Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Nicaragua
Closing date:
16 Nov 2018Duty Station: Managua, Nicaragua
Type of Position: Fixed Term
For every child protection against all form of violence, abuse and exploitation
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
The Cooperation Country Programme between Nicaragua and UNICEF includes the Child protection against violence program component which involves collaboration with the state institutions responsible for protecting children to ensure the development of children and adolescents, especially those living in situations of increased vulnerability, in a protective environment and the restitution of rights against all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation.
How will the post make a difference?
Under the close guidance and supervision of the Child and Adolescent Protection Specialist, the Child Protection Officer provides technical contribution to planning, administration, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the child protection against violence program component, aligned with the country programme goals and strategies. Special attention and technical support from this post are made by the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing and presenting technical and programmatic information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of the child protection component within the Country Programme.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
1.Support to program development and planning2.Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results3.Technical and operational support to program implementation4.Networking and partnership building5.Promoting and identifying opportunities to apply Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building as key strategies.
1.Support to program development and planning
Research and analyze regional/national political, protection, social and economic development trends related to child protection as a part of the contribution to Situation analysis. Collect, analyze, verify and synthesize information to facilitate program development, design and preparation.Prepare technical reports and inputs for program preparation and documentation ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevancy of information.Facilitate the development/establishment of sectoral program goals, objectives and strategies and results-based planning through research, collection, analysis and reporting of child protection and other related information for development planning and priority and goal setting.Contribute to strengthened cross sectoral collaboration both internally in the office and externally with partners.Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical program transactions, preparing materials/documentations and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support results based planning and monitoring and evaluating results (Result based management).Prepare required documentations/materials to facilitate the program reviews and approval process.2.Program management, monitoring and delivery of results
Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on routine program implementation and submit reports to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and/or decisions. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.Monitor and report on the use of sectoral program resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocation/goals, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity.Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management/stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.Verify consistency and quality of data and information which are in planning documents, donor reports or proposals and VISION/Result Assessment Module.Prepare inputs for program/donor reporting, office’s annual reports, and other documents to systematically document the Child and Adolescent Protection programmes, assuring accuracy and consistency based on evidences and careful analysis.3.Technical and operational support to program implementation
Undertake field visits and surveys and/or collect/share information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results. Organize, as required, visits to project sites with the government and other partners.Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices on child protection and related issues to support program implementation, operations and delivery of results.Collaborate with operations staff in the office to implement internal control systems and resolve day-to-day issues or discrepancies in financial and supply management (including development and following up of the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) assurance activity plan for the section). Contribute to capacity development of the government and other implementing partners in financial and supply policies and procedures.4.Communication, networking and partnership building
Ensure the effective communication and network are developed and sustained with the government counterparts, UN agencies and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate program implementation and building capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain results on child and adolescent protection.Contributing to the office’s effort in communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for child protection programs.Participate in appropriate inter-agency technical meetings/events on programming to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF operational planning and preparation of child protection programs/projects and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF position and strategies with the UNDAF development and planning process.Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.Exchange information and experiences with colleagues from other programme components in UNICEF’s office to identify opportunities for intersectoral collaboration for efficient and effective program planning, implementation and monitoring.Support strengthening the coordination among child protection system actors, including the Protection in Emergency group and Child Protection Cluster (in case of emergency) in preparedness and response to emergencies.5.Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Identify, capture, synthesize and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.Promote and identify innovative approaches to programs in child and adolescent protection to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness in delivering results of the country programme.Research, document and promote good practice (identified within or outside of the country) to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results.Research, benchmark and report on good and cutting edge practices for development and planning of Child and Adolescent Protection programmes.Participate as resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.Analyze and evaluate, if necessary, the program implementation to identify lessons learned. Recommend course of actions to supervisor and/or counterparts or colleagues of other components in the office based on identified lessons learned.Assist the Child Protection Specialist actively with developing attractive and analytical documents on the work of Child Protection for advocacy and fundraising purpose.Identify opportunities for knowledge sharing nationally, regionally and globally within and outside of UNICEF.To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
A University Degree from a recognized academic instution in international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law or other social science field is required.An advanced university degree from a recognized academic institution in children right, human rights, gender, psychology or related areas, is considered an asset.A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in social development planning; implementation, monitoring and management; or research and/or data analysis in child protection, violence prevention, gender, and/other related areas.Internatinal work experience and developin.g country work experience is considered an asset.Familiarity with emergency is considered an assetFluency in English is required. Analitical writting skill in both languages.Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) or a local language is an asset.For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The funtional competencies required for this post areFormulating strategies and concepts, Analyzing, Applying technical expertise, Learning and researching, Planning and organizing.
View our competency framework at
http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
How to apply:UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=517494