National Consultant Child Protection and Education

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 commitment to building careers that make a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Child Protection and Education will play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and well-being of children and adolescents in school environments in São Tomé and Príncipe. The consultant will be responsible for implementing training programs for school communities, which include educators, non-teaching staff, students, and caregivers. This position aims to ensure that children can report concerns safely and that cases are referred appropriately. The consultant will also support the establishment of child protection structures within schools, operationalize reporting and referral mechanisms, and adapt tools and materials for practical use in schools. Monitoring implementation and proposing solutions to challenges will be key aspects of this role, ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of child protection initiatives in educational settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement training programs for school communities, including educators, non-teaching staff, students, and caregivers, based on developed tools and packages.
• Support the establishment and functioning of child protection structures within schools, ensuring regular operation and linkage with the national protection system.
• Operationalize reporting and referral mechanisms at the school level, ensuring accessibility, functionality, and community awareness.
• Adapt, test, and support the dissemination of tools and materials to ensure their relevance and usability in real school contexts.
• Monitor implementation, identify challenges, and propose practical solutions to strengthen effectiveness and sustainability of child protection initiatives.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to enhance community engagement and awareness regarding child protection issues.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Education, Social Work, Child Protection, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in Child Protection, Child Development, or related fields.
• Proven experience in incorporating child protection principles into educational programs is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of local systems and experience in community-based work.
• Strong coordination and communication skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Education, Social Work, or Child Protection. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of child protection and education systems and for effectively implementing the necessary training and support programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in Child Protection, Child Development, or related fields. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in integrating child protection principles into educational programs, which is highly desirable. Experience in training facilitation and community engagement is also important for the successful execution of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is a mandatory requirement for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with school communities and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is focused on child protection and education, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children's rights in school environments. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements as part of the hiring process.