How can you make a difference?
Under the overall guidance of the Program specialist, at UNICEF Office to the African Union and ECA, the child protection consultant will support the development and implementation of strategic partnerships and programmes and coordination of Child protection programs with special focus on the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program 2.0 activities (SIARP 2.0). The consultant S/he will support program development, planning, monitoring and advocacy support throughout the programming processes. S/he facilitates the achievement of concrete solutions and contributions to continental and international efforts to create protective environment for children against all harms, and to protect their rights to survival, development and wellbeing as established under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, international treaties/ frameworks, and the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, among other continental frameworks for child rights. In addition, the incumbent will ensure children and young people are at the core of all programmes and interventions.
Scope of Work:
- Key functions, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks
- Support programme development and planning
- Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
- Technical and operational support to programme implementation
- Networking and partnership building
- Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Minimum requirements
- Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset
- Work experience and/or familiarity with a continental organization is considered an additional advantage
Technical competencies must be demonstrated in the following areas
- Strong knowledge/ experience and understanding of theory and concepts on children’s rights, protection, violence against children, gender issues, violence against women and girls, confluence between harmful practices and child protection
- Understanding of the overall child rights protection and context of EVAC/VAWG, prevention and elimination of harmful practices, SRHR and their impact children and young people; and inter-sectoral approaches to address such issues in collaboration with other sectors (including Social Policy, Education, Nutrition, WASH, Health, and Communications within UNICEF).
- Ability to support policy dialogue: strong analytical skill including translation of analytical findings and evidence into development programme and policy discussions around equity and learning with partners, including government, development partners, CSOs and academia in relevant areas.
- Experience in including programme design, planning, costing, monitoring and evaluation and reporting of programmes/interventions on child rights protection, EVAC/ VAWG, harmful practices and related issues. programmes practices policy sector analysis capacity, including,
- Experience of working with the African Union organs as well as strong knowledge and understanding of AU mechanisms
- Ability to support partnership, networking and engagement with new and existing partners, especially the AU and its entities, CSOs, young people and UN organisations.
- Knowledge of child rights.
- Familiarity with gender equality and disability inclusion principles.
- Ability to conduct literature reviews, present findings and prepare concept papers.
- Excellent computer skills: experience with making PowerPoint presentations, creating content for social media channels, efficient email writing skills and overall ability to communicate with partners in a digital environment (Teams, Zoom, Jamboard).
- Ability to write write clearly and concisely technical and non-technical information material with a clear understanding of child rights protection, VAC/VAWG, under the framework of Gender Based violence and harmful practices
- Ability to work collaboratively on a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrated skills in diplomacy, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
- Ability to work with sensitive data and information in an ethical, confidential, and trustworthy manner
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.
- Analytical and Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze data and contextual factors to identify root causes of harmful practices and evaluate intervention outcomes.
- Strategic Communication: Strong skills in communicating complex topics in a culturally sensitive and accessible way to different audiences, from policymakers to community members.
- Project Management: Proficient in managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure project goals are met within set deadlines.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and international organizations.
- Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity: Skilled at working in diverse and sometimes challenging environments, with the ability to adapt to cultural nuances and promote inclusivity.
- Report Writing and Documentation: Competent in preparing detailed reports, policy briefs, and technical documentation to support advocacy and project transparency.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
• An introduction to understanding of the ToR and the tasks
• Suggested methodology for the work
• Timetable for carrying out the various tasks.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.