Child Protection Specialist (MRM), P4, Syria #116670 (Outposted in Amman)

The Position is based in the Office of the Representative in the Syria Country office, and based in the MENA Regional Office. It reports to the Representative with a dotted line to Regional Director and the Whole of Syria Coordinator in the Regional Office.

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, Child Protection

Find out how UNICEF programmes drives change for children and young people every day, in Syria by visiting this: www.unicef.org/syria

How can you make a difference?

As the Coordinator for the MRM for Syria: Accountable for the functioning of the monitoring and reporting mechanisms (MRM) on grave violations against children (CAAC) in Syria, including ensuring systematic coordinated monitoring across COs concerned (Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Syria); receiving, compiling and analyzing information received from these same COs; and under the supervision of the Syria CO Representative, to transmit MRM information and reports as required to the Task Force (TF) in Damascus.

Promote partnership with the Syria CO and the TF/MRM, and act as the focal point for Syria MRM related interaction with RO & NYHQ, including the Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) and Emergency (EMOPS) teams both at RO and HQ, and the SRSG/CAAC’s office.

As Syria CO specialist on actions to address grave violations and issues related to child protection in emergencies:

Support the strengthened and effective implementation of actions to address grave violations, including with respect to grave-violations related advocacy, but also programming and other actions that will need to be rolled out with all parties.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Systematic, coordinated and quality monitoring of grave violations against children in Syria across all MRM for Syria concerned COs including through regular Syria MRM team coordination teleconferences and meetings; remote and country-mission technical supervision, support, mentoring and coaching for UNICEF MRM teams; and training/capacity building for UNICEF and partners, as needed.  
• On a monthly basis - with the supervision and support of the MRM Database Manager - all Syria MRM cases documented in concerned COs and by relevant CTF Agencies are compiled, reviewed (ensuring the credibility, reliability and verification of all cases), finalized and uploaded onto the Syria MRM Database.  
• Quarterly Global Horizontal Notes, annual inputs to the SG’s Report on CAAC, and periodic Syria-specific CAAC reports on grave violations against children in Syria -  based on all consolidated MRM cases - submitted to Syria CO CP and transmit it to the Syria MRM CTFMR in Damascus for onward submission to SRSG-CAAC.
• Strengthened Syria MRM engagement and partnership with UN and other relevant humanitarian actors– in particular CP and GBV. 
• Ensure quality CPiE programming – in particular on CAAFAG - in line with established standards, guidelines and procedures – through technical leadership to Syria Country Office.

Impact of Results

• UNICEF has timely and reliable data on grave child rights violations in Syria and other countries affected by conflict and violence in Syria to support advocacy efforts.
• CAAC/CP programming in Syria is informed by increased knowledge and understanding of the impact of conflict and violence on children.

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

• Advanced university degree, preferably in human rights/IHL law, or other relevant technical field.
• Eight years (P4/NOD) of professional work experience at national and international levels in child protection, including international work experience.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency and previous experience on the MRM/CAAC and on CAAFAG.
• Fluency in English (required), and a second UN language desired.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

Core Competencies

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (3)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (3)
• Works Collaboratively with others (3)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (3)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (3)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (3)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (3)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (3)

Functional Competencies 

• Analyzing (3)
• Deciding and initiating action (2)
• Applying Technical Expertise (3)

Specific Technical Knowledge Required

• Advanced knowledge of the MRM/CAAC and specific role of UNICEF in this respect.
• Advanced technical knowledge of theories, principles and methods in child protection emergencies, in particular related to the MRM and CAAFAG programming, and in the use of data and indicators in child protection/CAAC.

Common Technical Knowledge Required

• Methodology of programme/project management
• Programmatic goals, policies and strategies for sectoral programmes
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women.
• UNICEF policies and strategy in child protection, including: natural disasters, and recovery.
• Core commitments for children in emergencies (for all Emergency positions)
• UNICEF financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.
• Rights-based and Results-based programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan
• UN guideline on sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff and partners.
• Gender equality and Diversity awareness.

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. For this position, suitable women candidates from industrial countries will receive preferential consideration and selection, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements stated above.

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:

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.

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)

Fixed Term Appointment for Two Years