Development of Procedural Guidelines for Child Best Interests Determination
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 from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
The UNICEF State of Palestine is seeking a consultant to develop standardized Best Interests of the Child (BIC) Assessment and Determination Procedures. This initiative aims to strengthen child protection and child justice systems in Palestine by building upon the Child Rights Law, Juvenile Protection Law, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and relevant national legislation. The consultant will review the existing legal and institutional framework, engage with key stakeholders, and create practical procedures, guidance, and implementation tools. These resources will assist child protection counselors, justice actors, and other professionals in consistently applying the Best Interests of the Child principle across various case types, including child protection, justice, family law, and alternative care. The ultimate goal is to enhance a responsive and protective child protection system for children in Palestine.
Responsibilities
Review the existing legal and institutional framework related to child protection and child justice in the State of Palestine. Consult with key national and international stakeholders, including government ministries, judicial bodies, child protection agencies, NGOs, and legal professionals, to gather input and ensure the developed procedures are practical and contextually relevant. Develop standardized, transparent, and objective procedures for assessing and determining the best interests of the child, incorporating factors such as the child's opinions and views, legal reasoning, timely perception, and establishment of facts. Create practical guidance and implementation tools for child protection counselors, justice actors, and other relevant professionals. Ensure the developed procedures are flexible enough to be applied by different actors in various legal and formal settings, including provisions for special measures in emergency cases with criteria for interim measures. The procedures should align with the Child Rights Law, Juvenile Protection Law, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and relevant national legislation and policies. The consultant will be responsible for the quality and timely delivery of all outputs, including draft and final versions of the procedures and guidance documents.
Work Experience
At least five years of experience in applied research and policy analysis, with publications in peer-reviewed journals in the fields of child protection, child rights, and child justice.
Skills
Demonstrated technical expertise in child protection, Excellent English writing skills, Good communication skills, Effective presentation skills, Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly (written and oral), Ability to adhere to strict deadlines, Ability to operate in uncertain and ambiguous national environments, Applied research and policy analysis, Knowledge of child rights and child justice frameworks