Social Advisor/ Program Officer

Baan Dek Foundation (BDF) is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious organization based in Bangkok & Chiang Mai. BDF supports access to essential services for more than 1,500 vulnerable children and their families living in construction sites and slums. Through specifically tailored educational programs and flexible individual support, Baan Dek Foundation protects endangered children, enables families to become self-sustainable and provides opportunities for a better future.

Job Description

Job Title

:  Social Advisor/Program Officer

Type of Contract

:  Full-time position, 1-year contract (with possibility of extension pending grant funding)

Department

:  Programs Department

Location

:  Chiang Mai, Thailand (with occasional work trips to Bangkok and Thai border regions for field research)

Expected Start Date: 

:  ASAP

Responsibilities of the advertised position:

Baan Dek Foundation is currently looking for a professional and dedicated local Social Advisor/Program Officer who will commit to contribute to the overall goals of Baan Dek Foundation and provide specialized support for the Family Support Program, and emergency case management and research program to support families to stay together.

The employee will work under direct supervision of the Director Team in Chiang Mai.

Role and responsibilities include - but are not restricted to:

SOCIAL WORK DIRECTLY WITH BENEFICIARIES

• Outreach to new communities in need of critical support to essential services
• Complete and assess in-depth community level needs assessments
• Create tailored action plans for communities to ensure access to child rights
• Complete and assess individual Needs Assessment Interviews in order to identify children and parents facing critical situations;
• Providing one-on-one, tailored case management including direct, immediate protection to families identified as at risk
• Providing direct support according to individual needs and action plans including food, education, school supplies, financial support, baby supplies, etc.
• Enrolling children in school and removing barriers to enrollment such as transportation, school fees, uniforms, translation of documents, etc.
• Supporting children’s access to vaccines, including educating adults in the community to improve awareness about vaccinations, as well as how to obtain health cards to access overall health care
• Providing appropriate social work guidance and/or counselling and ensuring regular and effective follow-up;
• Identifying and developing partnerships with relevant local stakeholders (schools, medical centers, social services, etc.)
• Provide referrals to public safety, health and education services as needed;

RESEARCH SUPPORT

• Supporting with primary data collection at the Thai borders, around Chiang Mai and potentially other areas (support may include language interpretation);
• Conducting focus groups and individual interviews with children and caregivers, as well as in-depth interviews with other stakeholders;
• Developing and maintaining local partnerships with government agencies and non-profit organizations who serve or support our target population; and
• Actively engaging in and contributing to forums or meetings with academics, government officials or NGOs in Thai and English, and building upon our existing advocacy work.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING and REPORTING

• Preparing and coordinating field and research activities;
• Design and implementation of activities and tools (such as life skills) dedicated to improving the beneficiaries' living situation and facilitating their future autonomy.
•  
• Developing and implementing the overall monitoring system for the Family Support Program activities;
• Completing quantitative and qualitative monitoring data on BDF activities, following monitoring and evaluation systems and M&E plans Supporting the communication of information on the beneficiaries within the team,
• Reporting on every follow-up action held with the beneficiaries (home visits, activities, meetings, phone calls, …) and organizing the reports in the beneficiaries' files;
• Support in terms of administrative/legal matters related to the project
•  

Qualifications:

Nationality: Thai or South East Asian nationals

Language: Native Thai, fluent spoken and written English (knowledge of Thai-Yai, Burmese or Khmer considered an asset).

Education: Degree or experience in a relevant field (research coordination / social work / social development/ political science / international development/ etc.)

Experience:

• Experience as a social worker or experience related to development or social work
• Ability to understand family situations and conduct assessments
• Experience as a project coordinator or research coordinator considered an asset
• Experience in interviewing, counseling, and case management considered an asset
• Experience with non-profit organizations or in the humanitarian sector will also be strongly considered

Other skills/interests:

• Dynamic, creative, and demonstrates proven skills to work and engage with children
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multicultural team
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to provide and receive positive criticism in a sensitive manner
• Highly motivated and flexible
• Committed to social work/child welfare and dedicated to the organization’s mission and values
• Positive energy and spirit and strong communication skills
• Reliable and respectful of local culture.

Working hours:  Full time - Monday to Friday (flexible schedule) and occasionally on weekend & evenings

Salary: Starting at 18,000 THB (to be defined based on experience and qualifications) Complementary advantages provided (transportation and phone allowance, etc.)

How to Apply:

Please send all applications in English (CV/cover letter/2 professional references) via E-mail only to: Mr. Werapong Peansupap, Director of HR and Public Relations, at werapong@baandekfoundation.org) and CC Nicole Geller, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, at nicole@baandekfoundation.org.

In the subject line of the email, please write “Social Advisor/ Program Officer -(Your name)”

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview in English. Baan Dek Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that selects candidates based on merit. To comply with Baan Dek Foundation Child Protection Policy, the selected candidate will be requested a copy of his/her criminal record. The successful applicant will be expected to comply with Baan Dek Foundation's Child Protection Policy.

Closing date for applications:  none

More details on Baan Dek Foundation’s programs on www.baandekfoundation.org