International Consultant - South Asia Cross Border Migration Mechanisms, Child Protection, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, Kathmandu, Nepal

Provide a background document for a meeting in South Asia on the Hague’s children Conventions.

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.

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is to provide a background document for a meeting in South Asia on the Hague’s children Conventions.

This document will briefly review the nature of cross-border child migration and cross-border child protection concerns in the region (e.g. child labour, trafficking, refugees, statelessness), including quantitative data where available. It will look at current regional mechanisms that protect children who are crossing borders (e.g. HelpLines, SAARC Conventions) and detail any mechanisms (including roles in government) that may facilitate safe return (e.g. bi and tri lateral agreements, established programmes). While the study is limited to children in South Asia, with regards to the protection and return mechanisms this could include relationships with countries outside of South Asia.

Key Assignments/Tasks:

A draft desk review on the cross border migration of children in South Asia. This will include:

• the nature of cross-border migration of children
• the protection concerns of children who migrate including mechanisms that protect children who cross borders.
• existing mechanisms (government and non-government) that facilitate a safe return of children to their home country in South Asia

This paper will undergo one revision before presentation at the regional meeting.

Participation at the regional meeting in Kathmandu Nepal from 29-31 May 2018, including the presentation of the desk review with the use of visual aids.

A final paper of publishable quality that reflects comments from the regional meeting.

Working Conditions:

This is a primarily a desk assignment and the consultant is expected to have their own workspace, computer, internet access and ability to Skype with the Supervisor. The consultant is expected to conduct their own desk review on the topic, however will be connected with key UNICEF staff for their input. A reference group for the assignment will be established, responsible for commenting on the first draft of the report.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

Masters degree in international development, social sciences, or related area. PhD or equivalent is preferred

Work Experience:

• 5-10 years’ experience working on migration
• Proven experience on analysis of migration issues
• Ability to extract and analyse information and statistical data
• Strong knowledge of migration issues, preferably in the South Asian context

Competencies:

• Excellent report writing skills
• Effective communication skills in English, including experience in presentations

Language Proficiency:

Fluent in English (written, readings, spoken)

Duration of the Contract:

15 April – 30 June 2018 (21 days)

Note: Please quote your daily rate and other cost estimates while submitting the application. Application without daily rate, etc. will not be entertained.

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.