Child Protection Specialist (Human Rights Programme - Civil Society)
Organizational Context
UNICEF is part of the Joint Programme on Human Rights Programme, Phase III (JPHR III), led by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. UNICEF provides technical assistance, capacity development, and monitoring support to uphold international standards, facilitate cross-learning, and mobilize resources. This role strengthens the technical quality, coherence, and sustainability of JPHR III implementation.
Job Purpose
The Child Protection Specialist (Human Rights Programme - Civil Society) provides dedicated human rights expertise, legal and policy advice, technical quality assurance, capacity development, and substantive monitoring and reporting support for the Joint Programme on Human Rights Programme, Phase III (JPHR III). The role ensures that programme activities, workplans, partner support, monitoring, and reporting are grounded in international human rights standards, child rights, gender equality, leave no one behind principles, and do no harm approaches. The specialist facilitates the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable contributions to national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights, enhance the capacity of national institutions with a human rights mandate, and amplify the voices of marginalized groups. This position contributes to achieving results according to plans, allocation, results-based management approaches, and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework.
Responsibilities
Provide technical guidance, legal advisory services, and operational support to government counterparts in the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States to strengthen and sustain human rights institutions and mechanisms. Offer strategic and technical guidance to the commissioners and staff of the Somali National Independent Human Rights Commission to fulfill its human rights promotion and protection mandate. Deliver expertise on human rights complaints handling, monitoring, and reporting systems by national institutions. Provide technical assistance and strategic guidance to government counterparts to enhance their cooperation with United Nations and regional human rights mechanisms, including in the context of the Universal Periodic Review and engagement with treaty bodies. Offer technical support to the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRF) for tracking, implementing, and reporting on human rights commitments. Ensure programme activities align with international human rights standards, child rights, gender equality, and inclusive approaches. Monitor and report on the progress and impact of JPHR III activities, identifying challenges and recommending solutions. Facilitate capacity-building workshops and training for government officials and civil society partners on human rights principles and mechanisms. Support the integration of digital innovation and best practices in human rights programming. Contribute to resource mobilization and partnership development for the JPHR III.
Work Experience
At least two years of relevant professional experience in child protection, human rights, or a related field, with a focus on programme implementation, policy advice, and capacity development. Experience working in a developing country context, preferably in Somalia, is an asset. Experience with UN human rights mechanisms and frameworks is desirable.
Skills
Human Rights Expertise, Child Protection, Legal Advisory, Policy Analysis, Capacity Development, Programme Management, Monitoring and Reporting, Stakeholder Engagement, International Human Rights Standards, Results-Based Management, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills