Voluntario/a de Naciones Unidas Especialista en Protección de la Niñez

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established 79 years ago, is a part of the United Nations System that advocates for the rights of children and adolescents. It operates in 190 countries and territories, focusing on the protection of children's rights and addressing complex violations affecting children in Colombia. The organization aims to improve the lives of vulnerable children, particularly those who are rural, indigenous, and Afro-descendant, and works under the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the programming cycle 2025-2028, which emphasizes collaboration among UN agencies to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

Job Overview:
The position of Voluntario/a de Naciones Unidas Especialista en Protección de la Niñez involves working on critical issues such as child marriage, violence against children, and gender-based violence. The volunteer will be responsible for updating and analyzing contextual information regarding protection risks, supporting inter-institutional coordination among UNICEF and public entities, producing technical documents to support UNICEF's advocacy in public policies, providing technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacities, and monitoring the implementation of protection actions in prioritized territories. The role requires a commitment to integrating into the UN Volunteer program's mandate and promoting volunteerism within communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will undertake various tasks including:

• Updating and analyzing contextual information on protection risks related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Violence Against Children (VAC), Violence Against Women (VAW), Children Affected by Armed Conflict (CAAC), and human mobility to enhance UNICEF's planning and response in prioritized areas.
• Supporting inter-institutional coordination between UNICEF, public entities (ICBF, Migration, Registraduría, Foreign Ministry, Human Rights and IHL Advisory), agencies, and Civil Society Organizations to implement strategies for strengthening child protection.
• Producing technical documents and analyses with evidence to support UNICEF's advocacy in public policies and protection mechanisms against VAC, GBV, child marriage, CAAC, and human mobility.
• Providing technical assistance to strengthen the capacities of institutions, local governments, and communities in preventing and addressing VAC, GBV, child marriage, and violence related to armed conflicts or displacement.
• Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of protection actions in the field, ensuring quality, relevance, and alignment with UNICEF's child protection strategy in emergencies and human mobility. Additionally, volunteers are encouraged to engage with the UNV program's mandate and promote volunteer action through community integration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong commitment to the principles of volunteerism, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and autonomy. They should demonstrate competencies such as care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, sustainability, teamwork, continuous learning, planning and organization, communication, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to the UN's mission.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, preferably in social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of child protection issues and the socio-political context of Colombia.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in child protection, social work, or related fields. Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the UN system and its operations would be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Colombia. Proficiency in English is also desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and communication with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is as indicated, with the possibility of extensions subject to funding availability, operational needs, and satisfactory performance. The monthly living allowance is COP $6,082,394, intended to cover housing, services, and ordinary living expenses. Volunteers will receive health, life, and permanent disability insurance, as well as final repatriation if applicable. This assignment requires full availability and exclusivity with the United Nations System.