Social support expert / Case Management Coordinator in Save the Children

Save the Children International is a leading international humanitarian organization that has been protecting children's rights around the world for more than 100 years. We work in more than 100 countries, responding to emergency situations, implementing innovative development programs and advocating for the interests of children at the global level.

Our activities in Ukraine began in 2014. Since then, we have greatly expanded our geographic presence, providing support to children and families affected by war. We work in areas such as education, child protection, food security and social support, and we also carry out advocacy activities aimed at ensuring long-term changes in the lives of children.

Purpose of the position:

The social support expert is responsible for the coordination, management and implementation of child protection and case management programs of the Save the Children organization in the city of Mykolaiv. Working under the direct supervision of the Program Manager for Child Protection and Psychosocial Support, as well as with the support of the Technical Adviser on Case Management and Child Protection Specialists, the expert ensures a high-quality, effective and timely response in the field of child protection.

The main responsibilities include the direct implementation of program activities, monitoring the work of partner organizations and providing technical support to social support specialists. The expert is also responsible for strengthening the child protection system in Ukraine, developing the capacity of specialists, improving response mechanisms, as well as overseeing the provision of services, referral processes and case management in accordance with established standards.

Main responsibilities:

Program management and implementation:

• Planning, development and implementation of programs for child protection and social support (case management) in accordance with the strategy of Save the Children and the general plan of the child protection sector.
• Development of detailed work plans, ensuring the timely implementation of program activities and monitoring progress in accordance with the defined goals.
• Close coordination with partner organizations, representatives of state bodies and other humanitarian actors in order to strengthen the response system in the field of child protection.
• Development and implementation of a detailed plan of measures for child protection, including case management and provision of psychosocial support.
• Ensuring the effective implementation of such services as Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR), alternative forms of care and psychosocial support.

Supervision and coordination of social support:

• Supervision and management of the work of social support specialists to provide comprehensive child protection services, including case finding and identification, registration, development of care plans, referrals, direct service provision and case closure.
• Ensuring compliance with Case Management Guidelines, Child Protection Minimum Standards and Basic Humanitiesprinciples.
• Conducting case file audits, supervision of planning and monitoring of case management, ensuring effective and timely management of each case.
• Promoting the development of alternative family forms of upbringing for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), as well as overseeing the functioning of the foster care system.
• Maintaining an up-to-date map of service providers for quality referral and coordination interaction with external service providers.

Quality assurance and capacity development:

• Development of tools for assessing children's vulnerabilities and strengthening the social support system.
• Ensuring compliance of activities with Save the Children policies, procedures and donor requirements.
• Conducting training and mentoring for workers and partners on child protection, social support and psychosocial support.
• Ensuring effective mechanisms of accountability to children and communities, including feedback and complaints systems.

Monitoring, evaluation and training (MEAL):

• Ensuring the functioning of effective monitoring and evaluation systems for child protection and social support programs.
• Collaboration with the MEAL team to collection, tracking and analysis of program data to support informed decision-making.
• Preparation of quality reports for donors and internal use, as well as ensuring proper and accurate documentation of social support services in accordance with Save the Children standards.

External coordination and advocacy:

• Representing Save the Children interests at coordination meetings, in particular within Child Protection Sub-Sector (CPSS) and other interdepartmental working groups.
• Development and support of partnerships with government institutions, non-governmental organizations and local public organizations.
• Advocacy of policies in the field of child protection and promotion of systemic changes and improvement of protection mechanisms at the level of government structures and the humanitarian sector.

Management and development of personnel:

• Leadership, mentoring and supporting employees in the field of child protection and social support, ensuring effective management and professional development of the team.
• Promoting the welfare and support of staff.
• Ensuring compliance with child safety policies and conducting appropriate training for employees.

Administrative and budgetary management:

• Supporting budget planning processes and monitoring expenditures within child protection programs in accordance with the requirements of Save the Children.
• Supervise procurement processes and administrative procedures related to the implementation of program activities.

To be successful, you must have:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, child rights or a related field.
• At least 2-4 years of professional experience in child protection, social support or sumidifferent directions in the humanitarian context.
• Experience of team management and cooperation with partner organizations and representatives of state structures.
• Basic knowledge of the principles of child protection, processes of social support and psychosocial support.
• High communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively in difficult conditions.
• Experience of project management, preparation of reports and budget monitoring.
• Confident proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and data management tools.
• Fluent command of English and Ukrainian languages.

Desirable:

• Prior experience working in emergency situations or with internally displaced persons. 
• Experience of training and capacity building activities for social support specialists and specialists in the field of child protection.
• Awareness of child protection policies (Child Safeguarding) and humanitarian principles of Save the Children.

We offer:

• Official employment in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine
• International working conditions
• Working day 9 am to 5 pm
• Medical insurance
• Life and health insurance
• Learning and professional development opportunities

Child protection policy:

We must ensure the safety of children, so our selection process involves strict background checks and reflects our commitment to protecting children from abuse. 

Willing to employ an employee with a disability.

Prevention of fraud, bribery and corruption

The official must fulfill the necessary duties in accordance with the Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy and ensure that there are no cases of fraud, bribery, theft or corruption in the performance of his official duties responsibilities.

If you are interested in the vacancy, send your resume in English by March 9, 2026. Please note that the position will remain open on the site until we have found a successful candidate.

Indicate your expected salary and level of English proficiency in your cover letter.