Consultant for Child Protection Systems Mapping

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world's most disadvantaged children, save their lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a workforce of thousands of employees dedicated to improving the lives of children and families globally, focusing on health, education, protection, and equality.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in leading the subnational mapping of child protection systems in Palawan and Samar, which is vital for informing the design and scaling of government-owned, context-specific models. This consultancy directly supports the implementation of the government-endorsed Child Protection Systems Strengthening (CPSS) roadmap, developed in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The consultant will work under the supervision of the CP Specialist and will be responsible for developing mapping tools and questionnaires, conducting mapping activities, and producing a comprehensive mapping report that outlines key challenges, gaps, and opportunities for strengthening child protection systems at the subnational level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include developing a comprehensive set of mapping tools and questionnaires for data collection in Brooke’s Point, Palawan, and Catbalogan City, Samar. They will facilitate consultation meetings with national stakeholders and local partners to ensure the tools are contextually relevant. The consultant will conduct key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and other data-gathering activities, systematically documenting the findings. They will prepare and submit a comprehensive mapping report detailing challenges, gaps, and strategic recommendations for governance and service delivery improvements. Additionally, the consultant will present the mapping results during relevant workshops and meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social studies, development studies, or a related field, along with a university degree in education, community development, or social science. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in child protection, systems mapping, research analysis, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement is required. Fluency in English, both oral and written, is essential, along with excellent drafting and reporting skills. Experience working with government agencies, development organizations, and UN entities in CEFMU-related research and program development is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop actionable recommendations based on research findings and possess solid computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in social studies, development studies, or a related field, and a university degree in education, community development, or social science. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of child protection systems and the socio-economic factors affecting them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in areas such as child protection, systems mapping, research analysis, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. This level of experience is crucial for effectively conducting the mapping activities and providing strategic recommendations based on the findings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both oral and written. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication, drafting reports, and engaging with stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for conducting interviews and focus group discussions in the target areas.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted in a full-time capacity, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined in the terms of reference. The selected candidate will not be considered a staff member under UN regulations and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. They will be responsible for their tax liabilities and ensuring valid visa and health insurance for the duration of the contract. Additionally, selected candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine, unless they are working remotely and not interacting directly with UNICEF's operations.