Child Protection Specialist on Best Interests Procedures (Individual Contractor)
Athens
- Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- Location: Athens
- Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
-
Occupational Groups:
- Children's rights (health and protection)
- Protection Officer (Refugee)
- Closing Date: Closed
This position is open to all applicants.
Non-EU applicants can apply provided they have the required documents to work in Greece.
Interested applicants are invited to apply on-line either through MSRP self-service (candidates with MSRP access) or using the external Career pages www.unhcr.org/careers and https://www.unhcr.org/gr-jobs/ (External candidates).
If you have questions during the on-line application, please contact the HR Unit at greathr@unhcr.org well before the deadline.
Kindly note that only electronic applications submitted through the website mentioned above will be considered. Child Protection Specialist on Best Interests Procedures (Individual Contractor)
Operational Context
Greece has been one of the main entry points of refugees wishing to reach the EU. UNHCR has supported and will continue doing so the Government, which leads the refugee response working closely with the EU, state and municipal actors, UN agencies, international/local NGOs, refugees, local communities. While Greece is still considered a transit country, it has also become a country of asylum. UNHCR estimates that some 70,000-80,000 refugees, including those with subsidiary and temporary protection status, are currently living in Greece, in addition to some 30,000 asylum-seekers. While most refugees and asylum-seekers are in the mainland, living in and outside camps, there are currently over 3,300 in the islands. The large majority of the latter live in camps, including the new "Closed Controlled Access Centres" (islands of Kos, Leros, Samos). Two new centres are to be constructed in Lesvos and Chios.
UNHCR Greece is focused on a protection-driven approach around two pillars: 1. access to international protection and 2. durable solutions with focus on integration. UNHCR uses a mix of operational engagement, CB protection efforts, expert advice provision to the Government, monitoring and improved data collection, targeted interventions and advocacy, aiming to support Greece in fulfilling its obligations to provide protection and solutions to persons in need of international protection. Child protection, prevention of SGBV, SEA and institutional capacity strengthening in these areas will continue to be priority, in line with the Office's AGD approach. In doing so, UNHCR seeks to build on the strengths and capacities of refugees, by working with them and not for them.
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
According to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) ¿In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration¿. As stated in the General Comment issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child the best interest of the child is a threefold concept: a) a substantive right; b) an interpretative legal principle and, c) a rule of procedure. On this basis, the use of Best Interest Procedures (BIP) shall always be promoted when assessing the best interests of refugee and asylum-seeking children at risk as well as unaccompanied children. According to UNHCR Guidelines a best interests¿ procedure ¿includes the key steps of child protection case management as well as the UNHCR Best Interests Determination (BID) process and is implemented for individual children at risk who are in need of targeted, structured, systematic, sustained and coordinated support. It ensures that decisions and actions aimed at addressing protection risks and needs for children are in their best interests. The BIP is embedded within, and linked to, refugee protection case management¿. In 2021, the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors (SSPUAM), Ministry of Migration and Asylum developed the National Strategy for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, introducing a widespread use of a best interests assessment as a priority (Pillar 1, Goal 2, Objective 5, Action 5.1). In line with that the Greek legal framework reflects the principle of the best interests of the child in all relevant legislation for the protection of children. The best interests¿ assessment has been included in the Law 4690/2022 (Gov. Gazette A¿ 145/22.7.2022) on guardianship pointing out the key areas that should be inquired and covered each time before any action or decision is taken. ¿he Law 4939/2022 considers the best interests of the child are of primary consideration during family tracing, legal representation, identification of care arrangements and family unity. UNHCR Representation in Greece has been working hand-in-hand with state agencies and NGOs for the establishment of Best Interests Procedures in Greece. In this regard, during 2017 - 2019, UNHCR facilitated the establishment of multidisciplinary BID panels to determine the best interests of 119 unaccompanied children in line with the international framework, in the context of the Dubs¿ scheme. UNHCR provided technical support and capacity building to stakeholders, including the National Centre of Social Solidarity (EKKA, participating in the BID panels), the National Dublin Unit of the Greek Asylum Service (BIA tool for the implementation of the Dublin Family Reunion procedures) and the SSPUAM together with EUAA (BIA tool for the Relocation of UAC in 2020) thus contributing in the formalization of Best Interests¿ Procedures in Greece. Continuing the efforts for the establishment of best interests¿ procedures in Greece, UNHCR undertook in collaboration with European Union¿s Asylum Agency (EUAA) the development of the BIA tool and the actual best interests¿ assessments in the framework of the relocation scheme for unaccompanied children in 2020-2021 in RICs, safe zones, protective custody and precarious conditions under the auspices of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors, Ministry of Migration and Asylum. In support of the relocation exercise, UNHCR together with EUAA trained 272 relevant staff on the application of Best Interests¿ Procedures and case management. In 2022, UNHCR committed to provide expertise and technical assistance to the Special Secretariat for the initialisation of the National Best Interests Procedures¿ Accreditation System. Up to now, the case management and, accordingly, the BIP procedures for refugee and asylum-seeking children are not harmonized across Greece. Non-effective case management practices continue to remain a challenge, and this, for three decades. The Special Secretariat is committed, especially in the context of guardianship, in establishing efficient tools and procedures for the best interest assessment of unaccompanied children and ensuring a uniform practice. Therefore, to address the aforementioned challenge, the Special Secretariat and UNHCR agreed the joint initiation of the National Best Interests Procedures¿ Accreditation System in Greece in cooperation with the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) following a special reference in the Article 30 of the Law 4690/2022.
Duties
- Development of a tool kit for the implementation of Best Interest Procedures including:
- BIA tool (short and comprehensive) building on UNHCR¿s template and adaptations of Greek State agencies, taking into account EUAA¿s technical input which will be used by all child
protection professionals country wide;
- Undertaking of Confidentiality form;
- Theoretical background and Review tool of the Best Interests of the Child.
- Development of guidelines and methodology for the use of the tools described above;
- Development of the ToT training¿s modules and a methodology on the delivery of the training;
- Trainings of Trainers (ToTs) in cooperation with SSPUAM and EUAA.
- Acting as reference person for the specific project on behalf of UNHCR with SSPUAM and EUAA, under the supervision of the Senior Child Protection Associate.
Results:
¿ BIP toolkit (content described above).
¿ Guidelines and methodology document for the use of the tools described above.
¿ BIP training modules in Power Point Presentations and a methodology document on the delivery of the training.
¿ At least one training of Trainers (ToTs) prepared, organized and delivered in cooperation with SSPUAM and EUAA.
¿ Biweekly coordination meetings held with all parties of the project.
Minimum Qualifications
Field(s) of Education
Post graduate degree in Social Sciences, Humanities. Additional Training courses on Child Protection related issues especially on Best Interest Procedures are considered an asset.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential: Minimum 4 years professional experience relevant to the function.
Desirable Qualifications
Good computer and analytical skills.
Language Requirements
Fluency in Greek and English language.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. The duration of the temporary appointment is until 31 December 2022.
Date of entry on duty: As soon as possible.
Knowledge of Greek and English language is an essential requirement.
The closing date for submission is 02 September 2022 (Midnight, Geneva).
- No late applications will be accepted.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
- Shortlisted candidates may be requested to sit for a written test and will have to undergo an oral interview.
Recruitment with UNHCR is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
Non-EU applicants can apply provided they have the required documents to work in Greece.
Interested applicants are invited to apply on-line either through MSRP self-service (candidates with MSRP access) or using the external Career pages www.unhcr.org/careers and https://www.unhcr.org/gr-jobs/ (External candidates).
If you have questions during the on-line application, please contact the HR Unit at greathr@unhcr.org well before the deadline.
Kindly note that only electronic applications submitted through the website mentioned above will be considered. Child Protection Specialist on Best Interests Procedures (Individual Contractor)
Operational Context
Greece has been one of the main entry points of refugees wishing to reach the EU. UNHCR has supported and will continue doing so the Government, which leads the refugee response working closely with the EU, state and municipal actors, UN agencies, international/local NGOs, refugees, local communities. While Greece is still considered a transit country, it has also become a country of asylum. UNHCR estimates that some 70,000-80,000 refugees, including those with subsidiary and temporary protection status, are currently living in Greece, in addition to some 30,000 asylum-seekers. While most refugees and asylum-seekers are in the mainland, living in and outside camps, there are currently over 3,300 in the islands. The large majority of the latter live in camps, including the new "Closed Controlled Access Centres" (islands of Kos, Leros, Samos). Two new centres are to be constructed in Lesvos and Chios.
UNHCR Greece is focused on a protection-driven approach around two pillars: 1. access to international protection and 2. durable solutions with focus on integration. UNHCR uses a mix of operational engagement, CB protection efforts, expert advice provision to the Government, monitoring and improved data collection, targeted interventions and advocacy, aiming to support Greece in fulfilling its obligations to provide protection and solutions to persons in need of international protection. Child protection, prevention of SGBV, SEA and institutional capacity strengthening in these areas will continue to be priority, in line with the Office's AGD approach. In doing so, UNHCR seeks to build on the strengths and capacities of refugees, by working with them and not for them.
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
According to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) ¿In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration¿. As stated in the General Comment issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child the best interest of the child is a threefold concept: a) a substantive right; b) an interpretative legal principle and, c) a rule of procedure. On this basis, the use of Best Interest Procedures (BIP) shall always be promoted when assessing the best interests of refugee and asylum-seeking children at risk as well as unaccompanied children. According to UNHCR Guidelines a best interests¿ procedure ¿includes the key steps of child protection case management as well as the UNHCR Best Interests Determination (BID) process and is implemented for individual children at risk who are in need of targeted, structured, systematic, sustained and coordinated support. It ensures that decisions and actions aimed at addressing protection risks and needs for children are in their best interests. The BIP is embedded within, and linked to, refugee protection case management¿. In 2021, the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors (SSPUAM), Ministry of Migration and Asylum developed the National Strategy for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, introducing a widespread use of a best interests assessment as a priority (Pillar 1, Goal 2, Objective 5, Action 5.1). In line with that the Greek legal framework reflects the principle of the best interests of the child in all relevant legislation for the protection of children. The best interests¿ assessment has been included in the Law 4690/2022 (Gov. Gazette A¿ 145/22.7.2022) on guardianship pointing out the key areas that should be inquired and covered each time before any action or decision is taken. ¿he Law 4939/2022 considers the best interests of the child are of primary consideration during family tracing, legal representation, identification of care arrangements and family unity. UNHCR Representation in Greece has been working hand-in-hand with state agencies and NGOs for the establishment of Best Interests Procedures in Greece. In this regard, during 2017 - 2019, UNHCR facilitated the establishment of multidisciplinary BID panels to determine the best interests of 119 unaccompanied children in line with the international framework, in the context of the Dubs¿ scheme. UNHCR provided technical support and capacity building to stakeholders, including the National Centre of Social Solidarity (EKKA, participating in the BID panels), the National Dublin Unit of the Greek Asylum Service (BIA tool for the implementation of the Dublin Family Reunion procedures) and the SSPUAM together with EUAA (BIA tool for the Relocation of UAC in 2020) thus contributing in the formalization of Best Interests¿ Procedures in Greece. Continuing the efforts for the establishment of best interests¿ procedures in Greece, UNHCR undertook in collaboration with European Union¿s Asylum Agency (EUAA) the development of the BIA tool and the actual best interests¿ assessments in the framework of the relocation scheme for unaccompanied children in 2020-2021 in RICs, safe zones, protective custody and precarious conditions under the auspices of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors, Ministry of Migration and Asylum. In support of the relocation exercise, UNHCR together with EUAA trained 272 relevant staff on the application of Best Interests¿ Procedures and case management. In 2022, UNHCR committed to provide expertise and technical assistance to the Special Secretariat for the initialisation of the National Best Interests Procedures¿ Accreditation System. Up to now, the case management and, accordingly, the BIP procedures for refugee and asylum-seeking children are not harmonized across Greece. Non-effective case management practices continue to remain a challenge, and this, for three decades. The Special Secretariat is committed, especially in the context of guardianship, in establishing efficient tools and procedures for the best interest assessment of unaccompanied children and ensuring a uniform practice. Therefore, to address the aforementioned challenge, the Special Secretariat and UNHCR agreed the joint initiation of the National Best Interests Procedures¿ Accreditation System in Greece in cooperation with the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) following a special reference in the Article 30 of the Law 4690/2022.
Duties
- Development of a tool kit for the implementation of Best Interest Procedures including:
- BIA tool (short and comprehensive) building on UNHCR¿s template and adaptations of Greek State agencies, taking into account EUAA¿s technical input which will be used by all child
protection professionals country wide;
- Undertaking of Confidentiality form;
- Theoretical background and Review tool of the Best Interests of the Child.
- Development of guidelines and methodology for the use of the tools described above;
- Development of the ToT training¿s modules and a methodology on the delivery of the training;
- Trainings of Trainers (ToTs) in cooperation with SSPUAM and EUAA.
- Acting as reference person for the specific project on behalf of UNHCR with SSPUAM and EUAA, under the supervision of the Senior Child Protection Associate.
Results:
¿ BIP toolkit (content described above).
¿ Guidelines and methodology document for the use of the tools described above.
¿ BIP training modules in Power Point Presentations and a methodology document on the delivery of the training.
¿ At least one training of Trainers (ToTs) prepared, organized and delivered in cooperation with SSPUAM and EUAA.
¿ Biweekly coordination meetings held with all parties of the project.
Minimum Qualifications
Field(s) of Education
Post graduate degree in Social Sciences, Humanities. Additional Training courses on Child Protection related issues especially on Best Interest Procedures are considered an asset.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential: Minimum 4 years professional experience relevant to the function.
Desirable Qualifications
Good computer and analytical skills.
Language Requirements
Fluency in Greek and English language.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. The duration of the temporary appointment is until 31 December 2022.
Date of entry on duty: As soon as possible.
Knowledge of Greek and English language is an essential requirement.
The closing date for submission is 02 September 2022 (Midnight, Geneva).
- No late applications will be accepted.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
- Shortlisted candidates may be requested to sit for a written test and will have to undergo an oral interview.
Recruitment with UNHCR is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
This vacancy is now closed.