Child Protection Specialist (Legal & Policy Frameworks), NOC, FT, #138495, Kingston, Jamaica, Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean
Organizational Context
UNICEF's Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) serves twelve English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries, focusing on advancing results for children through an integrated programme. The MCO addresses interconnected challenges like learning losses, mental health, violence, child poverty, and climate disasters, with a commitment to equity and regional cooperation.
Job Purpose
The Child Protection Specialist (Legal & Policy Frameworks) is a key member of the Protecting Children from all forms of Violence working group. This role is crucial in reducing gender and intergenerational violence against children and adolescents by strengthening child protection systems, integrated services, and transforming social and gender norms. The specialist will contribute to developing and scaling prevention, detection, and child-centered response models across social protection, justice, education, and health systems. A primary focus will be aligning legal and policy frameworks with international standards and enhancing the availability and quality of services, including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in contexts of violence. This position is integral to UNICEF's mission of ensuring every child's right to protection and fulfilling their potential.
Responsibilities
Develop and advocate for the adoption of child-friendly legal and policy frameworks that align with international child rights standards and national legislation across the Caribbean MCO countries. Support governments in strengthening national child protection systems, including juvenile justice, alternative care, and prevention of violence against children. Provide technical assistance to national partners to implement and enforce child protection laws and policies, ensuring they are child-centered and gender-sensitive. Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against children, including sexual and gender-based violence, and harmful practices. Support the integration of child protection considerations into broader development policies and programmes, such as education, health, and social protection. Conduct research and analysis on child protection legal and policy issues, identifying gaps and recommending evidence-based interventions. Facilitate capacity building and training for government officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on child protection laws and policies. Collaborate with other UN agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to promote a coordinated approach to child protection in the region. Monitor and evaluate the impact of legal and policy reforms on child protection outcomes, and report on progress. Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by developing proposals and engaging with donors on child protection legal and policy frameworks.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in child protection, with a significant focus on legal and policy analysis, advocacy, and reform. Experience working in a developing country context, preferably in the Caribbean region, is an asset. Experience in programme development and management related to child rights and protection is desirable.
Skills
Child Protection Systems Strengthening, Legal and Policy Analysis, Advocacy and Lobbying, International Human Rights Law, Juvenile Justice, Programme Development, Capacity Building, Research and Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Report Writing, Cross-cultural Communication, UNICEF Programme Principles