International Consultant on Operationalization of Diversion to Services Mechanism, Child Protection section, 9 months, Kyiv, Ukraine (Internationals only) On-site and remote based with travel

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. The UNICEF Ukraine Country Office, established in 1997, has supported the government in developing crucial programs for children, including health, education, and protection, and has been providing life-saving support amidst the ongoing conflict.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UNICEF Ukraine in transitioning the diversion to services model for adolescents in alleged conflict with the law from its conceptual and design phase to initial piloting across selected Oblasts. The consultant will leverage the established legal, institutional, and methodological framework to plan and implement the diversion mechanism by introducing practical tools, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and protocols for consistent application at pilot sites. This role involves facilitating stakeholder discussions, developing policy documents, strategies, and operational plans. The primary goal is to prepare and stress-test the model for pilot implementation, ensuring it is legally sound, robust, feasible, and child-centered, adhering to international standards and best practices. The consultant will also focus on strengthening inter-agency cooperation and the capabilities of UNICEF's implementing partner to effectively plan, implement, assess, and scale the diversion mechanism across Ukraine for all children in alleged conflict with the law.

Responsibilities

Support the UNICEF Ukraine Country Office in the operationalization of the diversion to services mechanism for adolescents in alleged conflict with the law. This includes translating the conceptual and design stage into practical implementation at selected pilot sites across various Oblasts. Develop and introduce practical tools, SOPs, and protocols necessary for the consistent and effective application of the diversion model. Facilitate discussions and consultations among key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and legal professionals, to ensure buy-in and coordinated efforts. Develop policy documents, strategies, and operational plans that outline the framework for the diversion mechanism's implementation. Prepare and stress-test the diversion model to identify potential challenges and refine its design before full-scale piloting. Ensure the model is legally sound, robust, feasible, and aligned with international child rights standards and best practices. Strengthen inter-agency cooperation and coordination mechanisms between relevant sectors, such as justice, social protection, and child protection. Enhance the human and institutional capabilities of UNICEF's implementing partner through capacity building, training, and technical support to effectively manage and expand the diversion mechanism. Monitor the pilot implementation, assess its impact, and provide recommendations for scalability and sustainability across Ukraine.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in justice for children, child protection, or justice system reform. Demonstrated experience in designing/implementing juvenile diversion or alternatives to detention programs. Proven track record in supporting legal and institutional reform, including developing operational tools and interagency coordination mechanisms. Experience in pilot design, testing, and operationalization of new policies or programs, preferably in complex contexts. Prior experience with international organizations (UNICEF or UN system) and government counterparts is preferred.

Skills

Justice for children, Child protection, Justice system reform, Juvenile diversion, Alternatives to detention, Legal and institutional reform, Operational tool development, Interagency coordination, Pilot design and testing, Policy development, Capacity building, Stakeholder consultation

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