Re-advertisement: Chief Child Protection, P-5, Damascus, Syria

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative, accountable for the overall development, design and planning, of Child Protection strategies, including in the area of advocacy, and programme interventions within the country programme. Advise senior management on protection and human rights issues, as applicable to children, and represent UNICEF in all relevant protection and human rights inter-agency forums As chief of section, direct and lead a group of professional and support staff to develop, manage and administer the sectoral or inter-sectoral project/programme

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, a Champion...

Amidst a backdrop of conflict and violence, UNICEF Syria and partners have been achieving positive results. Our work has focused both on immediate lifesaving responses and resilience-based longer-term interventions. We have provided wide scale immunizations and increased access to water and hygiene. We have also provided key interventions in education, and boosted child protection.

We are looking for motivated professionals who are results-driven and not afraid of a challenge. Join our team and help us make sure every child has a champion.

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative, accountable for the overall development, design and planning, of Child Protection strategies, including in the area of advocacy, and programme interventions within the country programme. Advise senior management on protection and human rights issues, as applicable to children, and represent UNICEF in all relevant protection and human rights inter-agency forums

As chief of section, direct and lead a group of professional and support staff to develop, manage and administer the sectoral or inter-sectoral project/programme

Programme Planning, Development and Management.

• Enhance effective sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, development and management by leading, guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update through accurate and complete monitoring and analysis, and the timely preparation or finalization of sectoral input. Provide substantive advice, recommendations and input in the formulation of country programme documents and plans of actions relating to Child Protection programme.
• Takes primary responsibility for the development of sectoral strategies and for technical decisions related to programme implementation. Guides and oversees programme management, implementation and monitoring of assigned sectoral activity, in compliance with the defined programme strategies and approaches.  Conduct regular field visits to monitor programme, gather information and provide technical back up to field-based staff.
• Monitor developments at the international, regional and provincial levels; develop methodologies and new approaches for improving Child Protection programme effectiveness.
• Provide seasoned technical recommendations and advice on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.

Promotion of UNICEF Global Goals.

• Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue in the Child Protection sector through active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes.

Knowledge Management.

• Promote knowledge management by exchange of knowledge, information, situation analysis, experience or lessons learned; promote knowledge sharing and technical input or recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.

Rights-Based Projects through Results-Based Approach.

• Promote the quality of rights-based Child Protection projects and programmes through the formulation of project goals and strategies and approaches. Bring coherence, synergy and added value to sectoral or project management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Sectoral Work Plan Development, Implementation, and Monitoring.

• Leads the development of the sectoral work plan as well as implementation and monitoring of assigned project/sectoral activity, ensuring compliance with project strategies and approaches; provide training, support and guidance to sectoral team. Support maintenance of information system for monitoring gender/sex dis-aggregated data.

Project Delivery, Evaluation and Reporting.

• Ensure project, sectoral or inter-sectoral efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation. Participation in major evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Ensure the preparation of annual Child Protection sector status reports.

UNICEF and Government Accountability.

Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability.  Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.

Communication, Advocacy, Collaboration, Networking and Partnership.

• Provide technical and policy advice to senior management on Child Protection/Human Rights issues, as relevant to children, including within the frame of the MRM and the “Rights Up Front” advocacy agenda.  
• Ensure exchange of information, experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve Child Protection programme requirements and objectives.  Provide authoritative advice/guidance/interpretation of programme policy and guidelines as they related to Child Protection.
• Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.
• Collaborate with Programme Communication Officer to ensure development of effective communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and social mobilization efforts.
• Coordinate with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers. Collaborate with other Project or Programme Officers to ensure the integration of the project/sectoral programme with other sectors.
• Collaborate with the Operations Section and Government authorities to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of Child Protection project or sectoral planning and implementation, to coordinate financial and supply management requirements as well as to ensure accountability.
• Interact with Government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of Child Protection programme/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations. Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building measures to achieve Child Protection programme goals. Conduct orientation and training programmes targeted to Government authorities.

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

• Education: Advanced university degree, preferably in the social sciences, law or other relevant technical field. Knowledge of IHL and human rights a strong asset
• Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels, relevant to international humanitarian and development assistance in the area of child protection. Previous experience in conflict affected countries a strong asset.
• Language: Fluency in English is required. 

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 technical competencies required for this post are….

Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication  [ III ] 
• Working with People   [ III ]      
• Drive for Results   [ III ]  

Functional Competencies (Required)

• Leading and Supervising    [ III ]                      
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ III ]
• Analyzing   [ III] 
• Relating and Networking [ III ]
• Deciding and Initiating Action [ III ]
• Persuading and Influencing [ II ]

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.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Please note that is a non-family duty station.

Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service

Please note that candidates who have previously applied for this position, should not re-apply