International Consultant COP and VAC (office based with travel)

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide essential technical assistance to key government ministries (Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Ministry of Transport and Communications) and the Institute of Child Rights Defense (INDDICA), along with NGO partners. The focus is on strengthening the child protection system, with specific emphasis on child online protection, the prevention of violence against children (VAC), and the establishment of climate-resilient community child protection systems. This role involves close collaboration with UNICEF and government partners to deliver mentoring, monitoring, and technical support, ensuring the effective implementation of child protection activities across various municipalities, with intensive engagement in pilot areas for integrated and climate-resilient systems.

Responsibilities

Under the Annual Work Plan (AWP) between UNICEF and government partners, the consultant will work closely with the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), providing mentoring, monitoring, and technical support. The consultant will also collaborate with INDDICA, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), and NGO partners (Bafuturo and Alfela) to implement activities related to child online protection, climate-resilient child protection systems, and the prevention and promotion of Violence Against Children (VAC). This includes providing technical and mentoring support for these specific areas. The consultant will report to the Chief of Child Protection and coordinate with the Child Protection Specialist. Support will be provided across all municipalities, with a focus on intensive engagement in Baucau for piloting integrated child protection systems and in Viqueque and Lautem for climate-resilient child protection systems. The role requires coordination and organization of workshops, stakeholder engagement, and managing multiple priorities to ensure successful project outcomes.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in child protection or related areas. Proven experience in child online protection, prevention of violence against children, and climate-informed child protection is required.

Skills

Strong technical knowledge in child protection, Ability to coordinate and organize workshops, Experience with data management and analysis, Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills, Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, Experience working with government institutions, Experience working with civil society organizations, Experience with UNICEF or UN system, Knowledge of child protection information management system

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