TERMS OF REFERENCE
Social and behaviour change (SBC) is a critical component of UNICEF's efforts to prevent and eliminate harmful practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. While many countries have enacted laws prohibiting these practices, implementation and enforcement often remain inconsistent, particularly where communities rely on customary, traditional and religious justice mechanisms to resolve disputes and uphold social norms.
UNICEF has recently completed a scoping review assessing the role of community-based and informal justice mechanisms in influencing compliance with child rights standards and laws protecting girls from FGM. This work has highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges in engaging these systems to strengthen community support for legal protections while safeguarding the best interests of children and protecting girls from harmful practices.
The purpose of this consultancy is to develop practical continental guidance on engaging community-based and informal justice mechanisms to strengthen their alignment with child rights standards and laws protecting girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage across Africa.
Minimum requirements
- Education: An advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in Law, Social and Behaviour Change, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, International Development, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Public Policy, or another relevant field.
Work Experience:
Language requirement:
• Skills:
• Strong understanding of child rights, child protection systems, and legal and policy frameworks related to female genital mutilation, child marriage, gender equality, and violence against women and girls.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community-based, customary, traditional, and religious justice mechanisms and their interaction with formal legal systems, particularly within African contexts.
• Strong understanding of social norms and community engagement approaches to strengthening implementation of laws and promoting protective behaviors.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, with the ability to synthesize complex evidence into practical, user-friendly guidance.
• Strong report writing and technical writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
Desirables
- Previous experience working with UNICEF, UNFPA, United Nations agencies, the African Union and regional bodies, or international development partners.
- Familiarity with the African Union child protection and gender policy frameworks, including regional legal instruments related to harmful practices.
- Experience supporting policy implementation, legal reform, or justice sector strengthening initiatives related to child rights or gender equality.
- Experience analyzing the interaction between formal legal systems and community-based, customary, traditional and/or religious justice mechanisms is an asset Published research or technical publications related to child protection, social norms, informal justice mechanisms, or community engagement.
- Experience designing or facilitating participatory consultation and validation processes across multiple countries.
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
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.