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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