Education and Child Protection Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF has been active in Brazil since 1950, advocating for children's rights and supporting their development. The current cooperation program (2024-2028) focuses on the most vulnerable and excluded children and adolescents, particularly those affected by violence. UNICEF Brazil collaborates with various partners to prioritize children's rights and address issues like educational disparities and violence, especially in urban centers and vulnerable regions like the Amazon and Northeast.

Job Purpose

The Education and Child Protection Specialist will provide technical assistance, advocacy, and support for initiatives aimed at ensuring Education for All and protecting children from violence in Brazil. This role involves improving school environments, implementing child protection laws, promoting the use of case management systems, and developing strategies to prevent sexual and lethal violence, with a focus on gender and racial equality. The specialist will work with local governments, civil society, communities, and families to strengthen child protection systems and promote inclusive educational opportunities for vulnerable children and adolescents.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance and training on education and protection issues to municipal technicians and implementing partners. Advocate for participation in UNICEF initiatives like the UNICEF Seal and Urban Agenda, including anti-racism training. Support the implementation of Basic Education strategies such as School Active Search (SAS) in targeted municipalities and states. Collaborate with partners on 'Education & Environment' and 'Beyond school age' themes. Assist in implementing the 'Education that Protects' strategy in Salvador, influencing curricula to address violence and racism. Support the 'Law on Protected Hearing' implementation to improve referral pathways and prevention programs against sexual and lethal violence. Promote the use of the SIPIA system by Guardianship Councilors for case management. Provide technical assistance to the Municipal Committee on Homicides Prevention and related intersectoral committees. Identify funding opportunities and develop fundraising proposals. Participate in relevant meetings.

Work Experience

Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national or international levels, or with civil society organizations. Experience with international human and children's rights, child protection, and education issues is required. Familiarity with traditional, originating, and peripheral populations, human rights monitoring, and advocacy is advantageous. Knowledge of government structures, civil society, and the Child Protection System is important. Experience with gender, race, and ethnic equality issues is a plus.

Skills

UNICEF values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability. Competencies: Self-Awareness, Ethical Awareness, Collaboration, Partnership Building, Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Drive for Results, Managing Ambiguity and Complexity. Expertise in Education, Security, Protection, and Social Work.

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