HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit Peer Educators

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit Peer Educators to enhance access to health services for the sexual and gender minority (LGBTQI+) refugee and asylum seeker community from the different nationalities so as to reduce incidences of STI/HIV infections. The peer educators will work with 10 existing community-based organizations (CBOs) and be drawn from in, and around, the areas that the 3 HIAS site offices/its outreach areas are located, including Isinya, Rongai, Matasia, Kasarani, Gikambura, Njiru, Kawangware, Mwiki, Eastleigh etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the mobilization of community members for health talks, trainings and community-based discussions on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)
• Participate in relevant trainings relating to STI/HIV access and care as guided by HIAS
• Support in collection of accurate data and dissemination of information to the sexual and gender minority community as guided by HIAS
• Monitor and document protection concerns related to access to STI/HIV health services within the sexual and gender minority refugee community and report findings in meetings with designated HIAS staff
• Facilitate access to, and referrals for, appropriate medical/health services for the sexual and gender minority refugees and asylum seekers that is inclusive of counselling, HIV testing and administration of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
• Assist in creating and establishing sustainable community networks with sexual and gender minority refugees and asylum seekers within the urban area
• Create and support with the collaborative opportunities that sexual and gender minority refugees and asylum seekers can benefit from
• Link the sexual and gender minority refugee and asylum seeker community to community-based psychosocial support from designated CBOs

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• O – Level education certificate
• Any other relevant training

Experience

No less than three months’ work experience, preferably with an NGO. Experience in the field of refugee protection and assistance a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Must be part of the sexual and gender minority community.
• Must not be in leadership or management, including the boards, in any refugee-led CBO
• Must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Should be well integrated to the dynamics, needs and challenges of members of the sexual and gender minority community.
• Ability to work with members of the community with little or no supervision.
• Good/basic working knowledge and experience of navigating STI/HIV care services.
• Demonstrated experience on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Strong training skills in community development and working with refugees.
• Data collection and knowledge management skills will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge in Accountability to Affected Populations
• Knowledge in PSEA

Language

• Proficiency in English or Kiswahili and either, Luganda, Kinyamulenge, French, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromo and Kinyarwanda or any other major language spoken within the refugee community.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

• Welcome- We Welcome the Stranger
• Justice –We Pursue Justice
• Empathy –We Approach our Clients with Empathy
• Partnership –We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership
• Courage –We Act with Courage to Build a Better World
• Resilience –We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae with at least 3 names and contacts of referees
• Valid and updated refugee ID
• Proof of registration
• Academic and Training Certificates