Social Worker, Humanitarian Field, Curaçao

Position Description

About PADF 

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.

Position Overview

PADF Curaçao is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to join our team and assist in the implementation of a Department of State-funded project focused on mitigating and addressing the protection, health, education, and livelihoods needs of migrants in Curaçao. The candidate will play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to vulnerable populations, including refugees, migrants, and vulnerable host individuals.

Reporting to the Project Director in Curaçao, the Social Worker will be required to perform various tasks and assignments and must be willing to engage in fieldwork activities and provide assistance to the Senior Program Coordinator on matters related to the project. This may include conducting outreach, facilitating community meetings, participating in needs assessments, and supporting the implementation and monitoring of project activities in the field. Additionally, the Social Worker for Curaçao should be able to work closely with project partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to ensure the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and support services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Field Support

• Provide psychosocial support to refugees, migrants, and vulnerable host individuals and families in specific marginalized communities in Curaçao such as Buena Vista, Sta. Maria, Kanga, Dein, Otrobanda, Wishi, Marchena, Brievengat, Fleur de Marie, Juan Hato, Koraal Specht, etc.
• Collaborate with other local organizations and agencies in Curaçao to coordinate assistance and resources for vulnerable refugees, migrants and vulnerable host individuals and families in Curaçao.
• Develop and implement community-based programs together with PADF’s community promoters, aimed at promoting PADF’s services.
• Document cases maintaining confidentiality while adhering to ethical standards and principles of humanitarian aid.
• Stay informed about relevant policies, best practices, and developments in the field of social work and humanitarian assistance.

Communications and Compliance

• Liaise with other program, finance, and administrative teams within the organization and contribute to the organization’s overall interdepartmental effectiveness.
• Support internal PADF program administrative procedures and ensure compliance with PADF policies and procedures.

Documentation and Support

• Assist in ensuring that all program documentation is current and complete.
• Assist with drafts of documents and communications for donors, partners, and other stakeholders/local organizations.
• Maintain program tracking documentation, collect key data (disaggregated data from beneficiaries).
• Support projects as needed with correspondence, news monitoring, and other tasks as assigned.
• Provide support to proposal development processes as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies 

• Organizational Skills – Exceptional organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for fulfilling this aspect of the role.
• Cultural Competence – Demonstrates cultural competence and sensitivity to work effectively with people from various cultural backgrounds in Curacao.
• Interpersonal Skills – Effectively manages relationships with beneficiaries, partners, stakeholders and other local organizations.
• Problem Solving Skills – Ability to identify and separate out the key components of problems and situations. Generates a range of creative solutions, evaluates them, and chooses the most appropriate option.

Personal Characteristics

• Empathy and Compassion – Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, crucial for building trust and rapport with beneficiaries and have genuine concern for the well-being of others, particularly when working with individuals and communities facing adversity and trauma.
• Resilience – Capacity to cope with stress, uncertainty, and challenging situations inherent in humanitarian work.
• Adaptability – Flexibility to thrive in dynamic humanitarian settings, adept at navigating changing circumstances and environments.
• Patience – Ability to provide support and guidance to individuals facing complex challenges, understanding that progress may take time.
• Self-awareness – Strong understanding of personal values, biases, and limitations, ensuring ethical and effective practice.
• Integrity – Commitment to upholding high ethical standards and acting with integrity, essential for building trust and credibility, especially in humanitarian contexts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• Three to five (3-5) years of experience working in social services, humanitarian assistance, or related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and case management principles.
• Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in Papiamento, English, Dutch.
• Proficiency in Spanish (spoken and written).
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values, with a passion for serving vulnerable communities.
• Experience and working knowledge of migrants and refugees in the region and the organisms that assist those individuals such as DOS/PRM, UNHCR, etc. preferred.
• Experience in the international development or humanitarian work in the sectors of human rights, international protection, livelihoods, education and gender programming or any other relevant thematic area is a plus.
• Preferably with direct field experience in Latin America and the Caribbean.

More About PADF  

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962. www.padf.org

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Diversity. PADF is strong because we are diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate based on ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of cultures, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, and perspectives on the world.

PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety. 

PADF is an Equal Opportunity Employer