UN Volunteer - Child Protection

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of every child. With a mission to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on equity, aiming to address the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. UNICEF's work encompasses various areas, including health, education, protection, and emergency response, ensuring that children's rights are upheld in all circumstances.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will support UNICEF’s Child Protection team in Rwanda, focusing on implementing strategies that safeguard the rights and well-being of children and women. This role involves collaborating closely with the Child Protection Specialist and engaging with the Education Section and Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) to enhance child protection and safeguarding measures in school settings. The volunteer will also provide technical and programmatic support to existing partnerships aimed at preventing violence against children and women, utilizing innovative approaches such as digital platforms and mass media. The position requires a proactive approach to integrating gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) mitigation strategies into emergency preparedness and response plans, ensuring that children's voices are heard and their safety is prioritized.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Volunteer include:

• Collaborating with the Child Protection Specialist to implement child protection and safeguarding initiatives in schools.
• Supporting the UNICEF child protection programming related to safeguarding and PSEA.
• Providing technical assistance to partnerships focused on parenting strategies that prevent violence against children and women.
• Integrating GBV and SEA risk mitigation strategies into emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Working with SBC and Communications to develop and disseminate peer support materials for children and adolescents on violence prevention and child protection.
• Monitoring and documenting the pilot initiatives for child protection and safeguarding in schools and communities, ensuring quality checks are in place.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong communication skills, adaptability, and a commitment to the values of UNICEF. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. Knowledge sharing and teamwork are essential competencies for this role, as well as creativity and technological awareness to effectively engage with children and communities.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, education, child development, or a related field is required. Additional training or certifications in child protection, safeguarding, or gender-based violence prevention would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience working in child protection, education, or related fields, preferably in a humanitarian or development context. Experience in implementing programs that address violence against children and women, as well as familiarity with community engagement strategies, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of Kinyarwanda or French would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UN system, and it may involve a commitment to full-time hours. The volunteer will be based in Kigali, Rwanda, which is known for its safety and modern infrastructure. The role may require occasional travel within the country to support program implementation. Compensation details and benefits will be provided by UNICEF, including coverage for health insurance.