Disability Inclusion Specialist

With over 70 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Key Responsibilities:

Planning and implementing of disability related child protection initiatives

• Provide substantive input into the development and implementation of WVM disability inclusive programming, Project Models, and Monitoring & Evaluation framework that ensures improved child well-being outcomes in disability inclusion.
• Manage a collaborative design process drawing in disability inclusion in WV stakeholders and major national external stakeholders and partners
• Relate and collaborate with all relevant TP Sectors and other departments on matters related to the strategic integration and alignment of disability into WVM operations.
• Lead the delivery of technical expertise and support to the project and all Area Programmes (APs), and child protection-focused grants projects.
• Leads the development of concept notes and project proposals on disability for grants or PNS purposes
• Support coordinating of inclusive efforts as a child safe organization compliance in emergencies.
• Provide technical advice on disability approaches and its application in emergency contexts.
• Assess the specific needs of children with disabilities.
• Collaborate with partners, service providers, organizations of persons with disabilities and children and families with different disabilities.
• Develop inclusive child protection programs.
• Train staff and community members in disability inclusion and child protection.
• Advocate for child rights and disability inclusion at all levels.

Networking and Advocacy

• Network with other institutions and agencies focused on disability, children’s rights in Malawi  representing WVM.
• Enhance WVM knowledge of other actors and their strategies, and identify and engage potential partners
• Engage with key national and field staff on matters of disability and well-being. Occasionally, with local communities including children and youth, both to communicate WVM’s disability strategy and to deeply understand local issues and perspectives.
• Engage with and influence national networks and government policies related to Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI).
• Ensure that the National Advocacy Agenda on Disabilities are prioritized and achieved
• Represent WVM to appropriate national and/or international technical, coordination, and advocacy coalitions on issues related to disability and Child Protection.
• Participate in Global/Regional GESI Communities of Practice, Regional disability initiatives, and National Forum/ and Technical Working Groups

Monitoring, reporting, research, learning and documentation.

• Develop inclusive program design, with detailed implementation strategies and budget for appropriate service providers and activity partners.  
• Promote accessible services and infrastructure using social- ecological model 
• Develop a monitoring, evaluation framework to track program progress, measure outcomes, and assess the impact of disability inclusion efforts
• Facilitate data and knowledge generation to produce valuable insights into the experiences, challenges, and successes of individuals with disabilities within the project
• Facilitate capacity building and training for programs for staff, community members, and stakeholders
• Facilitate iterative learning processes and adaptations to foster improvement in project strategies

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & CAPACITY BUILDING

• Empowering individuals with disabilities through leadership, project planning and advocacy training.
• Establishing partnerships with disability-focused organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities and government agencies.
• Develop the process of involving at various levels of participation, empowerment and capacity, groups of communities to address issues affecting child well-being.
• Assess and build capacity of communities to take action that produces positive and sustainable changes locally.
• Facilitate community participation in the implementation of disability interventions to foster agency, empowerment and transformational development 
• Building relationships with communities and stakeholders to foster disability inclusion.
• Conducting awareness campaigns and community sensitization on disability issues.
• Identify capacity gaps for community partners
• Develop training plan to address identified gaps for staff and community partners
• Providing GESI and disability awareness and technical assistance for accessibility improvements.
• Promoting inclusive education through teacher/parents training.
• Mentor and coach community groups (volunteers, committees and stakeholders, parents with children with disabilities) on disability inclusion.
• Build capacity of volunteers/parents/community members on case managements for children with disabilities

Education: Minimum requirement, degrees in areas such as social work, special education, rehabilitation, inclusive development or related. Master's degree or advanced qualification are desired.

• Experience: 3 years of relevant professional experience in disability inclusion, either meeting:
  • The educational needs of children with disabilities, particularly those who are blind, deaf or have difficulty communicating OR
  • The rehabilitation and assistive device needs of children with disabilities, including occupational therapy.

Knowledge: Relevant program management experience in a complex INGO, In-depth knowledge of disability inclusion principles, child rights, and relevant policies and regulations is essential. Familiarity with international standards like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is required.  Broad knowledge and understanding of social justice issues with demonstrated experience in Children’s rights advocacy. Skills:  Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills are necessary to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Technical skills in program design, monitoring, and evaluation related to disability inclusion are also important. Language Proficiency: Excellent oral and written skills in English and strong writing abilities. Computer Skills: Proficiency in computer software for data analysis, reporting, and project management may be necessary. Understanding of Malawi Context: Familiarity with the local cultural and social context, as well as the specific needs and challenges of the region where the project operates, can be advantageous. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff in a cross cultural environment. Confident and organized self-starter who can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities. An energetic, self-starting approach to projects that involve significant responsibility and fixed deadlines.

NOTE* Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, all necessary accommodations will be provided

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only