Child Protection Specialist (Social & Gender Norms)
Organizational Context
UNICEF's Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) serves twelve countries, advancing results for children through an integrated programme. The Multi-Country Programme 2027-2031 focuses on equitable access to healthcare and learning, protection from violence, and child poverty reduction and resilience strengthening.
Job Purpose
The Child Protection Specialist (Social & Gender Norms) will contribute to the development and implementation of innovative strategies and interventions aimed at addressing social and gender norms that negatively impact children's rights and well-being across the Caribbean. This role is crucial for advancing UNICEF's commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The specialist will work to promote positive social and gender norms that foster safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for children and adolescents, ensuring their full potential is realized. This position supports the Multi-Country Programme's outcome on protection of children from violence, contributing to systemic change and sustainable solutions for child protection in the region.
Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and monitor evidence-based strategies and interventions to address harmful social and gender norms affecting child protection in the Caribbean. Conduct research and analysis to identify key drivers of harmful norms and their impact on children. Provide technical guidance and support to country offices and partners on integrating social and gender norm transformation into child protection programmes. Facilitate capacity building and training for government counterparts, civil society organizations, and UNICEF staff on social and gender norm approaches. Advocate for policy changes and resource mobilization to support child protection initiatives focused on norm transformation. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and community leaders, to foster partnerships and promote a coordinated approach to child protection. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, documenting lessons learned and best practices. Contribute to UNICEF's global knowledge on social and gender norm transformation in child protection. Prepare reports, proposals, and other communication materials to disseminate findings and advocate for children's rights.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in child protection, social development, gender equality, or a related field, with a focus on social and gender norm transformation. Experience working in a developing country context is an asset. Experience in the Caribbean region is desirable.
Skills
Child Protection, Social Norms, Gender Norms, Programme Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Research and Analysis, Capacity Building, Advocacy, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, UNICEF Competencies