Traineeship in Child Protection within the Operational Thematics Unit

Contract

This is a ICRC - Traineeship contract. More about ICRC - Traineeship contracts.

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Child Protection Associate will contribute to the work of the Child Protection team within the Operational Thematic (THEM) Unit, which provides expertise as a pool of specialists within the Protection and Assistance Division. The role would support delegations in the field in improving protection for children within civilian populations affected by armed conflict or violence, including working alongside different components of the Movement across the world, particularly in the protection of family links.

The Associate will provide support to the ICRC’s work on child protection and will have opportunities to autonomously develop and implement projects. They will gain an in-depth understanding of protection work.

Reports to (role)

Child Protection Adviser

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

The Child Protection Associate would be encouraged to:

• Assist the Child Protection team to support and orient colleagues in ICRC operations working on child protection, especially through briefings and responding to requests for support, considering contextual realities;
• Support the Child Protection team’s engagement in emergencies involving children; this ranges from participation in different task forces, coordination with external actors, including within the Movement, and developing and adapting tailored tools for colleagues in the response;
• Assist in developing and finalizing guidelines, training materials and tools on methodologies and practices linked to child protection issues, particularly for the priorities in 2023: migration; addressing sexual violence and protection in the digital sphere;
• Support the organization and preparation of public events (in-person and webinars) as well as relevant communication initiatives for the publication of a study on the humanitarian consequences of urban warfare on children;
• Support humanitarian diplomacy efforts on additional child protection priorities through drafting and revising speaking points for high level meetings, external events and internal mentorship;
• Support the organisation of child protection related events with key partners;
• Assist in developing content for face to face and online child protection courses and webinars, as well as continuing to develop an e-learning course and tools on Child Protection;
• Provide summaries of external reports concerning child protection and contribute to reports promoting child protection concepts internally, across the Movement and within the child protection sector;
• Update relevant communication platforms, such as the internal and external webpages, the Child Protection wiki or the Movement Child Protection Community of Practice;
• Provide logistical and administrative coordination support for the team, including information management.

Certifications / Education required

• University Degree (ideally in international humanitarian law, human rights, humanitarian action, international relations, social work, gender studies, social sciences, etc.). Masters an asset;
• Proficiency (oral and written) in English and French. Another language is an asset (mainly Spanish);
• Demonstrated interest in protection work. Experience with an organization working on child protection issues and/or in direct contact with children is an asset;
• Interest in pursuing a career in protection, including in the field;
• Proven track record in researching, analyzing, and synthesizing information;
• Experience with drafting and editing reports, position papers, speaking points, etc.;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely (written and oral);
• Comfortable working in a team, good social skills;
• Good level of autonomy/independence in handling own work;
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Experience with information management tools such as SharePoint and willingness to develop skills for producing content for internet/intranet purposes and/or training programmes;
• Experience with a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society is an asset.

The THEM unit actively encourages applications from a gender-inclusive and diverse range of candidates. We will provide equality of opportunity and develop a team culture that adopts and exemplifies our dedication to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Professional Experience required

As per the ICRC rules for Traineeships, applicants should have maximum one-year relevant work experience (on a paid contract) following their last degree.

Additional information

• Location : Geneva
• Type of contract: Traineeship
• Working rate: 100%
• Relocation: Not provided for traineeships
• Visa/permit: legitimacy card provided
• Gross monthly salary: 3723,2 CHF
• Estimated start date: 1st January 2023
• Application deadline: Sunday, 9th October 2022
• Application documents required: diplomas, work certificates, scan colour of passport - please upload it on your profile.