Child Protection Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Child Protection Officer (national UNV) will support the UNICEF Child Protection Section to progress priorities in delivering child protection response and prevention services to children in need of care and protection. The overall UNICEF Rwanda country programme (2018-2024, as extended) goal is to progressively support the realization of the rights of every child, especially the most disadvantaged.

The child protection section in Rwanda prioritizes the strengthening of the child protection system to ensure that all children can be protected from violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse. A critical component of a well-functioning child protection system is a capacitated, well-resourced and adequate social service workforce (SSW) in Rwanda. The SSW plays a central role in facilitating access to, and delivering services for child survivors, or children at risk, of all forms of violence. It also reduces poverty, promotes social justice, tackles discrimination and challenges harmful behaviours and norms.

The Republic of Rwanda has demonstrated strong commitment towards meeting the rights of the children in Rwanda. Remarkable progress and key milestones have been achieved in policy and legislation, child care reform, including inclusive alternative care focusing on children with disabilities and an evolving child protection system that covers both development and humanitarian situations. Most recently, the Child Protection Case Management Framework was launched by the Government. Significant progress is also being made in supporting children with disabilities through holistic programming designed to meet their needs. UNICEF Child Protection also partners with UN-sister agencies to protect every child in Rwanda, including in refugee settings and humanitarian emergencies.

Despite these efforts, the child protection system in Rwanda is faced with demands that exceed the system’s current capacity, including in terms of social worker/ child population ratios and resources of the SSW. The National Child Development Agency (NCDA) now has a cadre of qualified social workers and psychologists (Child Protection and Welfare Officers (CPWOS)) who report to the NCDA TMM Programme managers and are embedded within the district authorities in every district. There are 54 CPWOS across the country. This workforce is supported by child protection community-based volunteers — ‘Friends of the Family’ or ‘Inshuti z’Umuryango’. There is IZU in every district of Rwanda, with one female IZU and one male IZU selected per village.

The UNV will be seconded to RWANOSW. The UNV, under the direct supervision of the Child Protection Specialist, will work closely with the Child Protection Specialist and perform the following specific tasks related to the RWANOSW and social work institutions:

•Develop the capacity of the RWANOSW and social work institutions in developing and strengthening the social work profession in Rwanda; •Supporting RWANOSW in developing and managing partnerships with development partners and social work institutions; •Developing and implementing membership mobilisation strategies; •Strengthening partnerships with academic and regulatory institutions and bodies; •Ensure that synergies are built between the RWANOSW and other social work institutions and the relevant Government departments/district authorities mandated in child protection; •Where required, support UNICEF’s technical and advocacy efforts in strengthening the social service workforce; •Supporting the development of social work practice and ethical standards; and •Undertake any other tasks within the scope of this position as requested by the supervisor.

☒Accountability ☒Adaptability and Flexibility ☒Building Trust ☒Client Orientation ☒Communication ☒Ethics and Values ☒Integrity ☒Planning and Organizing ☒Professionalism ☒Respect for Diversity ☒Self-Management ☒Technological Awareness ☒Working in Teams

Social work, Child protection, Law, Human rights, Psychology, Sociology or Development work. •Specific skills in social work in Rwanda are required •Familiarity with UNICEF Child Protection programming in Rwanda would be an as-set •Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, and to take initiative to troubleshoot and solve problems before they arise, •Have an affinity with or interest in child rights and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development and the UN System. •Strong organizational skills. •Excellent interpersonal skills. •Ability to interact with multidisciplinary teams

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has undergone an incredible period of rejuvenation and stability that is clearly visible the moment you step out into this beautiful city. Concerning transport, even though motorcycle taxis are not recommended, they are the fastest way to get around this metropolis. Helmets are provided, but it is better to have your own helmet. You can also take a standard taxi. Those with a yellow stripe will be run by individuals, while the majority will belong to either Kigali Taxi Service (3122) or Kigali Airport Taxis (476586). Public transportation is the cheapest way to get around Kigali, and many of the buses are new and well- maintained.
You can also take these buses farther afield; expect to pay a fare based on distance. Transport prepaid cards are available for passengers at each bus station, and you can load a minimum amount of two hundred Rwandan francs (200RWF). If public transport isn’t your style, cars are available for rent or purchase in Kigali. Major investment has been made in infrastructure, including roads, and congestion in this city has never been particularly bad. Accommodations are found easily and at the relevant standards and recreation infrastructures (swimming pools, aerobics, etc…) can be found in various places. Shops and markets are available with necessary items including imported goods, home furnishings and electrical appliances and vehicle spare parts. Public and private health facilities are available in Kigali and some of them such as King Faisal Hospital, Legacy Clinic, Hôpital la Croix du Sud, etc …work with CIGNA insurance. The above Hospitals have the necessary health equipment; ambulances, adequate health services and can handle any emergency. Kigali is an exceptionally safe city.

However, in case of emergency, there are several emergency numbers in Kigali, so be sure to know which to call. You can reach the police on a special line by dialling 999. Firefighters can be reached at 111 and the emergency services are at 112. If you have or see a traffic accident, call 113. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with the possibility of extensions subject to the availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications, and other basic needs. Unified Conditions of Service for UN

Volunteers can be accessed on the following link: https://www.unv.org/sites/default/files/unvpf/UNVcos2021%20 Complete%20hi-res- final compressed 30.08.2021.pdf

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including the Code of conduct, to the successful candidate https://www.unv.org