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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, Protection 

UNICEF started to work in Lebanon in 1948 and established its office in 1950. For more than 70 years we’ve been working closely with the Government of Lebanon, other UN agencies, international and local NGOs, universities, and more than 100 partners to meet the needs of disadvantaged children in Lebanon. Responding to life-saving needs and ensuring equal access to quality public services, the impact of our work is felt in every aspect and every sphere of society. To learn more about our work, please refer to: https://www.unicef.org/lebanon/what-we-do

Recidivism refers to the act of reoffending that occurs within 3 years following the initial offense or after the completion of an intervention (such as detention – including pre-trial detention, or any judicial decision including non-custodial measures). This includes not only the repetition of the same type of offense (specific recidivism) but also the commission of different types of crimes, whether more or less serious than the original offense (general recidivism). Recidivism will also encompass violations of court-imposed conditions, such as breaching probation, as these behaviors indicate a return to criminal activity or non-compliance with legal obligations.

How can you make a difference? 

The objective of this assignment is to assess the factors behind the recidivism. The assignment shall focus on a variety of social, psychological, economic, and institutional influences. These factors can range from personal circumstances to systemic issues within the juvenile justice system. To that extent, the consultant may refer to the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) which looks at the environment that surrounds the child including a focus on the individual, interpersonal relationships, the community and policy. The assignment shall be composed of three parts:

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

• Master’s degree in legal studies. 
• A minimum of 20 years of experience in the field of justice, particularly juvenile justice.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset. 
• Multidisciplinary skill set, ranging from research design and methodology to cultural competency and knowledge of juvenile justice system.
• Background in criminology, law, social work, or a related field, combined with practical experience in field research and an understanding of Lebanon’s social and legal systems.
• High proficiency in qualitative research methods (i.e. desk research, interviews, focus group discussions…), in analysing data from a variety of sources, and in writing reports is required.
• Strong fieldwork and data collection skills, especially with vulnerable groups such as children, including knowledge of ethical considerations.
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system in Lebanon, including legal and policy frameworks as well as practice, and the global principles around child justice.
• Good understanding of the rehabilitation and reintegration programs available in Lebanon for juvenile offenders and their effectiveness in reducing recidivism.
• Knowledge of criminological theories that explain recidivism, especially in the context of juvenile offenders, and the factors affecting it, as well as an understanding of the cultural and socio-economic context in Lebanon.
• Experience in drafting research reports. Publications previously by consultant represent an added value.
• Fluency in Arabic is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language 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

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

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’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. 

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. 

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

UNICEF does not charge any fee during any stage of the recruitment process.