Child Protection and Education Specialist

Job Title: Child Protection and Education Specialist

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Assignment country: Brazil

Expected start date: 04/09/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNICEF

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Belem

Details

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has been present in Brazil since 1950, supporting the most important changes in the area of ​​childhood and adolescence in the country. UNICEF participated in major immunization and breastfeeding campaigns; the mobilization that resulted in the approval of article 227 of the Federal Constitution and the drafting of the Child and Adolescent Statute; the movement for universal access to education; programs to combat child labor; among other great advances in guaranteeing the rights of Brazilian girls and boys.In recent decades, Brazil has promoted a strong process of inclusion of children and adolescents in public policies. However, a significant portion of the population remains excluded. Therefore, in its cooperation program with the Brazilian government for the period 2017-2021, UNICEF focuses its efforts on the most vulnerable and excluded girls and boys, with a special focus on children and adolescents who are victims of extreme forms of violence .These children and adolescents in situations of greater vulnerability are spread throughout Brazil, but they are more concentrated in the Amazon, in the semiarid and in large urban centers. Through the UNICEF Seal, UNICEF promotes commitments to guarantee the rights of children and adolescents in the Semiarid and in the Brazilian Legal Amazon. In large cities, UNICEF works with a focus on reducing intra-municipal inequalities, through the Platform of Urban Centers (PCU).

Context

Since 1950, UNICEF has supported the most important transformation for children and adolescents in Brazil. UNICEF Brazil current Country Programme concentrates efforts towards boys and girls most excluded, vulnerable, and exposed to extreme forms of violence, mainly in the Amazon and Semiarid regions and the peripheral areas of large cities, through the Municipal SELO and Agenda Cidade. Through the child protection programme interventions, psychosocial support activities reached thousands of children and specialized interventions and mobile teams allowed for the identification and referral of hundreds of cases of violence, abuse and neglect to the Child protection statutory services. UNICEF Brazil continues to focus its attention on the importance of the right to quality education and access to school to prevent and to protect children from extreme forms of violence. This assignment will contribute to the Education and Child Protection Sections and strengthen its capacity to respond adequately to the needs of UNICEF Country Office in the Amazon region. The pandemic has evolved against a backdrop of migration influx from Venezuela, which had already started since 2015. Everyday Venezuelans continue to arrive in Brazil and the state of Pará has experienced steady flow of migrants and refugees, specially Waraos indigenous people from Venezuela who have reported difficulties when accessing social services. UNICEF in the state of Pará supports the Territórios pela Paz initiative, which consists of articulating public policies for social inclusion that secretariats, foundations, and agencies of direct and indirect administration develop through programs and projects. The management of this set of programs and projects is articulated and coordinated from the perspective of intersectionality of actions, and the importance of a perspective on guaranteeing the rights of children and adolescents. The UNV Specialist will contribute to the development of initiatives that UNICEF is conducting within Education and Child Protection integrated framework at the Amazon Territory as well as initiatives to reduce education exclusion and age-grade distortion in general aligned with Selo UNICEF strategy and #AgendaCidadeUNICEF in Belém. This position will contribute to SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions as well as SDG 4- Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Belém Chief of Field Office/Chief Amazon Territory, and with the technical supervision from the Chief of Education and the Chief of Child Protection, the UN Volunteer Specialist will support the development and implementation of UNICEF Brazil Country Programme, especially on the education and child protection programme, at the Amazon Territory (with focus in Amapá, Pará, Mato Grosso e Tocantins). They will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support the implementation of the methodology of School Active Search (Busca Ativa Escolar - BAE) at Pará, Tocantins, Mato Grosso and Amapá states and their municipalities prioritized, not only but especially through Selo UNICEF and #Agenda CidadeUNICEF territorial strategies, along with the state and municipal secretaries of education and other local partners:

• Support the development of a workplan with steps to be taken and key changes related to the implementation of School Active Search (BAE) with states and municipal governments. • Plan, develop and evaluate training activities and workshops related to School Active Search (BAE). • Plan and organize Institutional events, engaging with partners to mobilize for adoption of BAE methodology. • Provide technical support to a network of local partners to strengthen public policies and services to support the access and permanence of children and adolescents at school. • Plan and participate in regular meetings with UNICEF technical partners, from municipal and state levels to implement and monitor the implementation of School Active Search (BAE). • Support the preparation of reports, briefings, communication pieces, surveys, field visits, among others, on the progress of the initiative developed for public awareness, donor reports, partnership/alliances building and fundraising support. • Advocate, systematize evidence and promote practices, during the implementation of School Active Search (BAE); integrating Child Protection and Education approaches to prevent violence against children and adolescents. 2. Support the development of the strategy Successful School Paths (Trajetórias de Sucesso Escolar - TSE) more focused on Amapá and Pará states, along with partners from the State Secretaries of Education secretaries of education from municipal level and other partners. • Support the developmental of a workplan with steps to be taken and key changes related to the implementation of Successful School Paths (TSE) with the Secretaries of education. • Plan, develop and evaluate training activities, workshops, and institutional events related to Successful School Paths (TSE). • Collect and systematize data, information, analyses and recommendations related to key aspects related to Successful School Paths (TSE). • Provide technical support to the implement partner during the implementation of Successful School Paths (TSE). • Support the preparation of reports, briefings, communication pieces, surveys, field visits, among others, on the progress of the initiative developed for public awareness, donors’ reports, partnership/alliances building and fundraising support. 3. Provide technical support to the Chief of Belém for the overall implementation of #AgendaCidadeUNICEF. Implement the components of Child Protection and Education, in Development of technical and operational strategies for Provide technical support for the implementation of child protection interventions within the framework of Territorios pela Paz – aligned with #AgendaCidadeUNICEF - in coordination with Education and Adolescents components • Support the development of partnerships with government counterparts and local stakeholders to facilitate program implementation and to achieve results on the reduction of violence against children. • Provide technical support to prepare required documentation for the proposed projects, implementing the child protection strategy and operational assistance, aligned to UNICEF coordination, and support partners in the execution of projects. • Provide technical support to the local child protection system, strengthening public services and designing innovative interventions to reduce the impact of violence against children. 4. Provide technical assistance related to child protection and education interventions at Ilha do Marajó/MPT alliance/ UNICEF SELO, focused on sexual violence child labour and access to school, related issues: • Provide technical support in prepare required documentation for the proposed projects and to support the local child protection and education systems, strengthening public services and designing innovative interventions, to reduce the impact of sexual violence and child labour on Marajó Island. • Provide technical and operational support to monitor child protection and education interventions in Marajó Island, including the elaboration and management of PCAS, SSFAs along with technical assistance to implementing partners. 5. Provide technical support for the implementation of child protection and education interventions within the framework of Selo UNICEF and other CP/Education areas: • Provide technical support to implement law 13.431 in the prioritized municipalities of the territory covered by EZ Belém. • Work to strengthen municipal and state councils to create intersectoral mechanisms to prevent and fight violence against children and adolescents in the priority municipalities and urban centres. • Support UNICEF coordination in mobilizing and articulating the SGD to support municipalities participating in the Selo UNICEF in child protection component. • Provide technical support to the local child protection and education systems, strengthening public services and designing innovative interventions to reduce the impact of violence against children and out of school rates. • Plan, develop and evaluate training activities, workshops and institutional events related to education and child protection goals and results (R1, R2 and R6) with Implementing Partners. • Support the work to strengthen municipal and state councils to create intersectoral mechanisms to prevent and fight violence against children and adolescents in the priority municipalities and urban centres. • Participate in UNICEF child protection and educational teams, along with other team members at state, regional or national level, providing technical and operational support to program planning, development, and implementation, including on activities related to SELO UNICEF, #AgendaCidadeUNICEF, UAPI and other strategies. • Advocate, systematize evidence and promote practices to integrate Child Protection and Education approaches, to strength initiatives and public policies to prevent violence against children and adolescents and the impacts of school exclusion. • Provide technical and operational support to UNICEF coordination in monitoring child protection and education interventions, including required documentation and management of PCAS, SSFAs, contribute to monitor grants and preparation of donor reports. • Monitor of CP AWP 2023/2024. 6. Support the implementation UNICEF´s humanitarian response Plan in the state of Pará according to the HAC 2023/2024, ensuring technical support for humanitarian action for children undertaken by UNICEF and its partners in the areas of Education and Child Protection: • Ensure the articulation process among governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (national and international) and UN agencies, working in the territory by supporting the creation of intersectoral working groups and information sharing. • Establish mechanisms for a consistent flow of information of the humanitarian situation and its impact on children and adolescents. The UNV Volunteer could be requested to travel, to take part in collaborative work with other internal and external teams. Also, he/she will attend presential events, webinars and virtual meetings with colleagues and/or partners. Activities such as organizing meeting, conferences, workshops and training will be demanded. Production of reports, fundraising proposals, notes and audiovisual pieces for communications purposes, analysis, data gathering, and systematization will be requested in Portuguese and/or in English. Social media interaction also will be requested.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in child protection, education, emergencies, migration and/or gender issues; • Experience with indigenous population, monitoring of human rights and advocacy is an asset; • Advanced knowledge of State and municipal governments and civil society organisations and the system of rights guarantee (SGD); • Background and familiarity with international human rights, children`s rights and emergency response; • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and proven ability to facilitating interagency processes to achieve a common goal; • Have affinity with or interest in child rights, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System; • Computer and database literacy will be an asset;

Area(s) of expertise

Education, Crisis and emergency response

Driving license

-

Languages

Portuguese, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, Public Policy, Psychology, Social Work, Anthropology, Sociology or Political Science, or other relevant field;

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Belém, often called Belém do Pará, is a Brazilian municipality and capital of the state of Pará. The municipality is formed by two parts: the continental area and Insular area composed of forty-two islands (which are 65% of its territory). Being part of the Eastern Amazon makes Belém one of the rainiest state capitals of Brazil. It is the most populous municipality in Pará and the second in the North region with a population over 1.5 million inhabitants. Security The UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the high levels of serious and violent crime, especially in major cities. Violent crimes such as assaults, armed robberies, kidnappings and sexual assault are very important. The most frequent security incidents in the region are robberies, various types of fraud and minor crimes. Slums in large cities should be avoided and in case of attack, one is advised not to resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and can turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment, both on and off duty. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reserves, special procedures may apply; United Nations personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance. Additional means of communication can be provided. Health Basic health services are available and most of the specialized services are offered locally. Travelers are advised to carry a supply of the necessary prescription medications. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory, and evidence of yellow fever vaccine is required (at least ten days before the trip to the area). Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever are transmitted by the same mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. Preventive measures are key. The mosquito feeds mainly at dusk and dawn, indoors, in shaded areas or when the weather is cloudy. Wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellents, place windows with screens, keep residences cool with air conditioning and use mosquito nets. Geography and climate Belém is surrounded by wetlands and igarapés. The topography is low and flat, with a maximum altitude point of 25 meters, on Mosqueiro island. A large part of the city area lies between 3 and 4 meters (10 and 15 ft), making it subject to the influence of high tides Development Classified as one of the capitals with the best quality of life in the Brazilian North region with HDI 0.746 (high), occupying the 22nd position in the HDI ranking by capital city. Housing As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. Pará is a unique State and provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as commitment to make life comfortable. Therefore, flexibility and adaptability are essential.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

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