Consultant for Policy Advocacy in Child Rights

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 committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's policy advocacy efforts in various areas including education, child protection, justice for children, health, and early childhood development (ECD). The primary function of this position is to develop legal opinions, position papers, and policy documents that align with both international and national legal frameworks concerning children's rights, gender equality, and non-discrimination. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Education Specialist and collaborate with other program specialists to ensure that advocacy and policy efforts are integrated into UNICEF's Country Program for 2026-203

• This role is essential in promoting the rights and protection of children and driving UNICEF's mission to create inclusive, violence-free environments for all children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop legal opinions and position papers on child rights issues, ensuring compliance with relevant legal frameworks.
• Draft policy documents that support UNICEF's advocacy efforts in education, child protection, and health.
• Collaborate with program specialists to integrate child rights considerations into all initiatives.
• Conduct research and analysis on national and international policies affecting children's rights.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies and NGOs, to promote child rights advocacy.
• Provide expert advice on anti-discrimination and violence prevention strategies.
• Support the development of local-based support services for children and families.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy initiatives and report on progress.
• Participate in relevant meetings and workshops to represent UNICEF's interests in child rights.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in Law or other Humanities, with a master's degree in child rights, human rights, education, pedagogy, psychology, or sociology.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in legal and policy advice related to child rights, anti-discrimination, and social inclusion.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior-level experience in advancing child rights.
• Excellent knowledge of the Serbian legal system and international human rights law.
• Familiarity with Serbian policies on anti-discrimination, violence prevention, and inclusive education.
• Established network of partners in child rights and protection sectors.
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in task implementation.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law or other Humanities, complemented by a master's degree in child rights, human rights, education, pedagogy, psychology, or sociology. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex legal and social frameworks that govern children's rights and protections.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically at least 15 years in providing legal and policy advice concerning child rights and related areas. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of senior-level experience in advancing child rights, indicating a deep understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in this field.

Languages:
Fluency in both Serbian and English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills required in both languages. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 11 months, and the working arrangement is home-based. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts its mission, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.