Consultant for Social Services Capacity Building

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 worldwide, ensuring that their work is not just a job but a calling. The organization prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of children globally.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide specialized technical support to enhance the capacity of the social service system in preventing and responding to violence against children (VAC) and gender-based violence (GBV). The focus is on practical implementation at sub-national and community levels. The consultant will develop standardized, practice-oriented training and methodological materials for social service professionals, aimed at improving early identification of risks, case management, referral, and coordination with relevant sectors. This role will contribute to the application of child-centered, survivor-centered, and trauma-informed approaches within social services, aligning with national standards and international best practices. The consultancy will also generate practice-based recommendations to inform further capacity-building and quality improvement within the social service system, ensuring that the services provided are effective and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for delivering a series of reports and technical support activities, including:

• Preparing a report on technical support provided to UNICEF and its Field Offices regarding the development of social services for children and families, including expert consultations, monitoring visits, and recommendations for programming.
• Supporting the Coordination Centre for Family-Based Care and Childcare Development by conducting webinars and consultations, documenting challenges, and providing analytical recommendations.
• Assisting the National Social Service of Ukraine in developing a continuous professional development system for the social service workforce, including coordination meetings and training events.
• Strengthening civil society organizations in providing integrated social services for vulnerable families, conducting training sessions, and providing supervision.
• Developing an analytical synthesis report on community capacity in social service systems for VAC and GBV prevention and response, including training packages and methodological guidelines. The total expected workload for these deliverables is 215 working days, with specific deadlines for each deliverable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in social work, psychology, human rights, public administration, sociology, or related disciplines. They should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in social protection or child protection at national or subnational levels, with a deep understanding of the Ukrainian child protection system, social protection, and alternative care for children. Experience in strengthening the social workforce and social services, as well as building dialogue with national and local governments and civil society organizations, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience providing consultancy services to UNICEF or other UN agencies.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social work, psychology, human rights, public administration, sociology, or other related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social services and child protection systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of professional experience in social protection or child protection, particularly within the context of the Ukrainian system. This experience should include working at both national and subnational levels, with a focus on strengthening social services and workforce capabilities. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the field of child protection is essential, as is experience in engaging with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English at an advanced level (C1) is mandatory, while proficiency in Ukrainian is also required. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage, particularly in contexts where multiple languages are spoken or where communication with diverse communities is necessary.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to be full-time, with a contract duration that aligns with the deliverables outlined. The consultant will be required to travel to various regions within Ukraine, including Poltava, Lviv, Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, for field missions. Prior to any field mission, the consultant must complete Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) and Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) trainings. The payment structure will be based on the submission of agreed deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the deliverables do not meet the required standards or if there are delays. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for consultants with disabilities.