Child Protection Specialist (Child Protection System Strengthening)

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The National Health and Nutrition Survey from INEGI, reported that five out of ten children and adolescents in Mexico have been subjected to physical or psychological punishment by a member of their household. 10.8% of the men surveyed believe that physical punishment is necessary to properly educate a child. In the case of women, the percentage is 8.8%. When transferring the question to adolescents, the percentages increase to 14.7% in men and 15.1% in women.

66.1% of women aged 15 and over have suffered at least one incident of emotional, economic, physical, sexual violence or discrimination throughout their lives. Likewise, 78.6% of women victims of physical or sexual violence by their partner did not request support and did not file a complaint. The data of violence against children is also alarming. During 2021, the authorities reported 1,077 homicides of children and adolescents. In the first quarter of the year, this number reached 451 homicides. Moreover, in 2021, 111 femicides of girls and adolescents were registered. From January to May 2022 the figure already reached 49 femicides. On the other hand, COVID 19 related confinement led to an increase of reported domestic violence related crimes of a 5.3% in 2020 compared to 2019. (CNPJE 2021)

In addition to high levels of interpersonal violence, Mexican children continue to suffer, directly and indirectly, severe consequences, some of them include homicides and forced disappear-ances, orphanhood, sexual violence, and exploitation, forced recruitment, and use by armed groups, extorsion, loss of family livelihoods and forced displacement, among others. The im-pact of violence is exacerbated by preexisting inequities, poverty, and social exclusion.

The state of Chiapas in the southern border of Mexico faces different problems of violence against children. In response to this situation and needs, UNV International will support the strengthening of capacities of government institutions that provide the first response in cases of violence against children, such as 911 emergency line, local police officers, health workers, justice system staff, among others. The incumbent UNV will support the child protection team to undertake key interventions aimed at strengthening Chiapas child protection system in line Violence. This will be done un-der the supervision of the Child Protection Officer in the Tapachula office

** This position is based on Tapachula, Chiapas**

Under the supervision of the Child Protection Officer in the Tapachula office on/the Volun-teer/UN will perform the following tasks:

Contribute to further development of the lines of violence, based on the priorities and objec-tives of the national program and the annual work plan of the Tapachula, Chiapas office, in the following lines of work:

• Support the elaboration, design and updating of the situation analysis for the child pro-tection programmes/projects to ensure that current and comprehensive data on child protection issues is available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy advocacy, interven-tion and development efforts on child rights and protection, and to set programme pri-orities, strategies, and design implementation plan in Chiapas state. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery. • Participate in strategic programme discussions on the planning of child protection pro-grammes/projects in the state of Chiapas. • Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans for the sec-tor using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare re-quired documentations for programme review and approval. • Contribute to the further development of child protection programmes, including overall policy framework, implementation strategy, operational modalities, monitoring and evaluation framework and programme action plans, considering national programme priorities and targets. • Support the strengthening of government institutions that provide the first response in cases of violence against children, such as 911 emergency line, local police officers, health workers, justice system staff, among others. • Support the strengthening of the regulatory framework, harmonization with the federal level and establishment of minimum standards for the protection of children and ado-lescents. • Support and accompaniment the strategy for the prevention and response of violence in schools and other public spaces. • Plan, support and develop the necessary administrative actions to ensure the ade-quate development of the projects, focus on violence prevention and response. • Support the monitoring of providers and implementing partners in the field and the achievement of the results of the interventions, manage the documentation of registra-tion of programs, according to the document management protocols of the office.

In addition to the above, UN Volunteers are urged to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism through reading relevant publications from both UNV and external sources, as well as playing an active role in UNV activities, as for example at events commemorating International Volunteer Day (IVD); • Understanding and developing traditional and/or local forms of volunteering in the host country. • Reflect on the type and quality of the voluntary action that is carried out, including its participation in regular activities. • Contribute articles/criticisms (opinions) of field experiences and send them to head-quarters for publication on the UNV website, publications, pamphlets/bulletins, press releases, etc. of the programme. • Assist with the Mentoring Programme for new UN Volunteers. • Advise local groups on the use of the UNV Online Volunteering service or promote the use of the service with relevant local individuals and organizations where technically possible.

☐ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☐ Building Trust ☐ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☐ Creativity ☐ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☐ Judgement and Decision-making ☐ Knowledge Sharing ☐ Leadership ☐ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☐ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

working on violence prevention and response or any other child-protection-related topics.

Skills and experience in: • Management and advocacy • Desirable knowledge of the mandate and work of UNICEF worldwide and in Mexico. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment. • Managing and monitoring or development projects.
• Working in the field, preferably on migration, violence and the rights of children and young persons (desirable).
• Previous experience in the UN system and international NGOs will be valued. • Experience with participatory approaches will be valued

Alternatively, we may accept candidates with working knowledge or basic knowledge of English as long as they are fluent in Spanish

A/UNV will be based on the southern border of Mexico, in the city of Tapachula with the possibility of trips to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Tapachula is close to the border with Guatemala, which means living in a place with a high flow of people from Central America or other countries in the world, trying to move to the north of the country, to try to cross into the United States. In this context, it is necessary to pay special attention to the various situations and social problems that may arise, however it also provides an interesting and enriching environment, but it also requires a high cultural sensitivity and a high sense of security, as well as a greater energy and commitment than in other places to live comfortably and affordably. Consequently, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially dangerous conditions, involving physical difficulties and discomfort, become essential. UNV must follow the recommendations of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security and coordinate with UNICEF colleagues on the ground.