Child Protection Expert

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of every child globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories, focusing on the most vulnerable and excluded children. The organization emphasizes a life cycle-based approach, particularly prioritizing early childhood development and adolescence. UNICEF's mission is to overcome obstacles such as poverty, violence, disease, and discrimination that hinder children's rights. The organization advocates for measures that ensure children receive proper care, education, and health services, aiming to immunize all children against preventable diseases and ensure their nutritional needs are met. UNICEF's work is guided by the principles of equity, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Expert role is integral to UNICEF Ukraine’s Better Care Reform initiative, which aims to enhance family- and community-based care systems and strengthen child protection frameworks. The expert will provide professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for child protection initiatives. This includes development planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of results. The expert will be responsible for preparing and managing various technical and administrative tasks to facilitate effective program development and execution. The role requires collaboration with national and local stakeholders to ensure that every child in Ukraine can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. The expert will also engage in research and analysis of political, social, and economic trends affecting child protection to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and planning, ensuring that UNICEF's objectives are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection Expert will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Supporting program development and planning by researching and analyzing national and regional trends in child protection.
• Preparing high-quality technical inputs and documentation to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Contributing to results-based planning by developing sectoral objectives and strategies.
• Providing technical and administrative support throughout the programming cycle, including monitoring and evaluation.
• Coordinating with colleagues and partners to track implementation progress and address challenges.
• Participating in program reviews and preparing follow-up reports.
• Monitoring the use of program resources to ensure compliance with plans and accountability standards.
• Conducting field visits and assessments, sharing findings with stakeholders.
• Offering technical guidance to government counterparts, NGOs, and donors on UNICEF policies and best practices. 1
• Building and maintaining partnerships with national stakeholders to support implementation and capacity strengthening. 1
• Engaging in inter-agency coordination to align UNICEF's priorities with broader UN planning processes. 1
• Capturing and sharing lessons learned to inform knowledge development and contribute to capacity-building initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of child protection issues and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. They should have excellent analytical and communication skills, with a proven track record in program management and implementation. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating complex political and social environments and possess a commitment to equity and children's rights. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures is highly desirable, along with experience in monitoring and evaluation practices.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international development, public policy, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be considered an asset for the role. Candidates should have a solid academic foundation that supports their understanding of child protection and development issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in child protection, social work, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in a UN context, is highly advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a history of successful program management and implementation, as well as experience in capacity building and partnership development.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian considered a strong asset. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer is responsible for organizing their own accommodation. The contract duration is specified in the vacancy announcement, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability and performance. This is a full-time position, and the volunteer will receive a monthly living allowance of USD 2076 to cover living expenses. Additional benefits include a one-time entry lump sum of USD 400, medical insurance coverage for the volunteer and eligible dependents, and life insurance for the duration of the assignment. Leave entitlements include annual leave, learning leave, and sick leave, with specific accrual rates and conditions outlined.