Re-advertisement: Child Protection Specialist (Mental Health, Psychosocial Support and Adolescents), NO-3, Pemba, Mozambique #120873 (Fixed Term post) - Open to Mozambicans only

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 28 Aug 2022 at 21:55 UTC

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This is a NO-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-3 contracts.

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, a childhood!

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Mozambique and UNICEF (CPD) for 2022-2026 aims to support Mozambique to accelerate efforts towards achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and meeting its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of children, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action. It derives from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), 2022–2026 and aligns with the Government Five-Year Plan 2020–2024, the National Development Strategy 2015–2035 and relevant sector policies and programmes.

The Child Protection Specialist (Mental Health, Psychosocial Support and Adolescents), NO-3 position will support UNICEF's programme in Cabo Delgado. Cabo Delgado Province, the northern-most in Mozambique, is one of the least developed in the country, with 78 percent of households considered poor. Increased security incidents since 2017 resulted in large population displacements and humanitarian needs. Climatic shocks and the socio-economic consequences of the COVID19 pandemic have further deteriorated the situation. As a result, Cabo Delgado has significant deprivations affecting the lives of children, with alarming rates of stunting, illiteracy, and child marriage. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as of June 2022, an estimated 869,60 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were identified in the province.

For more information about UNICEF Mozambique's work please follow this link

You can also access and explore all new UNICEF vacancies via the UNICEF Mozambique website link herein.

How can you make a difference?

A challenging and exciting opportunity has arisen within UNICEF Mozambique's Pemba Field Office for a passionate and committed Child Protection Specialist (Mental Health, Psychosocial Support - MHPSS and Adolescents), NO-3 level (Open to Mozambican nationals only). The Child Protection Specialist (MHPSS and Adolescents) reports to the Child Protection in Emergencies Specialist (P4 level) for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist provides support to emergency and nexus programming in the North of Mozambique through internal and external partners and stakeholders throughout the programming processes by providing technical, administrative and operational support to ensure that Child Protection programming (particularly on MHPSS & adolescents) and participation and child rights established under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, international treaties/framework and UN intergovernmental bodies, are integrated in UNICEF’s advocacy, policies, programmes and humanitarian work.

The Specialist contributes to achievement of concrete and sustainable results on child protection in emergency related programmes/ projects according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities

1. Support to programmes development and planning

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation

4. Networking and partnership building

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

1. Support to programmes development and planning

  • Update the situation analysis by conducting assessments to establish evidence-based data for UNICEF advocacy and development of policies, framework and programmes to promote child protection (MHPSS & adolescent development) and participation in the country and for monitoring results on related programmes/projects.
  • Assess national humanitarian/nexus priorities to identify opportunities and courses of action to enhance the delivery of services and achieve objectives on coordination, MHPSS & adolescent programming.
  • Participate throughout the process of CO programme formulation, planning and preparation to provide input, advice and operational support on the integration of policies and frameworks that promote MHPSS adolescent programming and participation and to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender, disabilities, the rights of minority and marginalized groups are considered and integrated within the country programmes and projects.
  • Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies and implementation plans for the MHPSS & adolescent programmes/projects using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare relevant documentations for programme review and approval.
  • Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss methodologies and to assess provincial emergency priorities/competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

  • Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurements to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of sustainable results on MHPSS & adolescent programmes in humanitarian contexts.
  • Follow the process of partnership management, identification and following HACT procedures, including review of narrative and financial reports and partnership management.
  • Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
  • Prepare/assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths/weaknesses in programme and management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
  • Actively monitor MHPSS & adolescent programmes in humanitarian contexts through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
  • Monitor and verify the optimum/appropriate use of programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability, integrity and ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
  • Prepare regular/mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation

  • Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and country office partners/donors on policies, practices and methodologies on coordination, MHPSS & adolescent programming in humanitarian context and participation to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results.
  • Ensure technical standards and quality are met in programme design and implementation through adherence to the Child Protection Minimum Standards, humanitarian principles and other key global technical guidance. Participate in programme and coordination meetings including programme development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
  • Support the roll out of emergency preparedness strategies at both national and provincial level.
  • Responsible for the operational emergency preparedness and response linking to supply management.

4. Networking and partnership building

  • Ensuring coordination of Child Protection Areas of Responsibility at sub national level, co-leadership of the MHPSS TWG and adolescent programming through humanitarian architecture and internal coordination.
  • Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, stakeholders and through active networking, advocacy and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge/expertise and to reinforce cooperation to achieve sustainable and broad results on MHPSS & adolescent development and participation initiatives.
  • Contribute communication and information materials for programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances and to ensure that adolescent development and participation programmes and initiatives are adequately resourced and supported.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

  • Apply/introduce innovative approaches and good practices on MHPSS adolescent in hum contexts and participation to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
  • Keep abreast, research, benchmark and implement best practices on adolescent development and participation. Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
  • Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of partners to promote sustainable results on related programmes/projects.

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

  • An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: anthropology, psychology, sociology, education or another relevant technical field.
  • A minimum of five years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection, MHPSS and adolescent development related areas is required.
  • Experience working in a humanitarian setting is considered essential.
  • Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
  • Fluency in English and Portuguese is required. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station is desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Builds and maintains partnerships (1) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (2) Drive to achieve results for impact (3) Innovates and embraces change (4) Manages ambiguity and complexity (5) Thinks and acts strategically (6) Works collaboratively with others (7).

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework 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.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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:

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either: a role with direct contact with children, works directly with child, is a safeguarding response role or has been assessed as an elevated risk role for child safeguarding. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) applies.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

There will be no relocation package offered for this post. The successful candidate will be responsible for his/her own relocation and settlement in the city where the post is based.

There is a salary calculator tool for local staff through this link. Please run simulations for an estimate of monthly and annual salary based on the post’s level and location. When running the simulation, please select Mozambique (NEW) as the Duty Station.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable male and female candidates (Mozambican nationals) are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Please note that candidates who previously applied for the position do not need to re-apply.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org