Technical Advisor on Child-Sensitive Social Protection and Child Protection

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Established with a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children everywhere have the opportunity to thrive. The organization is known for its dedication to child welfare and development, and it prides itself on being a place where careers are built. With a diverse workforce, UNICEF offers its employees opportunities for professional and personal development, reinforcing a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the globe. The organization is passionate about its mission and welcomes individuals who want to belong and grow in a diverse culture, complemented by an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The consultancy focuses on strengthening child-sensitive social protection systems and child protection systems in Kenya. The role involves supporting the expansion and institutionalization of child-sensitive social protection programs, enhancing adaptive social protection systems to protect children affected by various crises, and promoting the integration of child poverty considerations within social protection programs. Additionally, the consultant will assist the State Department for Children Services in implementing the Children Act 2022, including developing regulations, guidelines, and operational procedures. The position also emphasizes the importance of linking cash transfer programs with child protection services to address issues such as child poverty, violence, neglect, and family separation. The consultant will be expected to provide strategic technical advice and support to government institutions, ensuring that child protection and social protection systems are effectively integrated and responsive to the needs of vulnerable children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strengthening Child-Sensitive Social Protection Systems: Support the expansion and institutionalization of child-sensitive social protection programs. Strengthen adaptive social protection systems to better protect children affected by droughts, floods, displacement, and economic shocks. Promote greater integration of child poverty and vulnerability considerations within social protection programs.
• Strengthening Child Protection Systems: Support the State Department for Children Services in implementing the Children Act 2022, including the development and roll-out of regulations, guidelines, standards, and operational procedures.
• Integration of Social Protection and Child Protection: Support linkages and referral pathways between cash transfer programs and child protection services. Promote integrated approaches to addressing child poverty, violence, neglect, family separation, and harmful practices.
• Provide strategic technical advice to government institutions on policy development and systems strengthening.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote advocacy and support for child-sensitive policies and programs.
• Conduct policy analysis and generate evidence to inform decision-making and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.
• Facilitate capacity development initiatives to strengthen the skills and knowledge of government officials and partners in child-sensitive social protection and child protection.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Social Policy, Public Finance, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Public Administration, Child Protection, Development Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive work experience in child-sensitive social protection, child protection, social policy, public policy, public finance, development economics, poverty and vulnerability analysis, public administration, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in providing strategic technical advice to government institutions and supporting policy, systems-strengthening, and reform initiatives.
• Experience in designing, implementing, coordinating, or evaluating social protection and/or child protection programs.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with national and subnational governments, development partners, UN agencies, and other international organizations.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to translate evidence into actionable recommendations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Social Policy, Public Finance, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Public Administration, Child Protection, or Development Economics. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the consultancy's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive work experience in areas related to child-sensitive social protection, child protection, social policy, public policy, public finance, development economics, and poverty and vulnerability analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing strategic technical advice to government institutions and supporting policy development and systems strengthening initiatives. Experience in working with national and subnational governments, development partners, UN agencies, and other international organizations is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate experience in policy analysis, program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with stakeholders. Knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable, as it may enhance communication and engagement with local partners and communities in Kenya. Candidates should possess strong communication skills to effectively convey complex information and engage with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be full-time, and candidates are required to submit a technical proposal outlining their understanding of the assignment, proposed approach, methodology, and work plan for delivering the assignment objectives. Additionally, a financial proposal detailing the daily rate is required. Candidates must also submit an up-to-date CV that highlights their experience and expertise relevant to the consultancy. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.