Child Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the rights of every child, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential. UNICEF's work is guided by the principles of equity, focusing on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, and aims to address inequities in health, education, and protection.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of child protection programs within UNICEF BiH. This position involves providing professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for child protection projects. The officer will apply theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical program information. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and non-governmental organizations, to ensure effective program implementation and to address challenges that may arise. The officer will also contribute to knowledge management by documenting best practices and lessons learned, ensuring that the program is responsive to the needs of children in vulnerable situations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Child Protection Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: providing technical and implementation support for child protection programming; collaborating with the Head of Section to discuss program implementation and challenges; contributing to knowledge management by keeping records of reports and assessments; liaising with government counterparts and NGOs; supporting data mapping and analysis related to violence against children; conducting regular field visits to monitor projects; reporting on critical issues to the Child Protection Head of Section; providing technical support on UNICEF policies; researching potential donors and drafting project proposals; preparing quality inputs for project and donor reports; attending meetings and tracking action points; applying innovative approaches to support program delivery; and supporting the overall functioning of the Child Protection Section with additional tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of child protection issues and policies, as well as experience in program implementation and management. They should have excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of UNICEF's policies and best practices in child protection is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to equity and the rights of children, as well as the ability to navigate complex situations and provide effective solutions.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international development, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be considered an asset for this position. Candidates should have a solid understanding of child rights and protection frameworks, as well as relevant international conventions and domestic strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in child protection, social work, or a related field. Experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as familiarity with the local context in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully implementing programs and managing projects in the field of child protection.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Proficiency in the local language, Bosnian, is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the populations served by UNICEF.

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 offers a monthly living allowance, as well as life, health, and permanent disability insurance. The UN designated state of alert for Bosnia and Herzegovina is security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Level 1, indicating minimal security risks. Candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine prior to appointment. Reasonable accommodations are available for UN Volunteers with disabilities.