Child Protection Strategic Partnerships Consultant

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 employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, emphasizing a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Strategic Partnerships Consultant will play a crucial role in UNICEF's Multi-Country Child Protection Program for 2023–2027, which aims to strengthen child protection systems across 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories. The consultant will be responsible for designing an approach that maps existing capacities, identifies gaps, and proposes practical modalities for collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and faith-based organizations. The position requires strategic advocacy and engagement with partners to address child protection concerns in the Pacific context, focusing on issues such as violence against children and women, and the impact of climate change on child protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Convene government and partners to identify key child protection issues for collective action.
• Engage with UNICEF partners for strategic advocacy based on identified entry points.
• Communicate and design strategic engagement on thought leadership topics related to child protection.
• Facilitate regional convening to develop strategies on emerging topics like child online protection.
• Provide advice on program partnerships in the Pacific context, particularly with faith-based organizations and national committees.
• Map existing capacities and identify gaps in child protection systems.
• Propose practical modalities for collaboration with various stakeholders.
• Ensure that child protection issues are understood by policymakers and donors.

Required Qualifications:

• An Advanced University degree (Masters) in international development, human rights, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or a relevant field is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in child protection or related areas at the international level, with some experience in a developing country.
• Relevant experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or governments in the Pacific region is required.
• Understanding of partners and established networks for child protection in the Pacific is highly desirable.
• Experience in child protection program and project management in the Pacific or similar contexts is required.
• Experience working in the UN system or UN organizations is an asset.
• Proven ability to work independently under challenging conditions.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University degree (Masters) in fields such as international development, human rights, international law, or other relevant areas. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of child protection and the legal frameworks surrounding it.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in child protection and related areas at the international level. Candidates should have experience working in developing countries and with international organizations, NGOs, or government entities, particularly in the Pacific region. Relevant experience in program and project management within child protection is also necessary, along with a proven ability to work independently under difficult conditions.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of a local language in the Pacific region is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position does not provide staff member benefits and is governed by the contract and General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Candidates must ensure they have valid visa and health insurance for the duration of the contract. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, unless working remotely. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities.