National knowledge translation consultant (Juvenile justice), Child Protection Section, 4 months, ECARO O/P Rome, Italy (Remote)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

In recent years, UNICEF, through AMIF-funded initiatives and in close collaboration with national and territorial institutions, has supported the strengthening of Italian child protection system for UASC, with particular attention to interinstitutional coordination and the effectiveness of reception pathways. This work has generated a substantial body of evidence, analysis and good practices related to the interaction between the juvenile justice system and the reception system.

Building on this foundation, the Knowledge Translation Consultant (Juvenile Justice) will work under UNICEF Child Protection Specialist’s supervision and in close coordination with relevant institutional stakeholders—including Juvenile Courts, Prefectures, Local Authorities and reception actors—to ensure that key findings and lessons learned are effectively disseminated to targeted audiences. In particular, the consultant will:

• Develop a dissemination strategy tailored to different institutional and professional audiences (e.g. judicial authorities, central administrations, territorial services), identifying appropriate formats, channels and messaging to maximize policy relevance and operational uptake;
• Translate analytical findings on interinstitutional coordination, governance models and protection pathways into clear, accessible and policy-oriented dissemination products (e.g. synthesis notes, policy briefs, presentations, knowledge products);
• Support the capitalization of replicable good practices emerging from territorial coordination between Juvenile Courts and reception actors, highlighting their added value, enabling factors and conditions for transferability;
• Contribute to the organization and facilitation of dissemination moments (e.g. technical meetings, workshops, national or interinstitutional events), ensuring coherent messaging and alignment with UNICEF advocacy and programmatic priorities;
• Ensure consistency of dissemination outputs with Law 47/2017, national guidance tools (including the relevant Vademecum), AMIF priorities and the evolving EU framework, particularly the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and Regulation (EU) 2024/1351;
• Where relevant, support UNICEF in preparing dissemination inputs for national-level dialogue with central administrations, including the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of the Interior, as well as for exchanges with territorial authorities.
• The assignment will ensure that knowledge generated at territorial level is not only documented but effectively shared, understood and used to inform strategic planning, institutional coordination and the continuous improvement of protection pathways for unaccompanied and separated children in Italy.

Minimum requirements

Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Dissemination, knowledge management or capitalization of projects related to child protection, juvenile justice, migration or asylum;

• Design and delivery of workshops, trainings or capacity-building activities targeting public institutions and professional audiences;

• Technical work on interinstitutional coordination mechanisms involving judicial authorities, public administrations and social services;

• Advisory or consultancy roles within international organizations, public institutions, NGOs or research bodies working on MSNA/UASC protection.

Demonstrated experience working with or for public institutions, in particular:

• Prefectures or migration/asylum administrations

• Juvenile Courts or justice sector actors;

• Local Authorities and professionals within reception and child protection systems.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Italian
• Intermediate English (B2)

Technical and Professional Skills

Strong understanding of:

• Solid knowledge of Italian legislation on MSNA (including Law 47/2017) and familiarity with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and Regulation (EU) 2024/1351.
• Experience in applying rights-based and child-sensitive approaches to policy dialogue and capacity building.

Analytical and Communication Skills

• Excellent capacity to synthesize complex analytical outputs and mapping results into clear, policy-relevant and operational messages.
• Strong writing skills for institutional and professional audiences.
• Ability to develop structured workshop materials, case studies and discussion scenarios.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills in multi-stakeholder settings.

Interpersonal and Organizational Skills

• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of institutional stakeholders, including judicial authorities, central administrations and territorial services.
• Strong coordination skills and ability to work under supervision while managing multiple deliverables.
• Sensitivity to institutional roles, mandates and governance dynamics.

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

Remarks

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.