Child Protection Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce committed to serving children and communities globally, with a focus on creating a protective environment for children, especially in fragile states. The organization is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of diversity and belonging.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Specialist position is pivotal in leading and collaborating with national-level government ministries in the Solomon Islands. Under the supervision of the Chief Field Office and with technical guidance from the Chief Child Protection, the Specialist will oversee child protection staff and provide technical guidance throughout all programming phases. The role involves implementing initiatives that contribute to building a protective environment for children, ensuring their rights to survival, development, and well-being as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Specialist will engage in effective planning, resource allocation, and application of results-based management methodologies, aligning with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and accountability frameworks. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a multi-dimensional program that includes strengthening child protection systems, implementing community-based approaches, and responding to emergencies driven by climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Child Protection Specialist include supporting program/project development and planning by preparing and updating situation analyses for child protection programs to ensure comprehensive data is available for strategic policy advocacy. The Specialist will participate in strategic discussions on planning, formulate program/project proposals, and establish specific goals and implementation plans using results-based planning terminology. Additionally, the Specialist will monitor and evaluate programs, assess progress, identify gaps, and prepare reports for management and partners. The role also involves providing technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts and partners, building effective partnerships, and applying innovative approaches to enhance the capacity of stakeholders. The Specialist will actively engage in networking and advocacy to promote awareness and support fundraising for child protection programs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in social work, international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, law, or another relevant social science field. A qualification that allows for registration and certification to work directly with children and families is highly desirable. Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection areas, with direct experience working with children and families being highly desirable. Experience in partnership with government at a design level in low-resource settings, leading programs, and working effectively with community-based approaches is also essential. Technical capacity in providing coaching and training in child protection service delivery is highly desirable, along with experience in both development and humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in fields such as social work, international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, law, or other relevant social sciences. A qualification that allows for registration and certification to work directly with children and families is highly desirable, indicating a strong foundation in child protection principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in social development planning and management, particularly in child protection-related areas. Direct experience working with children and families is highly desirable, as is experience in partnership with government entities in low-resource settings. Candidates should demonstrate capacity and experience in leading programs and working effectively with partners, as well as technical expertise in coaching and training in child protection service delivery. Experience in community development approaches and working in developing countries is considered an asset, along with relevant experience in program development within a UN system agency or organization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment, including potential criminal background checks. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements, including against COVID-19, as part of the selection process. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during recruitment and selection.