Consultor/a Internacional para el Acceso a la Justicia de Pueblos Indígenas

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to promote the rights and well-being of every child, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to improving children's lives. The organization focuses on various areas, including child protection, education, health, and nutrition, ensuring that the most disadvantaged children receive the support they need. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it collaborates with governments, civil society, and other partners to create lasting change for children.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Access to Justice for Indigenous Peoples is crucial in the context of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling regarding the Tagaeri and Taromenane Indigenous Peoples vs. Ecuador case. The consultant will be responsible for developing and implementing protocols that ensure the effective access to justice for Indigenous peoples, particularly focusing on children and adolescents in recent contact. This role requires a deep understanding of intercultural dynamics and the specific needs of Indigenous communities, as well as expertise in international human rights standards. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including the judiciary, law enforcement, and Indigenous organizations, to create culturally appropriate and effective justice mechanisms. The overarching goal is to enhance the capacity of the Ecuadorian justice system to respond to the unique challenges faced by Indigenous children and adolescents, ensuring their rights are respected and upheld in legal processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop specialized training modules on access to justice for Indigenous Peoples, incorporating international human rights standards.
• Collaborate with the Judiciary Council and the Attorney General's Office to create protocols that facilitate the effective access to justice for Indigenous communities.
• Conduct assessments and gather data on the current state of access to justice for Indigenous children and adolescents.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for judicial operators and law enforcement personnel on culturally sensitive approaches to working with Indigenous populations.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the developed protocols and training programs, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement.
• Prepare detailed reports on progress, challenges, and outcomes of the consultancy, including recommendations for future actions.
• Engage with Indigenous communities to ensure their voices and perspectives are integrated into the justice processes.
• Ensure compliance with the Inter-American Court's ruling and international human rights obligations throughout the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience working with international human rights systems and organizations.
• Proven expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs at both national and international levels.
• Extensive experience in supporting the execution of international court rulings, particularly in relation to Indigenous rights.
• Strong background in developing and implementing public policies and action plans that align with international human rights standards.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate structural reforms and facilitate participatory methodologies for social dialogue with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or higher in Law, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Additional certifications or training in Indigenous rights, child protection, or intercultural communication will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 15 years of relevant experience in international human rights, with a focus on Indigenous rights and child protection. Experience working with judicial systems and Indigenous communities is essential, as well as a proven track record in developing training and capacity-building initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, given the local context and the need to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also required, and knowledge of Indigenous languages would be considered a significant advantage.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be conducted over a defined period, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined in the Terms of Reference. The consultant will be required to travel to Ecuador for three trips, including two field visits to engage directly with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. The position is classified as high-risk for child safeguarding, necessitating additional vetting and background checks. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The organization offers various benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.