Improving child social services in Iraq

Genesis was contracted by UNICEF Iraq to strengthen social services in Iraq by focusing on the children of the area. It will help grow the social safety network with a cash-transfer programme in Iraq as well as the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Genesis is working with the Global Social Sector Workforce Alliance on implementing the project. A gap analysis of the network’s programme regulations and guidelines, existing competencies as these relate to case management, and behavioural communication change has already been conducted. The analysis found that significant gaps remain in the workforce, and that more training, money, and capacity building are required.

The alliance is developing a case management manual, based on a UNICEF model, to help protect children. The alliance will develop a training curriculum for core social work competencies and behavioural change communication. It will use the curriculum to develop 40 master trainers from within the governments to deliver broader social safety networks in pilot districts in both regions.