Child Safeguarding and Protection Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with essential services and support to help them fulfill their potential. UNICEF has been operational in Cambodia since 1952, with its first country office opening in Phnom Penh in 197

• The organization is committed to child protection, gender equality, and the prevention of violence against children, and it actively collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance the safety and well-being of children in humanitarian situations.

Job Overview:
The Child Safeguarding and Protection Consultant will play a crucial role in UNICEF's efforts to strengthen child safeguarding measures and protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). This position involves developing and implementing strategies to enhance reporting mechanisms, ensuring that every child and adult in humanitarian situations has access to safe and child-sensitive reporting channels. The consultant will also focus on providing immediate, quality assistance to survivors of SEA, including medical care, psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support, and legal assistance. The role requires a deep understanding of UNICEF's safeguarding policies and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to raise awareness and promote safe reporting practices. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a rapid mapping of existing reporting channels and identifying gaps to inform UNICEF's efforts in strengthening and harmonizing these mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen child safeguarding and PSEA measures within UNICEF's programs in Cambodia.
• Conduct a rapid mapping of existing reporting channels for SEA and identify gaps in accessibility and safety.
• Collaborate with UN agencies, government bodies, and NGOs to raise awareness about SEA reporting mechanisms and promote safe reporting practices.
• Provide technical support and guidance to UNICEF staff and partners on child safeguarding and PSEA policies and procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and reporting mechanisms, making recommendations for improvements.
• Prepare reports and documentation on the progress of child safeguarding initiatives and present findings to the Country Management Team.
• Ensure that all activities align with UNICEF's safeguarding policy and contribute to the organization's overall mission of protecting children's rights.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Work, Sociology, International Relations, or related fields.
• Relevant training in data science and qualitative/quantitative research methodologies is an asset.
• At least 5 years of professional work experience specializing in child protection, gender, human rights, and PSEA.
• Proven research and writing skills, with the ability to work independently and under limited supervision.
• Knowledge of UN PSEA and child safeguarding policies and procedures is essential.
• Experience working with UN organizations, government agencies, or CSOs/NGOs is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Social Work, Sociology, International Relations, or similar disciplines. Additional training in data science and research methodologies is considered beneficial for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience, with a strong focus on child protection, gender issues, human rights, and PSEA. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, preferably within UN organizations or related sectors.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Khmer language is considered a strong asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy role is not classified as a staff position under UNICEF's regulations, meaning that individuals engaged under this contract will not receive benefits typically afforded to staff members, such as leave entitlements and medical insurance. The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine before commencing the assignment, unless they are working remotely and not expected to interact directly with UNICEF's operations or communities. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.