International Consultant to review the draft Child Protection Law for compliance with international standards, Timor-Leste context and harmonization with relevant national legal and policy provisions and support the advocacy for its approval

UNICEF Timor-Leste is seeking for an international consultant to review the draft Child Protection Law for compliance with international standards, Timor-Leste context and harmonization with relevant national legal and policy provisions and support the advocacy for its approval.

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

https://www.unicef.org/timorleste

How can you make a difference?

Purpose of Assignment:

• Provide inputs for an gender justice baseline assessment conducted by the Spotlight Initiative, and the proposed recommendations for amendments in the Penal Code;
• Review Draft 0 of the ‘Law for Protection of Children and Youth in Danger’ for compliance with relevant international standards and alignment with Timor-Leste context including with existing national legal, policy, and regulatory framework, in particular the Child and Family Welfare System Policy, the Civil Code and Penal Code;
• Carry out  consultations with MSSI and relevant stakeholders;
• Support national parliament to finalize the law 
• Review the Child Rights Code and the Juvenile Justice Code against relevant international standards and alignment with Timor-Leste context.

Specific Work Assignment:

1. Review the baseline study “Gender-based Violence and the Law: an assessment of laws, policies and practices affecting gender justice in Timor-Leste” conducted by the Spotlight Initiative and the respective recommendations for amendments in the Penal Code and other legislation, and provide feedback and inputs based on the international standards, Timor-Leste context and existing legal, policy and regulatory framework;
2. Review and revise Draft 0 of the Law for Protection of Children and Youth in Danger (prepared by Committee F) and the draft Law on Child Protection (prepared by MSSI) for improved compliance with international standards, Timor-Leste contexts, and existing national legal,policy and regulatoryframework, including the Child and Family welfare Policy;
3. Conduct consultation with MSSI and relevant partners such as CSOs, Church, local leaders, children and young people; 
4. Support National Parliament to finalize and approve the Child Protection law.
5. Review the draft Child Rights Code and the draft Juvenile Justice Law against International standards, Timor-Leste context and existing legal, policy and regulatory framework.

Deliverables:

1. Report with feedback for the baseline study and the proposed amendments in the laws - 5 days

2.1. Report comparing the 2 draft laws against international standards, the CFWS policy and other legal and policy frameworks, and proposing recommendations for amendments

2.2. Draft Child Protection Law revised (soft-copy in word-format; 2 versions, one with and one without track changes, Portuguese and English) - 12 days

3. 1. 2-3 pages consultation tools

3.2. 1 workshop with CSOs, 1 with church, 1 with local leaders and 1 with a group of children and young people

3.3. report with the results of the consultation, and the main recommendations included in the Law - 12 days

4.1. Reports developed to support the analysis and approval of the law (including situation analysis, consultations, expression of reasons, among others)

4.2. 20-30 slides softcopy Power Point Presentation developed

4.3. Bi-lateral meetings with members of parliament as requested or needed.

4.4. At least one workshops with the Member of Parliaments

4.5. CP law briefing notes for brochure developed - 25 days

5.1. Report about the compliance of the draft Child Rights Code and the draft Juvenile Justice Law with international standards, Timor-Leste context and existing legal, policy and regulatory framework, including recommendations for amendments.

5.2. Briefing paper or concept note on the importance of the Juvenile Justice Law and Child Rights Code - 16 days

CONTRACT DURATION: 70 working days to be started as soon as possible.

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

• Advanced university degree in law;
• At least 10 years relevant work experience, out of which at least 3-5 years practical experience in analysis of relevant laws and / or legal drafting;
• Proven expertise in analysis and policy formulation in the area of child protection;
• Solid knowledge and understanding of international standards on child justice and welfare; Convention of the Child Rights
• Ability to draft clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
• Previous work experience and knowledge of the child protection system and domestic legal and policy framework in Timor-Leste a must;
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
•  

Interested candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, technical and financial proposal by 12 March 2021.

For every Child, you demonstrate UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks:

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.