UN Volunteer Child Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, was established by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights and to help meet their basic needs. Since its inception in 1946, UNICEF has been dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The organization operates in over 190 countries and territories, focusing on various issues such as health, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. In Brazil, UNICEF has been active since 1950, playing a crucial role in significant changes affecting childhood and adolescence, including major immunization campaigns and the establishment of legal frameworks for child rights. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable children, particularly those affected by violence, poverty, and exclusion, and works closely with the Brazilian government and civil society to implement effective programs and policies.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Child Protection Assistant will play a vital role in supporting UNICEF's efforts to protect children and adolescents in Roraima, particularly in the context of migration and the unique challenges faced by Indigenous populations. The position involves working under the guidance of the Boa Vista Education and Child Protection Officer and the Chief of Field Office in Roraima. The assistant will be responsible for implementing strategies related to the protection of unaccompanied and separated children, ensuring that all actions are in the best interests of the child. This includes monitoring partner activities, supporting case management, and contributing to the design and implementation of child protection projects. The role also emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders and capacity building initiatives, aiming to strengthen the overall child protection framework in the region. The assistant will engage in various activities that promote the rights and well-being of children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, and will be expected to advocate for child protection priorities in relevant forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer Child Protection Assistant will undertake a range of duties, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the Unaccompanied and Separated Children Case Management Project and the Alternative Care Project, ensuring that all actions prioritize the best interests of the child.
• Monitoring the activities of implementing partners in the field, identifying challenges, and proposing solutions to enhance service delivery.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration between UNICEF, local authorities, and stakeholders to strengthen child protection case management.
• Reviewing and following up on reports from implementing partners to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
• Contributing to project design and donor reporting, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic objectives.
• Assisting in capacity-building initiatives related to the Humanitarian-Development nexus, promoting integrated approaches to child protection.
• Supporting the coordination of the Child Protection local Working Group and engaging with key stakeholders on child protection issues.
• Conducting needs assessments and generating evidence to inform child protection programming.
• Advocating for child protection priorities in appropriate forums and contributing to programmatic planning, monitoring, and evaluation. 1
• Performing any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Volunteer Child Protection Assistant position should possess a strong commitment to child rights and protection, along with the following qualifications:

• A deep understanding of child protection issues, particularly in the context of migration and Indigenous populations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to capacity building and knowledge sharing, particularly in relation to child protection practices.
• Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures, as well as relevant national and international frameworks for child protection.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, international development, or a related field is required for the UN Volunteer Child Protection Assistant position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in child protection, humanitarian response, or related areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in child protection, social work, or related fields. Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents in crisis situations, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the humanitarian-development nexus and experience in capacity building initiatives will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, given the local context. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for communication with international stakeholders and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of Spanish or Indigenous languages spoken in Roraima would be considered a valuable asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Boa Vista, Brazil. The position is full-time, and the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The living conditions in Boa Vista may present challenges, including limited access to furnished housing and frequent power cuts. Volunteers should be prepared for a unique humanitarian environment that requires cultural awareness and adaptability. The UN Volunteer will receive support from UNICEF and will be expected to engage in community activities and promote volunteerism during their assignment. Health precautions, including vaccinations and preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases, are essential for ensuring the well-being of the volunteer.