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For every child, a champion

Child Protection is a serious concern in Cox’s Bazar, with children exposed to all forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation across the Rohingya camps and host communities. High levels of Gender Based Violence (GBV), domestic violence, child marriage and child labor are reported, together with widespread mental health and psychosocial challenges for children and adults. The Rohingya refugee crisis compounds and extenuates what is already happening throughout Bangladesh, where more than 20 children die every week from extreme forms of abuse, and where 82% of women experiencing violence report that the violence is happening in their own homes. The need to expand and strengthen systems and services to prevent and respond to violence, abuse and exploitation is as urgent and essential in Cox’s Bazar, as it is for the long-term development of Bangladesh.

Preventing and responding to violence against children and women is no longer seen as linear, where each child protection concern is address in silo. Effective programming requires consideration of the complex variables, dynamics and interactions that affect a child’s life, including among the family, community, and social milieu. Strengthening systems at all levels and building on the inherent strengths and capacities of families and communities in protecting children is pivotal. It requires promoting positive social norms and shifting the negative attitudes practices that impact children’s lives. This includes promoting adolescent participation and empowerment, supporting peer leaders and volunteers, and building the capacities of the social service workforce to ensure a robust continuum of care.

UNICEF has committed to ensure that children, families, and communities in Bangladesh have increased knowledge and understanding of VACW and are empowered to prevent violence and other harmful practices, including in humanitarian settings and in areas affected by climate change, by 2026. This is a key output of the UNICEF Child Protection Programme and is especially important in the context of Cox’s Bazar.

How can you make a difference? 

The Child Protection Specialist will lead the programme output on ending VACW in Cox’s Bazar. The specialist will bring a solid understanding of Child Protection and GBV in Humanitarian Action, supporting the office deliver lifesaving services to children and women, while striving to bridge the humanitarian and development realms with a preventive lens that focuses on addressing the root causes of violence, and promoting positive social norms, attitudes, and practices. With the strong support of the team, the specialist will lead on UNICEF’s GBV programming, including as focal point vis-à-vis the GBV Sub-Sector.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

• Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results.
• Technical and operational support to programme implementation.
• Networking and partnership-building.
• Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building.

1. Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results.

• In support of the Child Protection Manager, strengthen the CRMM to ensure that violations of children’s rights are monitored, reported, documented, and addressed.
• Develop a CRMM workplan and establish benchmarks and indicators to measure performance.
• Monitor CRMM implementation and identify bottlenecks and potential challenges.
• Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Child Protection, ensure that timely and accurate information on the CRMM is available to UNICEF Senior Management; this will include information of the scope and scale of child rights violations, evolving security dynamics, the impact on children, and ongoing responses.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises and programme reviews as required.
• Provide inputs to UNICEF strategic documents related to CRMM, and CPHA more generally.
• Support situation analyses for child protection to ensure that data is available, especially when related to armed violence, child rights violations, and GBV.
• Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans using results-based planning terminology and methodology.
• Formulate, design, and prepare project proposals related to CRMM, ending VACW and harmful practices, as required. A significant part of the role will be on preventing and responding to GBV.
• Manage grants as assigned by the Child Protection Manager; ensuring that donor proposals, reports, and missions are professionally handled.
• Manage partnerships with government counterparts and NGO implementing partners as required, including formulation, implementation, and evaluation of PDs.
• Monitor projects through field visits, surveys and exchange of information with partners to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems.

2. Technical and operational support to programme implementation

• Guide and undertake CRMM verification missions in line with best practice and in accordance with minimum verification criteria; this will include planning and logistics considering the prevailing security situation and the standing procedures of the office.
• Monitor sources of information including but not limited to the CRMM confidential email, incident report forms, periodic security and protection reports, and media, for cases of child rights violations.
• Ensure that reports of child rights violations are screened for verification and/or work-flowed for response.
• Review cases documented by field monitors to ensure credibility and reliability, and present data in the monthly CRMM technical working group meetings.
• Ensure that cases are referred for case management and/or other services as required, in collaboration with the Child Protection Sub-Sector – especially the Case Management Technical Working Group – and other stakeholders.
• Develop a training plan on the CRMM for UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, in coordination with the CWG CRM, Protection Sector, Child Protection Sub-Sector, and GBV Sub-Sector.
• Train, orientate, and guide UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders on the understanding and application of the CRMM.
• Contribute to the roll out of advocacy and communications messages in collaboration with the Protection Sector, Child Protection Sub-Sector, GBV Sub-Sector, UNICEF Social & Behavioral Change, UNICEF Communications, and the CWG CRM.
• With the Chief of Child Protection, help identify and link with technical experts with the Regional Office/HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support to the CRMM.
• Provide technical input and leadership to the GBV portfolio in Cox’s Bazar.
• Contribute to programme strategy and design on ending VACW including GBV. This will include input to PDs, strategy notes, proposals, reports, sitreps, briefing notes, etc. as required.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, and UN system partners on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, best practices, and approaches with particular regard to ending VACW including GBV.
• Participate in child protection meetings, including VACW and GBV programme development and contingency planning discussions on emergency preparedness in the country or other locations designated, to provide technical and operational information, advice, and support.

3. Networking and partnership-building

• Represent UNICEF at an operational level and ensure collaboration and visibility of CRMM with the Protection Sector and other stakeholders; this will include participation in relevant meetings of the Protection Sector, Child Protection Sub-Sector, and GBV Sub-Sector, as well as any relevant security meetings.
• Support the chair of the Cox’s Bazar Working Group for CRMM (Child Protection Manager) by reviewing and analyzing data related to child rights violations and identifying cases for verification and/or targeted response. Thes cases will be prioritized for review by the working group.
• Under the overall leadership of the Chief of Child Protection. build and sustain working partnerships with counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, allies, donors, etc. to build capacity, exchange knowledge and expertise, and reinforce cooperation.
• Collaborate with other UNICEF programme/project officers to ensure linkages between CRMM and other sectors.
• Strengthen linkages between the CRMM and programmatic response to child survivors through the reinforcement of coordination and referral mechanisms.
• Ensure exchange of information, and experience, and identify new strategies and courses of action to improve CRMM data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Collaborate with the UNICEF Communications and Social & Behavioral Change teams to ensure the development of effective communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and social mobilization efforts to prevent child rights violations.
• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, allies, donors, and academia - through active networking, advocacy and effective communication - to build capacity, exchange knowledge and expertise, and to reinforce cooperation to achieve sustainable and broad results in child protection, with particular regard to ending VACW including GBV.

4. Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building

• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results related to the CRMM.
• Engage in dialogue and provide trainings/sensitization sessions to national and international forces on the protection of children.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices related to child rights violations. Assess, institutionalize, and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of the CRMM.
• Organize and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders related to child rights violations.
• Ensure exchange of information, and experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve CRMM data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results, with particular regard to ending VACW including GBV.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices in Primero CPIMS/GBVIMS.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders to promote sustainable results in child protection and related programmes/projects.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  ToR - Child Protection Specialist.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following, or related, fields is required: Child Protection, Child Rights, Human Rights, Law (esp. IHRL/IHL), Conflict Studies, Social Work, International Development, etc.
• Work Experience: 
• A minimum five year’ relevant professional experience implementing the Monitoring & Reporting Mechanism or other monitoring and reporting tool for child rights violations in situations of armed conflict or armed violence.
• A minimum five years’ relevant professional experience in CPHA
• Experience of contexts of armed violence and/or armed conflict and fragility
• Expertise in Children Associated with Armed Forces and Armed Groups (CAAFAG) and/or other child rights violations in situations of armed violence.
• Experience of working with UNICEF or UN agencies, and relevant sectors and sub-sectors
• Strong coordination and capacity-building/training skills
• Strong analytical skills involving multiple sets of data
• Communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality written work
• Experience of working in complex refugee or IDP settings is a significant asset.
• Skills (optional): [Insert technical and non-technical skills]. 
• Language Requirements: Fluency in spoken and written English is required.A working knowledge of Bangla, Chittagonian, or Burmese is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (1)

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)

(4) Innovates and embraces change  (1)

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)

(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)

(8)  Nurtures, leads and manages people (1)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is an equal-opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from female candidates, gender-diverse individuals and people with disabilities.

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/

The VA is open to all (internal and external candidates)

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Internal candidates may be given preference over external candidates. The term "Internal" refers to all staff members with fixed term, continuing or permanent appointments. Internal candidates who are legally permitted to work for UNICEF in Bangladesh, independently of UNICEF appointment, will also be considered.

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their candidate profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in the Applicant system in order to be considered.  The information submitted will be used for administrative purposes, salary/step determination and conditions of employment. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be accepted for applications that have already been submitted for this position.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.