Child Protection Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term Position, #15919, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Asia Pacific Region (APR)- Sri Lankan nationals only
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 organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child, everywhere, with a focus on equity for the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families.
Job Purpose
The Child Protection Specialist will play a key role in advancing UNICEF's efforts to protect children from violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and all forms of harm. The position supports the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of child protection programmes and projects, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based interventions that strengthen child protection systems and services. The Specialist will provide technical guidance and programme management support, contributing to national and international efforts to create a protective environment for children and uphold their rights in line with international frameworks. The role involves applying Results-Based Management (RBM) approaches to support effective programme planning and accountability, contributing to UNICEF’s Strategic Plan priorities and measurable results for children.
Responsibilities
Support programme/project development and planning, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic priorities and child rights principles. Manage programmes and projects, monitoring progress and delivering results effectively. Provide technical and operational support to ensure the successful implementation of child protection initiatives. Build and maintain strong networks and partnerships with government counterparts, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance child protection efforts. Drive innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building within the child protection sector, sharing best practices and lessons learned. Contribute to policy development, legislation, and advocacy efforts related to child protection. Support justice for children and violence prevention initiatives, as well as alternative care and social service workforce strengthening. Engage in humanitarian action and address mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs of children. Ensure programmes are evidence-based and contribute to strengthening child protection systems and services at national and sub-national levels.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection related areas is required. Experience in leadership and programme management is also necessary.
Skills
Child protection systems strengthening, Service delivery, Policy development, Legislation and advocacy, Justice for children, Violence prevention, Alternative care, Social service workforce, Humanitarian action, MHPSS, Programme management, Leadership