United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Job Vacancies – Nigeria

Job ID: 541615
Location: Abuja
Contract Type: Consultancy
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Child Protection

Work Assignment Overview

• The national contractor (Justice for Children) will provide technical and operational support on the domestication of the Child Rights Act in Yobe, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa and Bauchi states.
• The consultancy would include developing or strengthening state-specific strategies towards influencing actions from policymakers, traditional and religious institutions for the enactment of the legislative framework in the focus states
• This will involve the day-to-day management of communication, follow-up, facilitation of consultative meetings and development of materials for the engagements.
• S/he will be responsible for tracking, ensuring completion and reporting of deliverables on CRA domestication in the states.

Scope of Work

CRA Domestication
Technical support to the ten focus states on Child Rights Act Domestication:

• Coordinate the review of the draft legal framework proposed by the states to ensure synergy with the 2003 Child Rights Act and the UNCRC.ACRWC principles and standards.
• Coordinate orientation and consultations with key stakeholders with a view to  influencing their buy-in towards the domestication of the Child protection laws in the 10 states.
• Advocate for states governments’ executive and parliamentary considerations of the legal framework.
• Support knowledge management by all relevant actors towards the domestication process as well as  effective reporting and feedback.

Strengthen Capacity of Law Enforcement and Justice Systems on effective case Management for all Children in contact with the law as survivors or alleged offenders in Borno state:

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• Coordinate orientation and tracking of services for all documented cases of VAC
• Advocate with state and local government to systemize the provision of child-friendly justice services to all survivors of VAC and children in conflict with the law.
• Support complete use of the CPIMS for reporting by relevant law enforcement and justice MDAs.

Routine Monthly Monitoring and Reporting:

• Coordinate monthly reporting on cases VAC reported and responded by Police, Ministry of Justice, Judiciary National Human Rights Commission in Borno State.
• Conduct regular supportive supervision of the activities by these agencies in Borno state.
• Coordinate regular monthly meetings with stakeholders towards addressing the bottlenecks constraining services for children in contact with the law in Borno state.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Advanced University Degree (Master/PG) in a relevant field of study (Degree in law with a focus on juvenile justice) with minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• The candidate should have not less than 5 years of consultancy experiences on justice for children, juvenile justice and child protection with governments etc.
• Experience in conducting studies, assessment, needs assessments, technical support on legislative reform, juvenile justice programmes and development and delivery of training modules for justice and security professionals.
• Solid work experience in child protection, in justice for children with engagement with justice professionals, academia, and governments with demonstrated ability to facilitate workshops and conduct field work.
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and working knowledge of other office applications.
• Willingness to travel to remote settlements within the states

Duration of Contract:

• 11.5 months

Application Closing Date
6th July, 2021.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Other Terms and Conditions:

• Selected candidate must align with UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
• UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.
• All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
• Candidates who do not submit a technical and financial proposal will not be shortlisted.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage).
• Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

Job no: 540898
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Level: NO-3
Categories: Child Protection, NO-3
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment

Job Summary
For every child, Protection

• In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with government, civil society, children and families.  UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/.
• We are looking for a Child Protection Specialist, to become part of a highly motivated and committed team of over 400 staff who work to bring visible changes in the lives of the most disadvantaged children in Nigeria.

Job Description
How can you make a difference?

• Under the supervision and guidance of the Child Protection Manager, you will support the development and preparation of the Child Protection programme(s) in relation to Harmful Practices and be responsible for the management, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of the child protection programmes/projects within the country programme.
• You will provide technical guidance and management support throughout the harmful practices and gender programming processes, facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable contributions to national and international efforts to create a protective environment for children against all harm, and to protect their rights to survival, development and wellbeing as established under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, international treaties/frameworks and UN intergovernmental bodies.
• You will contribute to the achievement of results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework.

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Key Responsibilities
Support to harmful practices programme/project development and planning:

• Support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the child protection programmes/projects to ensure that current and comprehensive data on child protection issues is available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy advocacy, intervention and development efforts on child rights and protection, and to set programme priorities, strategies, and design and implementation plans. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery.
• Track developments and trends in the data (both qualitative and quantitative) and consolidate and analyse the data to inform the Harmful Practices programme, results reporting and technical assistance needs.
• Support in developing data collection efficiencies and synergies on child marriage across gender, child protection, education, C4D, social protection, and health indicators and systems.
• Effectively participate in strategic programme discussions on the planning of child protection programmes/projects to ensure the inclusion of evidence and programming on elimination of harmful practices.
• Formulate, design and prepare programme/project proposals related to elimination of harmful practices, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s overall Strategic Plans, Gender Action Plan and the Country Programme, as well as coherence and integration with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans related to elimination of harmful practices using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities and competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results on elimination of harmful practices.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.

Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results on harmful practices:

• Plan and collaborate with colleagues and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurements, to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector in child protection programmes.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required actions and interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management. Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits, surveys and exchange of information with partners to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems. Take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations, procedures, donor commitments, as well as standards of accountability and integrity. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

Technical and operational support to harmful practices programme implementation:

• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners and donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, best practices, and approaches on  elimination of harmful practices related issues to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results.
• Arrange and coordinate availability of technical experts with Regional Office/HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support throughout the programming process.
• Participate in child protection programme meetings to ensure integration of harmful practices, in programme development and contingency planning discussions on emergency preparedness in the country or other locations designated, to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
• Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and/or consideration in relation to elimination of harmful practices.

Networking and partnership building on harmful practices:

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, allies, donors, and academia - through active networking, advocacy and effective communication - to build capacity, exchange knowledge and expertise, and to reinforce cooperation to achieve sustainable and broad results in child protection.
• Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances and to support fund raising for child protection programmes and emergency interventions.
• Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on child protection related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF planning and preparation of programmes/projects. Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process for development planning and agenda setting.
• Develop and maintain inter-agency relationships supporting the development of enhanced policy frameworks for the work around elimination of harmful practices.
• Proactively build and strengthen strategic partnerships through networking and advocacy with governments, UN system agency partners (UNFPA, WHO, UN Women), donors, internationally recognized institutions, NGOs, funding organizations, research institutes and the private sector in order to leverage these partnerships to achieve elimination of harmful practices.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building:

• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices in context specific and  evidence informed interventions to scale up the response on elimination of harmful practices. Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders to promote sustainable results in child protection and related programmes/projects.
• Advance research, and identify research gaps, with key partners (e.g. UNFPA, WHO, UN Women), in the area of elimination of harmful practices, specifically in the formulation of policy and good practice
• Tap effectively into girls’ empowerment and child marriage research, evidence, trends, and research networks in the fields on gender, child protection, education, health, C4D, and social protection.
• Promote critical thinking and innovative approaches for elimination of harmful practices, keeping abreast of current research and introducing and implementing cutting-edge practices on child protection management information systems. Work to institutionalize and disseminate best practices and knowledge learned, including in post-emergency and fragile settings.

Job Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• An advanced University Degree (Master's or higher) in  International Development, Human Rights, Psychology, Sociology, International Law, or another relevant Social Science field related to harmful practices and gender issues.
• *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection and gender related areas is required.
• At least one year of professional experience in evidence-based programming on gender and harmful practices, with a cross-sectoral and adolescent girl focus is required.
• Relevant experience in programme development in child protection and gender related areas in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.
• Experience in research and analysis, and especially monitoring and evaluation on gender, adolescents and harmful practices is considered an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

• UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

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Core Competencies
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Application Closing Date
6th July, 2021. (W. Central Africa Standard Time)

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Important Information and Notice

• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
• UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.
• All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

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