Safe Learning 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 to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within a diverse workforce.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide technical and operational support to UNICEF Sierra Leone and its government counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE). The focus is on accelerating the implementation of priority actions to prevent and respond to School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) and to strengthen safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive learning environments. The consultant will support the implementation of activities under the GPE Safe Learning Technical Assistance Initiative and the Spotlight Initiative, which are crucial for creating safe and enabling school environments. The role involves contributing to the development of systems for SRGBV prevention and response, enhancing monitoring and coordination systems, and operationalizing national case management systems relevant to SRGBV response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for strengthening SRGBV prevention and response systems in the education sector, including establishing safe and child-friendly reporting and referral mechanisms. They will support the implementation of the SRGBV Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy, which includes capacity-building and district-level roll-out. The consultant will also enhance monitoring, coordination, and evidence systems for SRGBV interventions, including partner mapping and school-level monitoring tools. Additionally, they will support the operationalization of national case management systems and provide training and rollout of the GBVIMS+ dashboard for education stakeholders. The consultant will also focus on safe learning interventions to improve teachers' knowledge and practices regarding the Teachers’ Code of Conduct, positive discipline, and SRGBV prevention and response.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s) in Education, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Child Protection, Public Health, Social Work, Development Studies, or a closely related field. A Bachelor’s degree combined with a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in education, child protection, school safety, or related areas, with demonstrated experience in supporting school-based prevention and safeguarding interventions, particularly SRGBV-related initiatives. Proven experience working with government institutions and engaging in multi-sectoral coordination is essential, as is experience in operationalizing policies and contributing to monitoring and reporting.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s) in relevant fields such as Education, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Child Protection, Public Health, or Development Studies. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with additional relevant professional experience may be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of child protection and education systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as education, child protection, school safety, and SRGBV. This experience should include supporting school-based interventions and working with government institutions at various levels. Familiarity with multi-sectoral coordination and the operationalization of policies and guidelines is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are essential for effective engagement with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the consultancy objectives.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment, including potential criminal background checks. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements, including vaccination against COVID-19, to be eligible for employment. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.