Phanice Were
Social worker
Nairobi, Nairobi Province,30
Summary
Passionate social work professional with extensive experience in child protection and gender-based violence response. Skilled in managing complex cases, coordinating with organizations, and ensuring critical services reach vulnerable communities. Adept at leading impactful initiatives that prioritize practical solutions and change. Strong advocate for collaboration, building key partnerships to drive lasting change in child protection systems. Committed to safeguarding children and promoting fair, effective support structures that make a real difference in their lives.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Protection Officer-Systems Strengthening-UNICEF
United Nation Volunteer
12.2024 - Current
- Supported the alignment and implementation of child protection strategies across the region, focusing on Social Service Workforce Strengthening (SSWS), Migration and Displacement, Alternative Care and Care Reform Initiatives, Justice for Children, and Birth Registration.
- Collaborated with internal and external colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies in Child Protection Systems Strengthening, ensuring efficient and sustainable programs across Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Strengthened capacity in documentation, knowledge management, and data analysis across UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office and 21 Country Offices.
- Developed impactful communication materials to improve the visibility and awareness of child protection programs and initiatives across the region.
- Analyzed regional and global data to inform evidence-based programming, policy advocacy, and the creation of data dashboards and monitoring tools to track progress on Child Protection Systems Strengthening (CPSS).
- Contributed to the development of policies, procedures, and regional strategies that strengthen child protection systems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 5.2, 16.3, and 16.9).
Child Protection Case Management / Best Interest Determination (BID) Officer
Terre des hommes (Tdh), Kakuma/Kalobeyei Operations
11.2022 - Current
- Implemented and monitored child protection cases in Kalobeyei settlement and host communities, ensuring safety and well-being of at-risk children through consistent case management.
- Conducted and updated over 350 quality Best Interest Assessments (BIAs) and 87 Best Interest Determinations (BIDs) for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) while regularly updating CPIMS+.
- Participated in BID Panels with UNHCR and other child protection actors, contributing to the development of durable solutions for UASC.
- Trained and supervised Community Child Protection Volunteers, enhancing their skills in case management and child protection.
- Supported 57 foster parents with cash assistance and facilitated aid to 65 child-headed households with NFIs, successfully placing over 705 children into kinship care, foster care, and child-headed households.
- Collected and analyzed data on unaccompanied minors and children at risk, facilitating timely referrals and ensuring comprehensive case management.
- Reunited 700 unaccompanied minors from the Kalobeyei reception centre with their families, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Represented Terre des hommes (Tdh) in working group meetings, strengthening collaboration with partners and authorities to improve protection outcomes.
Child Protection Casework GBV Lead
Terre des hommes (Tdh), Kakuma/Kalobeyei Operations
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Identified and supported over 150 refugee child survivors of SGBV, ensuring their safety and access to critical services through comprehensive case management.
- Developed and implemented individualized case plans for child survivors, conducting regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adapt support as needed.
- Strengthened community response and outreach by training Child Protection volunteers on GBV response and prevention.
- Represented Terre des hommes (Tdh) in interagency GBV coordination meetings, improving collaboration and service delivery.
- Led empowerment sessions for child survivors of GBV, focusing on emotional support, resilience-building, and life skills development.
- Initiated awareness campaigns on harmful cultural practices, such as child marriage, through community workshops and educational sessions.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to enhance GBV services, ensuring accessibility and quality of care for survivors.
Protection Assistant-Child Protection Social Worker
Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Kakuma Field Office
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Identified and assessed children at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC), through thorough assessments and reviews of referral data.
- Conducted home visits and follow-up assessments to establish facts on allegations of abuse or neglect, resulting in actionable case plans and child placements.
- Conducted and updated Best Interest Assessments (BIAs) and Best Interest Determinations (BIDs) for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), ensuring compliance with UNHCR BID Guidelines.
- Trained and supported foster parents and Child Headed Household Supervisors on child protection matters, ensuring safe and supportive care environments.
- Provided effective case management and advocacy, coordinating with schools, health services, and partners to streamline referral pathways and ensure comprehensive support for children.
- Led stress management and debriefing sessions for social workers and community incentive staff, addressing secondary trauma and fostering staff well-being.
- Delivered high-quality reports and data to the Protection Officer-CP and M&E officer, highlighting individual performance, progress, and client needs.
Social Worker
Centre for Restoration of Human Rights and Democracy, Kitale
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Planned and facilitated counselling sessions for vulnerable families, addressing social issues such as gender-based violence and abuse, with a focus on supporting girls and women.
- Contributed to multidisciplinary team meetings, offering insights and solutions to challenges faced by vulnerable families.
- Provided targeted support to women and girls in crisis situations, helping them navigate and overcome life challenges.
- Documented family progress and provided regular updates to supervisors, ensuring timely adjustments to support as necessary.
- Conducted routine home visitations to families with vulnerable members, ensuring safety and delivering necessary support.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Kibabii University
01.2018
Diploma - Social Work and Community Development
Kibabii University
01.2015
Skills
- Case Management Expertise: Over 6 years of hands-on experience managing complex child protection and GBV cases, from initial assessments to providing long-term support and sustainable solutions for vulnerable children
- In-depth Knowledge of BIA/BID Processes: Strong understanding of Best Interest Assessment (BIA) and Best Interest Determination (BID) procedures, with practical experience adhering to UNHCR guidelines to support unaccompanied and separated children
- Leadership in Child Protection Initiatives: Proven track record of leading community-based child protection programs, working closely with multiple stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of at-risk children
- Training & Capacity Building: Experienced in training Child Protection Volunteers, foster parents, and community workers, enhancing their skills and enabling more effective prevention and response efforts
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Skilled in using data to guide decision-making, track case progress, and ensure timely interventions, resulting in better outcomes for children in need
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Adept at collaborating with NGOs, government agencies, and local communities to coordinate child protection activities and improve service delivery
- Crisis Response & Intervention: Expertise in responding to child protection emergencies and GBV cases in high-pressure environments, providing quick and effective solutions
Certification
- Certificate in Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – UNICEF
- Certificate in Leadership and Management Coaching – HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya
LANGUAGES
English –Proficient
Swahili – Native
References
Isaiah, Osotsi, Regional Child Protection Specialist|IMS Consultant, iosotsi@unicef.org, +254 726 70 8239, United Nations Children’s Fund | Eastern and Southern Africa, UN Complex, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya, 00100, Website: www.unicef.org/esa
Timeline
Child Protection Officer-Systems Strengthening-UNICEF
United Nation Volunteer
12.2024 - Current
Child Protection Casework GBV Lead
Terre des hommes (Tdh), Kakuma/Kalobeyei Operations
11.2023 - 11.2024
Child Protection Case Management / Best Interest Determination (BID) Officer
Terre des hommes (Tdh), Kakuma/Kalobeyei Operations
11.2022 - Current
Protection Assistant-Child Protection Social Worker
Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Kakuma Field Office
01.2021 - 10.2022
Social Worker
Centre for Restoration of Human Rights and Democracy, Kitale
01.2019 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Kibabii University
Diploma - Social Work and Community Development
Kibabii University
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