ALTERNATIVE CARE/FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM (AC/FSP) COORDINATOR
Job Description
JOB ADVERTISEMENT
ALTERNATIVE CARE/FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM (AC/FSP) COORDINATOR
SOS Children’s Villages was established in Sierra Leone in 1974. We work with government and partners in communities to help families care for their children or to provide an alternative family for children who have no one to care for them, or who have lost parental care or are exposed to risks of neglect, abandonment, abuse and exploitation. Located in Freetown, Bo and Makeni, SOS Children’s Villages Sierra Leone has a wide range of programmes, in which the love of a caregiver is essential, to ensure children grow in a loving home and become their strongest selves.
Our Vision: Every child belongs to a family and grows up with love, respect and security.
Our Mission: We build families for children in need, we help them shape their own futures, and we share in the development of their communities.
Our Values: Courage Commitment Trust Accountability
Programmes include Alternative Care settings, Interim Care Centres, Youth care programmes that support more than 530 children and young people leaving in villages and in communities. In addition to quality care, we advocate for children, young people and women’s right, protection, safeguarding and empowerment. SOS Children’s Villages also provide quality education to over 4,000 students through its Herman Gmeiner International Schools and Kindergartens. Other projects include the Youth Innovation challenge & Youth-Can! which support young entrepreneurs with their businesses and young people on their quest to employment. The emergency programmes aid vulnerable families cope with the impact of COVID-19 and the economic downturn to prevent family separation.
SOS Children’s Villages in Sierra Leone is recruiting an Alternative Care (AC) and Family Strengthening Program (FSP) Coordinator to implement, coordinate, and manage the Family Strengthening Programme within the SOS Children’s Villages framework. The primary objective of the role is to provide technical and operational support to management in planning and executing the transition from alternative care services to family strengthening programmes.
Ensure that the program reaches families in need, focusing on the most vulnerable groups.
S/he is to develop and manage detailed work plans, timelines, and budgets for program activities.
Lead or support the design of family strengthening projects that respond to the needs of vulnerable families and communities.
Coordinate all activities related to the transition, ensuring alignment with SOS Children’s Villages’ strategic priorities and national child care reforms.
Identify and escalate potential risks related to child safety, staff morale, or community resistance during the transition and closure process.
Ensure all closure activities are handled with sensitivity, transparency, and compliance with child safeguarding standards.
Ensure that children and youth are properly prepared and supported throughout the transition process.
Facilitate consultations with children, families, community leaders, and government authorities to ensure inclusive and participatory program design.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Child Development, Sociology, Development Studies, Psychology, or a related field is required.
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in managing social development, livelihoods, partnership or child protection programmes, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
- Experience working with vulnerable families, children, and communities, ideally in a family- based care or child welfare context.
- Designing and implementing community-based child protection or family strengthening projects.
- Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes and tools.
- Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and community groups.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.
- Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding standards.
WORK CONDITIONS
STARTING DATE: 1st September 2025
DURATION OF CONTRACT: Year with a possibility of an extension based on performance and/or availability of funding
LOCATION: Freetown
NUMBER OF POSITION: One
WE OFFER:
- Attractive salary and package.
- A supportive team and compelling working environment.
- Opportunity to contribute to the empowerment of children and young people in a recognized
International NGO.
To apply: submit a cover letter, with your Curriculum Vitae, photocopy of certificates, and three (3) professional references with at least one (2) from direct supervisors, by email only to apply.sl@sossierraleone.org Please indicate in the subject line the position, the location and the subject area desired.
Closing date for the submission of applications is Monday 14th July 2025
Only the successful candidates will be contacted.
In accordance with the organisation’s child protection policy, all employment is subject to
applicable background checks, including criminal record checks, police clearance.
What We Stand For:
SOS Children’s Villages is committed to creating and maintaining a caring and protective environment, which promotes its core values, and prevents and addresses child abuse and exploitation. We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse and exploitation, be it within or outside of our organisation, and always respond to any case of proven, alleged or attempted abuse within our sphere of influence according to its nature. Efforts ensure that mechanisms are in place to raise awareness, aid prevention, encourage reporting and ease response. They range from human resource development actions such as training and counselling to measures such as suspension, dismissal, and legal action.
