World Vision International, one of the world's largest NGOs, has current programs and operations in more than 100 countries. It is an international relief, development and advocacy NGO dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

While civil society organisations in Georgia have informally engaged with one another to contribute to the reform process, civil society organisations' capacity to act jointly is limited as is their overall influence. Most notably, they lack a platform from which they can liaise with and learn from regional and international stakeholders and collectively develop and present recommendations to contribute to the development of the national child and youth welfare system. Simultaneously, civil society organisations' right to participate in policy dialogue is often undermined by prescribed funding opportunities that focus on service delivery and not policy development. To better leverage their expertise, provide a coherent platform from which to engage government and to implement and monitor the Government's commitments to child protection reforms, 22 organisations have agreed to establish the Georgian Coalition for Child and Youth Welfare

Within the scope of this new project, the "Stronger Coalition for Chil and Youth Welfare in Georgia " will ensure collaborative action of member organisations to ensure evidence-based advocacy efforts for minimizing gaps in the child welfare system.

World Vision Georgia (WVG) is announcing an opening for the position of Researcher for the project "Stronger Coalition for Child Welfare in Georgia"

Job Reference Number: WVG-Researcher

Department: Operations

Reports to: Child and Youth Welfare Expert

Location: Tbilisi

Employment status: short term Service Contract (till April 30, 2014)

Research purpose:

** To identify needs and gaps in Child Welfare System of Georgia in order to define and implement a communication and advocacy strategy regarding key focus areas (youth leaving care, youth employment, juvenile justice, prevention and family support services and protection mechanism for victims of violence), as well as to facilitate research and analysis of best practices to build a solid evidence base for informed action.

** Based on the research findings Coalition Member organisation will jointly develop advocacy strategy reflecting recommendations for the Government Structures for improving Child Welfare System.

** This is a policy research to be conducted as a first step of the project implementation giving an outline of existing conditions in country in the field Child Welfare System.

Duties and responsibilities:

** Assess the existing Child Welfare System policy and practice with regard to system strengths and needs

** Evaluate the level how the existing Child Welfare Services are addressing the needs of target beneficiaries.

** Evaluate the evidence based practice in the field of Child Welfare

** Evaluate the existing needs and gaps, policy and practice with regard to international regulations and standards

** Elaborate the recommendations for the government on legislative, as well as executive level,with a view to address the needs

Expectations from the research:

** Findings on polices of Child Welfare issues in Georgia;

** Findings of existing gaps and recommendations based on the research will be provided by the consultant in order to develop joint advocacy plan.

** Pull together obtained information, analysis

** Provide research report, which will be used in Joint advocacy strategy development process in order to give Coalition member organizations opportunity to speak with one voice with an aim to improve Child Welfare System in Georgia

Required Qualifications and experience:

** University degree (in development or related discipline)

** Proven track record of conducting research and analyzes;

** Good knowledge and experience in conducting project evaluations/monitoring and design;

** Excellent analytical and written communication skills;

** Sound understanding of NGO work and Child welfare standards/reform

** Analytical skills that can be applied to situation analysis;

** Fluency in English (written, verbal);

** Ability to acquire, interpret, assess data/information in a cross-cultural setting;

** Ability to work in a team environment, but able to perform job functions with limited supervision when required.

If you meet the requirements, please send a cover letter and a detailed CV in English (please ensure that you quote the Position Reference Number " WVG-Researcher " in the subject line and that CV includes names and contact details of 2 referees) to: Recruitment_Georgia@wvi.org

In case of lack of any of the above mentioned information, your application will not be considered.

Closing date: December 24, 2013, 18:00.

source: jobs.ge