Child Protection 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 passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of children in Poland and Romania by developing recommendations for the Polish government regarding the establishment of MDIA centers for children who have experienced violence. This position requires an experienced consultant with a deep understanding of child protection, particularly in the context of violence against children. The consultant will be responsible for creating guidelines and standards for these centers, ensuring they are accessible to all children, including those from vulnerable groups. The role involves extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, including government representatives and advisory groups, to ensure that the recommendations are practical, actionable, and sustainable. The consultant will also be tasked with leading consultations, validating recommendations, and ensuring that all deliverables are aligned with child rights and trauma-informed approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop recommendations for the Polish government to create and sustain MDIA centers for children who have experienced violence, including governance, coordination, legislation, financing, and service integration.
• Establish Poland-specific standards for MDIA centers, detailing service standards, competency profiles, training frameworks, and quality assurance measures.
• Lead consultations and validation processes with stakeholder groups and experts.
• Provide consultations to UNICEF and Polish government representatives regarding the roadmap for MDIA centers.
• Prepare and present deliverables at meetings and events with key stakeholders.
• Ensure all deliverables are child-centered, trauma-informed, and aligned with relevant standards.
• Propose a robust methodology for the project, including desk reviews and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and safeguarding policies throughout the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:

• At least a Master’s degree in law, social work, psychology, or related disciplines.
• A minimum of 10 years of proven experience in child protection, particularly in response to violence against children.
• In-depth knowledge of MDIA center models in EU countries.
• Proven expertise in advising governments or international organizations on child protection.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Excellent understanding of the psychosocial needs of children and trauma-informed approaches.
• Familiarity with case management and quality standards in MDIA services.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into practical guidance.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as law, social work, psychology, or other related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the legal and social frameworks surrounding child protection and violence against children.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in child protection, particularly in the context of violence against children. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing, implementing, and evaluating child protection initiatives, particularly those involving MDIA centers. Experience in providing advice to governments or international organizations in this field is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of Polish is considered an asset, as it will aid in understanding the local context and engaging with stakeholders effectively. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to involve regular contact with UNICEF's Refugee Response Office in Poland, with a focus on collaboration and progress review. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that all deliverables are submitted in English and will need to comply with UNICEF's ethical standards and child safeguarding policies. The position may require the consultant to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, although this does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF promotes an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from diverse candidates, including those with disabilities.