National Consultant to Develop a Monitoring Framework on the Status of Children in Contact with the Justice System in Serbia
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
Under the supervision of the UNICEF Child Protection Section and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, the consultant will develop a comprehensive monitoring framework on the status of children in contact with the justice system in Serbia. This framework will be crucial for understanding and improving the situation of children who interact with legal processes, ensuring their rights are protected and their well-being is prioritized. The consultant will be responsible for designing the methodology, indicators, and data collection tools necessary for effective monitoring. This role requires a deep understanding of justice systems, child protection, and monitoring and evaluation principles to create a robust and actionable framework that can inform policy and practice. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a more child-friendly justice system in Serbia.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the consultant is to develop a comprehensive monitoring framework on the status of children in contact with the justice system in Serbia. This includes designing the overall structure of the framework, defining key indicators (both quantitative and qualitative) to measure the status of children, and developing appropriate data collection tools. The consultant will need to conduct thorough research into the existing justice system for children in Serbia, identifying gaps and areas for improvement. This will involve close cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and other relevant stakeholders, including child protection agencies and civil society organizations. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring the framework aligns with international and European children’s rights and child-friendly justice standards. Facilitating consultations with stakeholders to gather input and ensure buy-in will be a key part of the process. Finally, the consultant will prepare a final report detailing the monitoring framework, its implementation plan, and recommendations for its use in improving the situation of children in contact with the justice system.
Work Experience
At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in justice, children’s rights, human rights, public policy, monitoring and evaluation, research, or a related field. At least 5 years of professional experience specifically in justice for children, including work related to children in conflict with the law, child victims and witnesses of crime, access to justice, legal aid, or child protection. Demonstrated experience in monitoring research and/or data analysis, including development or use of indicators, monitoring frameworks, data collection tools, or institutional reporting mechanisms.
Skills
Strong knowledge of Serbian justice for children and child protection systems, Good knowledge of international and European children’s rights and child-friendly justice standards, Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative monitoring methodologies, Indicator development, Analysis of administrative and statistical data, Strong analytical skills, Strong research skills, Strong organizational skills, Ability to facilitate consultations, Ability to work effectively with public institutions, Ability to work effectively with other relevant stakeholders