Child Protection System Strengthening Consultant, India, Hyderabad 18 months (nationals only - remote)

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 from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling.

Job Purpose

The consultant will support the operationalization of the Child Protection System Strengthening (CPSS) model approach in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, and Odisha. This involves conducting Child Rights Situation Analysis (CRSA) at multiple levels, engaging in direct consultations with children, District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and interdepartmental actors to identify systemic gaps and foster convergence. The role is crucial for consolidating learnings from ongoing interventions, initiating and strengthening CPSS in new regions, and developing Operational Strategic Documents (OSDs). Ultimately, the purpose is to translate system assessments into systemic change, embedding CPSS principles across departments and service mechanisms to ensure timely, effective, and coordinated protection for every child.

Responsibilities

Conduct Child Rights Situation Analysis (CRSA) at multiple levels, including district and state consultations, to identify critical systemic gaps in child protection. Facilitate direct consultations with children, DCPUs, and interdepartmental actors to gather insights and ensure children's voices are central to planning and response. Consolidate learnings from existing interventions in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka into actionable strategies for CPSS. Initiate and strengthen the CPSS model in Odisha and Assam through validation processes and stakeholder engagement. Develop comprehensive Operational Strategic Documents (OSDs) that translate system assessments into concrete systemic changes. Embed CPSS principles across relevant government departments, statutory bodies, and service mechanisms to enhance the implementation of Mission Vatsalya. Provide technical expertise and support for advocacy briefs, documentation, and strategic communication related to child protection system strengthening. Monitor and evaluate the progress of CPSS implementation, providing data interpretation and reporting as required. Collaborate effectively with government counterparts and other stakeholders to ensure successful program delivery and sustainability.

Work Experience

Minimum of 10 years of experience in child rights and protection. At least fifteen years or more of experience in project planning, implementation, coordination, research, evaluation, and training, particularly in child rights and protection.

Skills

Child Protection System Strengthening (CPSS), Child Rights Situation Analysis (CRSA), Project Planning and Implementation, Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement, Research and Evaluation, Advocacy Brief Development, Technical Writing, Strategic Communication, Data Interpretation, Government Sector Understanding, Database Management, MS Office Proficiency

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