Child Protection Specialist- Financing for Scale, P-4, Fixed Term Position, Global Programme Division, Child Protection & Migration COE - Nairobi - Kenya #00133138

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The Global Programme Division (GPD) provides global leadership to advance programme excellence, policy coherence, and innovation. This role is based in Nairobi, supporting the Child Protection Programme and Migration practice.

Job Purpose

The Child Protection Specialist (Financing for Scale) will provide strategic technical assistance to governments, UNICEF offices, and partners to strengthen public financing systems. The goal is to enable equitable, scalable investment in child protection systems and evidence-based violence prevention and harmful practices. This role supports strategic planning and policy reform, integrating child-sensitive public finance approaches into national systems. The specialist will contribute to UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and the Child Protection Strategy 2021–2030, working across development and humanitarian contexts to embed sustainable financing for child protection and ending violence against children.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic technical assistance to governments, UNICEF country offices, and partners on financing for child protection and ending violence against children. Support the development and implementation of child-sensitive public finance strategies and policies. Conduct analysis of national budget processes and public expenditure on child protection to identify opportunities for increased and more equitable financing. Facilitate policy dialogue and advocacy with national stakeholders to promote sustainable financing for child protection systems. Contribute to the development of innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships to mobilize resources for child protection. Support capacity building of government counterparts and UNICEF staff on public finance for child protection. Document and share lessons learned and best practices in financing for child protection. Contribute to the development of knowledge products, tools, and guidance on financing for child protection. Collaborate with other UNICEF divisions and external partners to ensure coherence and synergy in financing efforts. Support the integration of financing considerations into UNICEF's child protection programming and policy advice.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in child protection, public finance, economics, or a related field, with a focus on financing for development or social sectors. Experience working with governments and international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Child Protection Systems Strengthening, Public Finance Management, Policy Analysis and Reform, Financing for Development, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, Programme Management, Research and Analysis, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Cross-cultural Competence

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