Child Protection Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF, mandated by the UN General Assembly, advocates for children's rights and well-being. Present in Brazil since 1950, UNICEF supports critical transformations for children and adolescents. The current Country Programme (2024-2028) focuses on the most vulnerable and excluded, particularly those affected by extreme violence, with concentrated efforts in the Amazon, Northeast, and large urban centers. Initiatives like the UNICEF Seal and #AgendaCidadeUNICEF aim to guarantee rights and reduce inequalities.

Job Purpose

This assignment aims to strengthen UNICEF's Child Protection Section capacity in the Amazon region, contributing to development initiatives aligned with the Selo UNICEF strategy and #AgendaCidadeUNICEF in Belém. The UN Volunteer Specialist will provide crucial technical and operational support for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating child protection activities. This includes supporting education programs that protect against violence, providing technical assistance to governments on child protection laws, and contributing to the prevention and response to sexual violence, ultimately supporting SDG 16.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer Specialist will support the programmatic implementation of child protection programs in Pará, Amapá, Tocantins, and Mato Grosso, engaging with stakeholders and providing technical support for projects, especially for indigenous, quilombola, and riverside populations. Responsibilities include supporting evidence generation, needs assessments, project documentation, and fostering articulation among governmental bodies, NGOs, and UN agencies. The role involves participating in UNICEF technical teams, assisting in capacity-building activities, identifying child protection needs, designing projects, and advocating for child protection priorities. Additionally, the volunteer will support the implementation of the UNICEF Seal and Agenda Cidade UNICEF, strengthening local child protection systems, public services, and intersectoral mechanisms to prevent and address violence against children and adolescents, including technical support for Law 13.431.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience is required. This includes familiarity with international human rights, children's rights, and emergency response. Experience working with state and municipal governments, civil society organizations, and the rights guarantee system is essential. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to work in multi-stakeholder processes, are necessary. Experience with indigenous, riverside, and quilombola populations, human rights monitoring, and advocacy is desirable.

Skills

Required competencies include UNICEF's values (Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability) and core competencies such as Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness, Collaboration, Partnership Building, Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Drive for Results, and Managing Ambiguity and Complexity. Expertise in development programs and social work is also expected.

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