Experto en protección contra la violencia infantil
Organizational Context
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works globally to ensure the rights of children and adolescents. In the Dominican Republic, UNICEF supports the government in strengthening public policies for early childhood development, education, health, child protection, and social protection, focusing on the most vulnerable populations. The country faces significant challenges with violence against children, with over half of children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline methods, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies and legal reforms.
Job Purpose
This role supports UNICEF's efforts in the Dominican Republic to combat violence against children, a pervasive issue affecting over 54.9% of children aged 1-14. The assignment aims to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that address the psychological, social, and environmental determinants of physical and psychological punishment. The volunteer will play a key role in strengthening parental capacities, promoting non-violent discipline, transforming social norms, and improving the coordination of prevention and response services. This includes advocating for legal reforms to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment and supporting civil society initiatives for positive parenting.
Responsibilities
The volunteer will conduct comprehensive situation analyses and needs assessments to identify child protection risks and vulnerabilities, collecting and analyzing data to inform evidence-based planning. Responsibilities include contributing to the development of child protection strategies aligned with UNICEF's goals, designing multisectoral interventions, and ensuring programs are rights-based and child-centered. The role involves building effective partnerships with civil society organizations and government agencies, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring adherence to guiding principles. The volunteer will support program implementation, monitor progress, document best practices, and organize training sessions and workshops. Advocacy for children's rights, strengthening local capacities for sustained child protection initiatives, and preparing regular reports on program activities, achievements, and challenges are also key duties. Ethical standards and the best interests of the child will guide all interventions.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience is required, with at least 7 years of relevant experience in child protection, child rights, legal identity, migration, or strengthening social and specialized protection systems. Experience with UNICEF country offices, the UN, or other international development/humanitarian organizations is valued. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management is necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work collaboratively in a challenging, multicultural environment are essential.
Skills
Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, and a commitment to continuous learning. The volunteer must possess strong planning, organization, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage a high workload efficiently and meet deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills are crucial for reporting, presentations, and interacting with diverse stakeholders. Flexibility, adaptability to challenging conditions, and a genuine commitment to volunteerism principles, UNICEF's mission, and UN core values are essential.