National Consultant for Child Protection in Emergency
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. 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. We foster a diverse and passionate culture with opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide essential technical support to enhance child protection mechanisms for children and families residing in disaster- and climate-vulnerable communities within Oudomxay, Savannakhet, and Saravan provinces. This role will significantly contribute to the Child Protection component of the UNICEF-supported “Disaster Risk Reduction for the Most Vulnerable Children” initiative. The initiative aims to bolster child-sensitive disaster risk reduction strategies and strengthen the capacity of the social service workforce and local communities to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies. Furthermore, this consultancy aligns with the UNICEF Lao PDR Country Programme Document (CPD) 2027–2031, specifically contributing to outcome 4, which focuses on improving child-sensitive risk information and early warning systems, and outcome 3, ensuring vulnerable adolescents access inclusive child protection and social protection services.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support to strengthen child protection preparedness, response, and recovery for children and families in disaster- and climate-vulnerable communities in Oudomxay, Savannakhet, and Saravan provinces. Contribute to the Child Protection component of the “Disaster Risk Reduction for the Most Vulnerable Children” initiative. Enhance child-sensitive disaster risk reduction strategies. Strengthen the capacity of the social service workforce and communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Support the implementation of activities aligned with UNICEF Lao PDR Country Programme Document (CPD) 2027–2031, outcome 4, focusing on child-sensitive risk information and early warning systems. Contribute to outcome 3 by ensuring vulnerable adolescents have access to inclusive child protection and social protection services. Develop and deliver training programs for the social service workforce and community members on child protection in emergencies, disaster risk reduction, and psychological first aid. Facilitate capacity-building initiatives and provide coaching and mentoring to enhance local protection mechanisms. Coordinate with government counterparts, UN agencies, development partners, and local communities to ensure effective program implementation. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of child protection interventions in emergency contexts. Prepare regular progress reports, including findings, recommendations, and lessons learned. Ensure all activities adhere to UNICEF’s core values and child safeguarding policies.
Work Experience
At least 3 years of professional experience in child protection, social welfare, community-based protection, or humanitarian programming. Demonstrated experience in child protection in emergencies (CPiE), disaster risk reduction (DRR), psychological first aid (PFA), and safeguarding. Experience in capacity building, training delivery, coaching, and mentoring of social service workforce and communities.
Skills
Child protection in emergencies (CPiE), Disaster risk reduction (DRR), Psychological first aid (PFA), Safeguarding, Capacity building, Training delivery, Coaching, Mentoring, Coordination, Communication, Report writing, Social work