Child Protection Advocacy Consultant, Quetta, Pakistan, 3 Months, Remotely with travel (Open for Nationals of Pakistan Only) Req#595246
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, viewing it as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to strengthen child protection systems in Balochistan, Pakistan, by developing a comprehensive advocacy framework. The consultant will analyze existing child rights challenges, policy gaps, and implementation bottlenecks, particularly concerning violence against children, child marriage, child labour, birth registration, justice for children, and alternative care. The role involves stakeholder mapping to identify key influencers for policy and budgeting decisions. The ultimate goal is to create actionable, evidence-based advocacy messages and recommendations to guide UNICEF's engagement and cross-sectoral actions, supporting the Government of Balochistan's commitment to upholding child rights in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for developing a robust Balochistan Child Protection Advocacy Framework under the supervision of UNICEF and in close coordination with provincial government departments and stakeholders. Key tasks include conducting thorough stakeholder mapping to identify influential individuals and bodies for policy and budgeting advocacy. The consultant will develop a clear, user-friendly advocacy plan for Balochistan, outlining priorities, messaging, and actionable recommendations to support UNICEF's internal engagement and cross-sectoral initiatives. A critical deliverable is the drafting of a provincial Child Protection (CP) advocacy framework focused on key areas such as violence against children, child marriage, child labour, birth registration, justice for children, and alternative care. This will involve analyzing legal, policy, and implementation gaps, with a specific focus on advocacy-relevant bottlenecks like legislative issues, institutional mandates, financing, and service delivery coordination. The consultant will also formulate clear, evidence-based advocacy messages and reform priorities to drive systemic change and improve child protection outcomes in the region.
Work Experience
Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in child protection, advocacy, policy analysis, or programme management, preferably in a developing country context. Experience working with government counterparts and international organizations is desirable.
Skills
Child Protection Systems Strengthening, Advocacy Strategy Development, Policy Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Report Writing, Communication Skills, Project Management, UNICEF Procedures, Research Skills, Data Analysis, Cross-cultural Communication, Problem-Solving