Child Protection Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The DRC Standby Roster is a collaborative initiative that partners with UNHCR to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of humanitarian responses, particularly in the area of child protection. The organization is dedicated to supporting refugee operations through the deployment of skilled professionals who can address the complex needs of vulnerable populations, especially children. The DRC Standby Roster aims to ensure that child protection is prioritized in emergency and protracted situations, thereby contributing to the overall mission of safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in forced displacement contexts. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on regions where humanitarian crises are prevalent, and is committed to fostering partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, and local communities to implement effective child protection strategies.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Expert position is designed for highly skilled professionals with significant experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in child protection. The role involves deploying to UNHCR operations on a roving basis, primarily in emergency situations, but also in complex protracted crises. The expert will spend approximately 75% of their time on deployments, which typically last between two to four months, and may involve working in hardship duty stations. The remaining time will be dedicated to supporting global UNHCR Child Protection initiatives. Candidates are expected to have a strong background in child protection, with a focus on preventing and responding to violence against children, especially in refugee contexts. The role requires a proactive approach to engaging with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and communities, to advocate for the rights and protection of children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection Expert will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting situation analyses and assessments of child protection issues in deployment locations; designing and implementing child protection strategies aligned with UNHCR policies; ensuring the meaningful participation of children in protection initiatives; overseeing the collection and analysis of child protection data; leading advocacy efforts with UNHCR senior management and other stakeholders; developing and monitoring child protection programs; providing technical support to strengthen national child protection systems; integrating child protection into community-based programs; and establishing partnerships with local and international organizations to enhance the sustainability of child protection efforts. The expert will also be responsible for capacity building among UNHCR staff and partners, introducing innovative approaches to child protection, and documenting lessons learned and best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background in fields such as law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Human Rights, International Development, International Relations, Anthropology, Social Work, Political Science, or Social Science. A minimum of six years of relevant experience is required for those with an undergraduate degree, or five years for those with a graduate degree. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates with skills in French or Spanish will be given preference. Essential qualifications include at least four years of progressively applied experience in child protection, particularly in refugee situations, and a strong understanding of UNHCR and interagency child protection tools and guidelines. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in building partnerships with various stakeholders and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in a relevant field such as International Law, Human Rights, International Development, International Relations, Anthropology, Social Work, Political Science, or Social Science. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of child protection in humanitarian contexts and for effectively engaging with various stakeholders involved in child welfare and protection.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in the humanitarian field, specifically in child protection. Candidates should have at least six years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree or five years with a graduate degree. Essential experience includes at least four years of applied work in child protection prevention and response, particularly in refugee settings. Candidates should also have a proven track record of engaging with children and families, supervising staff, and managing cases of at-risk children.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required for this position, as all applications must be submitted in English. Additionally, candidates who are proficient in French or Spanish will have an advantage, as these languages are beneficial for communication in various deployment contexts. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages can enhance collaboration with local communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a roving deployment scheme, which means that the Child Protection Expert must be prepared to deploy on short notice to various locations, including those classified as hardship duty stations. The deployments typically last between two to four months, and the expert will be expected to spend a significant amount of time in the field. The application process requires candidates to submit a cover letter and an updated P11 form through the DRC online application system. Performance evaluation reports may also be requested. The deadline for applications is set for 8 February 2026, and candidates will be screened on an ongoing basis. The selection process includes screening by UNHCR, an online written test, and potential interviews. The organization promotes an inclusive and diverse pool of experts and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.