Gender Based Violence /Child Protection Specialist (P-4), Fixed Term, Kabul, Afghanistan

Overview

Provide technical guidance for GBV prevention and response in UNICEF programs.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social sciences, public health, or relevant area to UNICEF’s work.
• A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated track record in gender programming.
• Experience in designing, implementing and managing results-based programmes on gender and development.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
• Academic credentials in gender are a strong asset.

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 124,993 USD and 161,152 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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, Safety

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations impacting negatively to the desired fulfilment of women’s and girls’ empowerment and development, and therefore a threat to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. While there have been efforts to address and eliminate Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Practices (HP) in Afghanistan, progress remains slow and uneven, with fragmented approaches. It is clear that the elimination of all forms of GBV and HP is intrinsically connected to transformation of gender and socio-cultural norms for GBV prevention through improved access to integrated GBV services especially for girls and women.

UNICEF’s work on gender equality is guided by the Gender Action Plan 2014-2017 (GAP), which advances gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in key areas of UNICEF's work. The GAP identifies four targeted gender priorities – ending child marriage, promoting gender-responsive adolescent health, advancing girl's secondary education, and addressing gender-based violence in emergencies – and elucidates the gender dimensions within each of UNICEF’s seven strategic outcome areas – Health, Nutrition, Water Sanitation & Hygiene, Education, Child Protection, HIV/AIDs and Social Inclusion. Additionally, the GAP includes indicators for measuring the success of UNICEF’s gender programming and outlines steps to strengthen UNICEF’s institutional effectiveness in promoting gender equality throughout its programmatic work.

UNICEF Afghanistan is, in the context of scaling up of the emergency response and mitigating the risks of diminished space for women and girls and the impact of the deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan on women and girls, looking for an international Child Protection Specialist-GBV, to provide overall technical guidance to support with the implementation of the GBV mitigation, prevention and response in different sectors within the UNICEF country programme. The Child Protection Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the UNICEF Child Protection chief in close collaboration with all sectors, other UN agencies and partners

In order to increase dedicated gender capacity and expertise in Country Office, Gender Based Violence/child protection Specialists at Level 4 be senior enough within the office structure to carry influence in their own right, and be given an office-wide mandate to engage with sectors in meaningful programming.

Thus, this GBV/CP Specialist at Level 4 will allow for the effective recruitment of dedicated capacity in Afghanistan that serve as the primary on GBV expert in the Country Office.

In alignment with the Global Strategic Plan for Goal Area 3, the role of the Gender-based violence Specialist is primarily technical and programmatic, with the normative advocacy and coordination roles serving as a important function. The Specialist provides authoritative technical guidance/operational support throughout all stages of programming to facilitate the management and delivery of results contributing to gender equality in alignment with the Gender Action Plan. S/he supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of high GBV programming across sectors. The role of the GBV/Child Protection is to

1) supports child protection programme to advance gender based violence programming particularly for boys and girls. S/He plays a role in working with one or more of the 7 UNICEF sectors to mainstream child protection by prioritizing gender based violence programme results within the sector(s) ;

2) leads cross-sectional collaboration and coordination on key programmatic results on GBV, ensuring coherence, maximization of synergies and efficiency in utilization of resources and delivery of results;

3) works with programme colleagues and management so that gender results are effectively defined, measured, and reported, and high quality assessment, research, evidence generation and evaluation on GBV programming is undertaken and utilized

4) Supports/leads effective review, assessment, planning, capacity building, and knowledge management on gender;

5) Supports the assessment and identification of gender needs for emergency preparedness and response, and provides gender relevant guidance and technical input on emergency programming.

How can you make a difference?

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Management and/or advisory support to child protection programme, other sectors and partners including through the CP AOR • Programme Coordination Team; partnerships, research, financial and contract review committees; and other key country-specific leadership teams to ensure strategic inclusion of GBV in all country-specific programming • Coordinate with the Regional Child protection Advisor and the Headquarter CP Section to plan, utilize, monitor and report on GBV related funding, or other programmatic funds with large gender components that are allocated to the country-specific interventions for the Country Programme, under the Country Office senior management. • In collaboration with sectoral colleagues and under the guidance of Deputy Representative, participate in the planning and monitoring of the utilization of the budget allocated to sectoral and cross-sectoral gender interventions with sectoral colleagues • Lead the GBV component of the reporting of the routine country-level programme expenditures, including the annual reporting and the RAM. • Provide technical input and review on the gender components in key funding proposal appeals and submissions and in the design of funded projects/programs so that gender technical components are clearly defined and technical capacities are included

2. Program development and planning (in the emergency contexts) • Contribute and/or support the evidence-based programme planning on Child Protection, incorporating robust measurement and evaluation of results - especially in the event of the Country Programme development and Mid-Term Review. • Provide technical leadership on integration of gender into country programming phases, including strategic planning, SitAns, strategic moments of reflection, CPDs, CPMPs, mid-term reviews, extended annual reviews, programme component strategy notes and in the programmatic assessment and institutional strengthening components of gender reviews • In collaboration with sectoral colleagues, identify the areas of focus for GBV programming with the greatest potential for impact and scale, in alignment with the GAP and the country/regional priorities. • Work with sectoral counterparts to incorporate sound GBV indicators and measures in programme and policy initiatives, proposals, and advocacy efforts and assist in developing gender-sensitive theories of change models for sector and cross-sectoral programming.

3. Programme Implementation • In collaboration with relevant sections (Gender Unit, Health section, C4D and Youth and adolescents unit) contributing to the design and implementation of the contingency responses to the GBViE in the target provinces, in line with UNICEF procedures and mandate areas • Provide advanced technical support to the team in UNICEF, partners including Government. • Lead the roll out and implementation of GBV prevention and services for adolescent girls survivors of GBV • Support to develop guidance notes on GBV implementation in through static and mobile services for use by implementing partners • Ensuring appropriate monitoring and oversight mechanisms and systems are established and implemented for GBV programme component. • Facilitate learning and exchanging of experiences among programme stakeholders; Consolidate lessons learned and key outcomes. • Contribute to the briefs and inputs on GBViE related for policy dialogue, technical assistance coordination, and development frameworks. • Assisting in implementing knowledge management GBViE strategies to capture lessons learned and best practices, sharing these with management for future planning supporting training needs of project personnel • Represent UNICEF in GBV sub-cluster

4. Program management, monitoring and delivery of results (including emergency contexts) • Provide technical support in indicator identification, measurement and performance tracking as it relates to CP and GBV mainstreaming and the Targeted Priorities, in collaboration with Planning, M&E and planning section and sectoral teams. • Lead cross-sectoral collaboration and coordination on key programmatic results on GBV, ensuring coherence, maximization of synergies and efficiency in utilization of resources and delivery of results • Support the strengthening of data systems and collection, as well as accountability mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress on GBV results. • Support and strengthen the quality of research and evidence building on gender -based violence related programming, bringing in the latest learning and insights from the field of gender and development, and putting in place a coherent, well-prioritized research agenda. • Actively represent UNICEF in relevant coordination bodies at the inter-agency level (gender theme group or other networks, GBV cluster if relevant), participate as a member of steering committees, and provide close oversight of inter-agency joint programmes

5. Advisory services and technical support • Provide technical support and guidance to national government, NGOs, UN Agencies and other country-level and local-level partners on aspects of gender based violence programming and to ensure incorporation of gender indicators and measures in programmes/projects, policy initiatives, proposals, and M&E systems. • Support the development of adequate emergency preparedness measures, updating of contingency plans and establishment of early warning mechanisms that reflect gender needs. • Support the development and of sex-disaggregated databases on information crucial for the planning and implementation of emergency plans. • Support the development and deployment of emergency training that incorporates gender issues and relevant strategies. • Lead and/or participate in needs assessment missions on GBV, and in the event of an emergency, be deployed as a member of the Emergency Response Team. • Identify implementing/operational partners and establish implementing arrangements in order to ensure an effective, gender-inclusive emergency response.

6. Advocacy, networking and partnership building • Liaise and consult with sections, government and other external partners (civil society, NGOs, UN Agencies, private sector) to identify areas for convergence, and develop and reinforce partnerships in gender programming. • Forge and support internal and external partnerships and networks in the development of harmonized, gender-transformative programme interventions. • Build strategic alliances for gender equality with various partners, including institutional links with UN agencies and other relevant entities. • Collaborate with other UN agencies and partners to enhance robust gender based violence results in sectoral programmes at the country level. If necessary, represent UNICEF in external meetings on gender integration into sectoral and cross-sectoral results, including UN Country Team meetings and UNDAF/UNAF preparations. • Lead mapping of potential new partnerships and leverage existing partnerships to accelerate GAP implementation at the country level in determined priority areas.

7. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building • Initiate documentation and sharing of the country-level experience in gender programming and lessons learned, which will be shared with internal network and external partners and utilized for South-South cooperation. • Represent the gender section at sectoral, country-level and regional-level network meetings, and ensure best practices on gender programming according to 5 GAP principles are highlighted in these forums • Bring best practices in gender programming and measurement to the attention of senior management and sectoral colleagues, as well as Regional Gender Advisor and gender section staff at HQ • Support and conduct innovative research on gender at the country-level • Support Regional Gender Advisor in advancing the technical and research capacity of country-level staff, offices and programs on gender to continue to build evidence base for programming and to ensure continuous capacity in gender at Country Office level. • Support management and HR in the development of systems, tools and processes that enable staff members and external partners to enhance their understanding and adoption of gender sensitive behaviors and to support implementation of the GAP.

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social sciences (i.e. sociology, demography, psychology, political science, social policy or economics), public health, public policy, public administration, international development, or in an area relevant to UNICEF’s sectoral work (e.g. Health, Nutrition, WASH, Education, Child Protection, Social Inclusion, HIV/AIDs, etc.).
• Academic credentials in gender are a strong asset.
• A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience in progressively responsible professional experience and demonstrated track record of having undertaken and led substantive programming and research on gender and development in key issue areas that are the focus of UNICEF’s Gender Action Plan
• Experience in designing, implementing, managing, and delivering results-based programmes on gender and development or any other cross cutting programme, especially at country/field level, experience in emergency response is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

* This is a non-family duty station.

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

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

Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service

Potential interview questions