Child Protection Officer

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 has been active in Costa Rica since 1950, focusing on overcoming barriers affecting children and adolescents, particularly those from vulnerable communities. The organization collaborates with various sectors, including government and civil society, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
As a Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission to protect children from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Your responsibilities will include supporting program development and planning, managing and monitoring program implementation, providing technical and operational support, building partnerships, and fostering innovation and knowledge management. This position is critical in creating a safer and more equitable environment for children and adolescents, ensuring their rights are upheld and their voices are heard. You will be expected to engage with various stakeholders and contribute to the development of effective strategies that address child protection issues in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development and planning of child protection programs, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic objectives.
• Manage and monitor the implementation of programs, ensuring timely delivery of results and adherence to quality standards.
• Provide technical and operational support to program implementation, including capacity building for local partners.
• Engage in networking, advocacy, and partnership building to enhance collaboration and resource mobilization for child protection initiatives.
• Foster innovation and knowledge management within the organization, sharing best practices and lessons learned to improve program effectiveness.
• Contribute to the development of policies and guidelines related to child protection, ensuring they are informed by evidence and best practices.
• Participate in inter-agency coordination mechanisms to promote child protection issues and advocate for children's rights at local, national, and international levels.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent in international development, law, international human rights, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of two years of professional experience in program planning, implementation, and management in child protection areas is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of child rights and protection issues, as well as experience working with vulnerable populations. Knowledge of relevant legal frameworks and policies related to child protection is essential. Candidates must also exhibit strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in a relevant field such as international development, law, international human rights, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of child protection and the legal frameworks that govern children's rights.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in program planning, implementation, and management specifically in child protection-related areas. Relevant experience in emergency contexts and with UN system agencies or international child rights organizations is considered an asset. Experience in normative analysis and knowledge of justice for children and child rights are also advantageous. Familiarity with issues related to gender, adolescent development, and migration will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian, is desirable and will enhance a candidate's profile. Strong communication skills in both languages are essential for effective collaboration and advocacy in child protection initiatives.

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 comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.