Job Details
We look at long-term stability and progress through a trauma lens. GSN designs training and intervention programs that recognises the existence of trauma and its effect in communities affected by long-term conflict. We incorporate strategic communication and support a learning agenda. We communicate in a culturally appropriate way and our programs have an inbuilt, evidence based research component.
GSN acknowledges that leaders in Africa and beyond are exposed to stressful and traumatic events either in their own lives or in the lives of the people they serve. We believe that a healthy and balanced leader can facilitate and animate communities and its people to be resilient in times of hardship and conflict, war or turmoil. It is in this spirit that we want to embark on a trauma-informed training program for the Kenya Police Service.
The Trauma-Informed Initiative for Security Actors project focuses on “dealing with the past” by providing police tools for re-examination of traumatic events and methods to enhance mental wellbeing and resiliency. Research suggests a link between traumatic experiences and criminal behaviour. Traumatized individuals’ negative encounters with the justice system could further exacerbate this phenomenon. Police officers need to be equipped through a self-healing process and be able to recognize the effects of trauma in the communities they serve. We believe that our program will begin to prepare the police officers for these difficult tasks.
Police officers are exposed to traumatic events as part of their occupation and who experience repeated exposure to traumatic on-the-job practices may suffer psychological problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They are also exposed to stress inherent in their jobs which is considered customary, but which exceeds stress inherent in most other professions. Police respond to every suicide and fatal car accident and arguably exposed to more death and trauma than troops of war. The effects of trauma are often ignored, resulting in high levels of suicide, divorce, and addictions. Often under appreciated, these men and women help make our communities safer every day. Unfortunately working under constant stress and pressure, many police officers suffer from the effects of trauma and some become affected with PTSD. There is very little support given to police officers.
Objective 1: Support Trauma-Informed Resiliency (TIR) trainers to carry out TIR training activities with security actors; introduce the program to project stakeholders, in line with program targets and milestones
Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:
Understand project targets and milestones for the program
Organize and supervise program trainings for targeted security actors and other stakeholders
Support the processing of the Leahy vetting documents as required by donor funding
Understand project targets for the TIR trainers
Convey targets in easy to understand format to the TIR trainers
Regularly visit, coach, spot check and give feedback to each trainer regarding their training carried out and progress against targets
Serve as Line Manager for Project Officer(s) / Project Assistant, Interns, as appropriate
Facilitate field team performance reviews – directly conducting 360 performance reviews for Program Officer(s), Project Assistant(s) and Interns
Participate in recruitment panel for Project Team
Facilitate strong staff and volunteer morale, support for self-care and positive working environment in area of operation
Objective 2: Support in the development of TIR specific training materials for security actors and the TIR certification curriculum
Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:
Organize and supervise TIR adaptation process and the TIR certification development process for targeted security actors and other stakeholders
Track and report on the implementation of Kumekucha models by CCs, the success of CFs, and any challenges or barriers that may arise that limit or prevent their success
Act as a linkage and “hub” between GSN and the TIR certified trainers – as a trustworthy contact person who can manage the development and expansion of successful institutional partnerships
Maintain active relationship with national, county and local government officials, as required
Objective 3: Tracking and reporting on Kumekucha activities and results/impact
Key activities & responsibilities to achieve this objective:
Understand and train TIR trainers on the use of the ONA reporting forms and procedures
Maintain own tracking records using the tools in the Senior Coordinator Management Binder
schedule of own activities (monthly workplan)
schedule of field visits
checklist for field visits
monthly checklist
up to date TIR trainer contact list
Submit monthly reports on security actor activities (summarized) to the Director of Program and Admin on time, following up on any gaps
Respond to requests and instruction from Director of Program and Admin, and GSN office staff or management, for provision of reports, data or other information or records of network activities
Maintain records of trainings of and any other activities undertaken for the project
Support new project development
Cooperate with and actively engage with M/E and other relevant GSN staff to get up to date performance feedback from their spot-checking activities
Internal & External relationships
Internal
Director of Admin and Programs
Project Officer(s)
Project Assistant(s)
Intern(s)
Learning Monitoring Manager and Officer(s)
GSN Management
External
TIR Trainers
Officials from the Office of the President
Official from the Kenyan Police Service
Officials from the Local Administration
Officials from the County Government
REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES (which reports/documentation does this rôle produce)
Summary of TIR training debriefing reports
Monthly reports summarizing all security actors activities
Any other activity reports ad hoc as required, including photographs, training report overviews and program updates
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS
Post-secondary education in development studies, international relations, Psychology, Social Work, Conflict
Transformation/Peacestudies, or related field.
3-5 years work experience in security sector programming, peacebuilding, and/or trauma-healing.
2-4 years management experience in complex security environment.
Demonstrated experience working with state authorities, negotiation and mediation.
Demonstrated ability to work and solve problems independently and effectively in remote, highly challenging locations.
Demonstrated ability to analyze conflict, security and political contexts.
Excellent spoken and written English and Kiswahili
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
Understanding of social healing and trauma-informed approaches at the an institutional level
Excellent people and communication skills
Respect for people and a sincere desire to help them in a healing process
Organized, able to track own activities and those of others
Honest, hard working and dedicated
Interested in supporting staff self-care and wellness
Experience in teaching and/or training
PREFERRED
Technical peacebuilding and/or trauma-informed skills (various areas may be relevant and useful)
