. • Proven knowledge of the national context with regards to asylum, migration, and protection system and legal and policy framework • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in child protection, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): EUR 3142.66 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): EUR 261.89 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days