Consultancy: Child Protection Specialist- Children Affected by Armed Conflict (6 months)

Contract

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TOR CAAC South Asia 2021.docx

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, an advocate

How can you make a difference?

A. Support to UNICEF Country Offices

• In close coordination with MENARO and HQ, support the receiving countries in South Asia region to develop and/or adapt SOPs to align to country context and pathways to deal with these children and or their families before, during and after their return. This includes protocols on data sharing.
• Assist country offices to conduct risk analysis, develop plans on reintegration, and advocacy approaches to ensure a ‘do no harm’ approach.
• Respond to requests to UNICEF country offices on this file as needed.
• In collaboration with HQ/MENARO/ROSA, systematically track all movement (if country to country repatriations occur) and progress across countries of origin / return.

B. Documentation and Technical Support

• Maintain a comprehensive list of our engagement (and the status of the file more broadly – including any actions taken by Member States or others) according to each country in the region.
• Development and or collection resources and approaches to support the region and the COs in dealing with the return and reintegration of children from conflict areas and other complex child protection issues affecting children in the region.
• Document at least 2 country experiences for further dissemination and lessons learned.
• Maintain a roster of experts to support COs in coordination with HQ and others.
• Participate in bi-lateral calls between country offices in South Asia and the Syria response teams on the ground, and any other calls as required. Document outcomes and agreed points.

C. Strategic Advocacy and Engagement

• Work with country offices to develop advocacy strategies and outreach/engagement plans, promoting a consistent approach and messaging.
• Conduct informal discussions with ICRC and other partners as needed to stay abreast of developments and the partnerships at regional and country levels.
• Support opportunities to develop exchanges across governments, whether bi-lateral or multi-lateral (including with other regions).

D. Communications

• Assist the organization at the regional and country level to ensure consistent and organizational compliant communications on this file. This includes tailoring globally agreed talking points and positions into the regional context and country contexts.
• Review and/or develop talking points and other communications needs around this file.
• Be present on all related bi-lateral and multi-lateral calls on this file, as it pertains to the South Asia region, document the key points and next steps from these calls.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social work, psychology, social sciences, or related field *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• Over 10 years of experience in either or combination of mental health, social work, justice, and psychosocial support.
• Demonstrated experience working diplomatically, and with tact, across a range of senior-level Government officials.
• Knowledge of child development and key child protection issues in emergency situations including armed conflict.
• Knowledge of social welfare and justice systems and social service delivery mechanisms in South Asia.
• Knowledge of and application of International humanitarian law and Best Interest Determination.
• Good knowledge of the Minimum Standards for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action.
• Experience of providing technical support including needs assessment, capacity building for a variety of stakeholders dealing with this group of children.
• Expert negotiation, coordination and representation skills.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.