Drop-in Centre Programme Coordination and Reporting Consultant (Giyani), South Africa, at UNICEF

• The purpose of this assignment is to strengthen the effective functioning, quality, and sustainability of a strategically supported Drop-In Centre (DIC) in Limpopo through dedicated on-site coordination, systems strengthening, and implementation support. The consultant will act as the focal point for oversight of funded interventions, ensuring effective implementation in line with agreed objectives and sustainability. Operating within a broader multi-year corporate investment aimed at enhancing child wellbeing, service quality, and institutional resilience in a rural setting, the consultant will provide day-to-day oversight of programme implementation, coordinate stakeholder and volunteer engagements, monitor key deliverables by on-site service providers, and support timely reporting, problem-solving, and adaptive management to ensure the DIC operates efficiently.

Scope of Work:
Volunteer Engagement
The Consultant will coordinate all volunteer initiatives planned by the corporate donor and ensure that such activities are responsive to the needs and priorities of children and other beneficiaries at the DIC. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring that all volunteer activities are aligned with the needs, interests and objectives of beneficiaries and the DIC programme.
• Supporting the screening and vetting of volunteers who will have direct interaction with children, in line with the provisions of the Children’s Act and UNICEF child safeguarding requirements, in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Social Development.
• Coordinating and communicating upcoming volunteer opportunities and events with the DIC, volunteers and relevant stakeholders.
• Mobilising and preparing children and other beneficiaries to participate in planned volunteer activities.
• Providing ongoing support to volunteers and the DIC during the implementation of volunteer activities.

Documentation and Reporting
The Consultant will support the effective documentation, monitoring and reporting of activities implemented at the DIC. Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting beneficiary registration, communication and participation in programme and volunteer activities.
• Developing and maintaining accurate records of volunteer activities undertaken, including beneficiary participation registers and attendance records.
• Preparing timely narrative and photographic reports on volunteer and programme activities undertaken at the DIC, ensuring that all images and information are collected and used in accordance with UNICEF child safeguarding and consent protocols.
• Documenting lessons learned, strengths, challenges and areas for improvement arising from volunteer and programme activities.
• Providing regular updates to the Child Protection Officer and other relevant stakeholders on progress, emerging issues, and follow-up actions.

Coordination and Support
The Consultant will provide day-to-day coordination and operational support to the DIC and contribute to effective programme monitoring and implementation. Responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining an active presence at the DIC to support the implementation of programme and volunteer activities.
• Participating in field visits, as required, to monitor the effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability of volunteer and other programme interventions.
• Supporting communication and coordination between the DIC, UNICEF, the corporate donor, service providers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assisting in the identification and resolution of operational challenges that may affect implementation at the DIC.
• Supporting the coordination, implementation and monitoring of family strengthening and positive parenting interventions, including liaison with caregivers, service providers, and community-based support mechanisms.

Project Planning and Implementation
The Consultant will support the Child Protection Officer in the planning, implementation and oversight of programme-related activities at the DIC. Responsibilities will include:

• Consulting regularly with DIC management, staff and beneficiaries to ensure buy-in, participation and support for programme activities.
• Leading the development and regular updating of detailed workplans, including clear milestones, timelines and responsibilities, to ensure activities are implemented on schedule.
• Supporting the planning, coordination and implementation of programme activities at the DIC.
• Assisting with the logistical planning and management of events and activities, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Supporting general administration, including scheduling meetings, maintaining activity and attendance records, and preparing relevant documentation in coordination with the Child Protection Officer.
• Coordinating meetings, workshops and training sessions related to programme implementation at the DIC.
• Engaging with beneficiaries, including children, to identify emerging priorities and ensure that their views and feedback are reflected in future programme planning and implementation.

 Minimum requirements:

• Education: at least a Bachelor's degree in Social Work with Certification in Social Auxiliary Work and/or Child and Youth Care Work
• Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience social work

Skills: 

• Demonstrated experience in project planning and monitoring
• Demonstrated experience in implementing child safeguarding procedures
• Experience in coordinating and organizing community-based programme activities
• Able to communicate effectively with diverse people
• Excellent report writing skills
• Working knowledge of databases and MS Office (especially Excel)
• Language Requirements: English and Xitsonga 

Desirables:

• Experience working with UNICEF
• Experience working with the Limpopo Department of Social Development
• Co-ordinating local donor programmes in Giyani