UN Volunteer Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for children's rights, meeting their basic needs, and expanding opportunities for them to reach their full potential. Since its inception in 1950, UNICEF has been active in Brazil, contributing to significant advancements in childhood and adolescent welfare. The organization has been involved in major initiatives such as immunization campaigns, the promotion of universal education, and the fight against child labor. UNICEF's mission is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it aims to ensure that children's rights are recognized as fundamental ethical principles and international standards. The organization operates in various regions of Brazil, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents affected by violence and exclusion. UNICEF's current cooperation program with the Brazilian Government for 2024-2028 emphasizes the protection of these vulnerable groups, particularly in areas like the Amazon and the Northeast, where the need for intervention is most critical.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical assistance and advocacy for Education for All and the Protection of Children from Violence. This position involves implementing strategies aimed at improving school environments to be more protective, utilizing methodologies such as the 'Education that Protects' (ETP) and the School Active Search initiative (SAS). The Specialist will work closely with municipal technicians, implementing partners, and various stakeholders to promote child protection and education initiatives. The role requires collaboration with state governments and civil society organizations to ensure that children and adolescents in vulnerable situations receive the support they need. The Specialist will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, ensuring that they align with UNICEF's goals and objectives. This position is vital in addressing the challenges faced by children and adolescents in Brazil, particularly in light of the increased vulnerability and violence they have experienced in recent years.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical assistance and training to municipal technicians on Education and Protection issues in collaboration with the Salvador team.
• Advocating for the participation of implementing partners in UNICEF initiatives, including anti-racism training for educational professionals.
• Supporting the implementation of Basic Education strategies, particularly the School Active Search initiative in targeted municipalities.
• Collaborating with UNICEF partners to implement Education & Environment themes in specific territories.
• Assisting in the mobilization and capacity building of educational professionals regarding violence and structural racism.
• Supporting the implementation of the 'Law on Protected Hearing' at municipal and state levels.
• Promoting the use of the SIPIA system by Conselheiros Tutelares for case registration and referral.
• Monitoring the Municipal Committee on Homicides Prevention and ensuring effective public policy mechanisms are in place.
• Identifying funding opportunities and developing proposals for Child Protection and Education initiatives. 1
• Participating in internal and external meetings as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Volunteer Specialist position should possess a strong background in education, child protection, or a related field. They should demonstrate a commitment to children's rights and have experience working with vulnerable populations. Strong advocacy skills and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, including government entities and civil society organizations, are essential. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the challenges faced by children and adolescents in Brazil, particularly in relation to violence and exclusion. Proficiency in project management and the ability to develop and implement effective strategies are also required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field is required for this position. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications. Candidates should have a strong academic background that demonstrates their understanding of child rights, education systems, and social protection frameworks.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3-5 years of professional experience in education, child protection, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of UNICEF or similar agencies, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of implementing programs aimed at improving educational outcomes and protecting children from violence. Familiarity with the Brazilian context and the specific challenges faced by children and adolescents in the country is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, given the local context and the need to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for reporting and collaboration with international teams. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Spanish, may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is based in Salvador, Brazil, which is the capital of Bahia and has a vibrant cultural scene. The UN Volunteer will be expected to comply with all UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment. Information on entitlements at the duty station can be found on the UNV website. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of UNICEF's programs.