National Consultancy on Child Protection Implementation in Schools, Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Príncipe (remote) 7 months (594882)

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 National Consultant will play a crucial role in the operationalization and field-level implementation of child protection interventions within educational settings. This involves ensuring that tools, systems, and approaches developed at a central level are effectively applied, adapted, and sustained in real school environments. The consultant will work in close coordination with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Higher Education (MECCES), and under the technical guidance of the International Consultant. The primary goal is to align implementation with agreed technical standards while remaining responsive to local realities and specific school contexts. This position requires translating technical designs, guidelines, and tools into actionable field-level practices, supporting schools in the practical application of child protection mechanisms, reporting pathways, and referral procedures. Facilitating continuous feedback between schools and central-level actors is essential to inform technical refinement and quality assurance, ensuring the sustainability of interventions by strengthening ownership at school and community levels and promoting the routine use of child protection mechanisms within daily school practices.

Responsibilities

Support the operationalization and field-level implementation of child protection interventions within pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools. Ensure that tools, systems, and approaches developed at the central level are effectively applied, adapted, and sustained in real school environments. Work in close coordination with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Higher Education (MECCES), and under the technical guidance of the International Consultant. Ensure that implementation is aligned with agreed technical standards while remaining responsive to local realities and school contexts. Translate technical designs, guidelines, and tools into actionable field-level practices. Support schools in the practical application of child protection mechanisms, reporting pathways, and referral procedures. Facilitate continuous feedback between schools and central-level actors, ensuring that implementation challenges, contextual adaptations, and lessons learned are regularly communicated to inform technical refinement and quality assurance. Support the sustainability of interventions by strengthening ownership at school and community levels. Promote the routine use of child protection mechanisms and their integration into daily school practices. Design and deliver capacity-building and training programs for diverse audiences, including teachers, school staff, children, and communities. Monitor and report on implementation progress, including data collection, analysis, and the use of findings to inform program improvement. Engage with government, communities, and partners to foster collaboration and support for child protection initiatives.

Work Experience

A minimum of 2 years of experience in Child Protection, Child Development, or related fields is required. Proven experience in incorporating child protection principles into educational programs is a plus. Experience in training facilitation, strong knowledge of local systems, and experience in community-based work are also beneficial.

Skills

Child protection systems, Prevention, reporting, referral pathways, case management, Translating policies into practice, Capacity building and training design/delivery, Education sector understanding, School-based approaches, Facilitation and adult learning methodologies, Monitoring and reporting, Data collection and analysis, Planning, organization, time management, Interpersonal and communication skills, Adaptability and problem-solving

Explore related opportunities