Child Protection Specialist, NOC at UNICEF Nigeria

Post Title: Child Protection Specialist, NOC

Contract Type: Fixed-Term

Location: Abuja

Ref: VN-NGR-04-2009

Duration: Two (2) years

UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of an experienced Child Protection Specialist who will be responsible for the effective planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the child protection projects within the Nigeria Country Programme. The post will focus on programming for Orphans and other vulnerable children including children with disabilities.

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out the following duties

1. Provide technical oversight to government, NGOs and UNICEF on matters relating to the protection of children and women from violence, abuse, discrimination and exploitation. Provide input on child issues required for the preparation of the CCA and Situation Analysis by compiling data, analyzing and evaluating information and reviewing chapters of the Analysis.

2. Design, prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate child protection interventions within the framework of CRC/CEDAW. Analyze and evaluate data on child trafficking, orphans & other vulnerable children, children with disabilities and others to ensure achievement of objectives and/or takes corrective action when necessary to meet programme/project objectives. Contribute to the development and introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in child protection project management and evaluation.

3. Prepare the sectoral child protection documents for the Country programme Recommendation (CPR) and Plans of Actions, Country Programme Summary Sheet and other programme documents and required.

4. Participate in intersectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues. Assist in the development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate programme development for orphans and other vulnerable children as well as children with disabilities.

5. Facilitate joint programme coordination on child protection issues between UNICEF, government and other development and other development partners focusing on orphans and other vulnerable children as well as children with disabilities. Participate in meetings with ministries responsible for child protection review and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements.

6. Develop a network of stakeholders with donors, government and civil society on child protection programming and work closely with selected authorities in planning and organizing programmes for the purpose of institutional capacity development, programme sustainability, as well as promotion and advocacy on rights of orphans & other vulnerable children and children with disabilities.

7. Undertake field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conduct periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners on the implementation of Child Rights Law. Technically oversee the development of strategic policy interventions and operational procedures affecting project management and implementation. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects to deliver qualitative interventions within rules and procedures.

8. Coordinate with the Operations/Supply Staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities during emergencies and non-emergencies, ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and government accountability. Certify disbursements of funds monitor and submit financial status reports as required objectives in an effective and efficient manner to contribute to the overall strategic goals and objectives of the country office. Provide guidance and support to staff in meeting project objectives.

9. Ensure the generation of evidence, research and documentation of leading practices and provides quality analysis for the social advocacy for orphans & other vulnerable children and children with disabilities.

10. Prepare programme project status reports required for management. Board, donors, budget review programme analysis, annual report etc.

Minimum Qualification and Competencies

* Advance University degree in Social Sciences, humanities, public health, law or related technical field. Experience in working on issues of orphans and other vulnerable children and/or children with disabilities is an advantage.
* Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national level in programme management, monitoring and evaluation in the area of child rights and child protection.
* Fluency in English required knowledge of another UN working language, and asset. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station an asset.
* Knowledge of the latest developments and technology in child rights and child protection and related fields.
* Analytical and conceptual ability; communication and advocacy skills
* Planning and monitoring skills; ability to organize work and projects
* Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions.
* Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
* Commitment to continuous learning for professional development.
* Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
* Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.

If you are interested in the position and meet the requirements. Please forward your application in a sealed envelope marked ‘confidential’ quoting the vacancy number address to:

The Human Resources Manager,

UNICEF, UN House,

Plot 617/618, Central Business Area,

P.M.B 2851, Garki, Abuja.

Interested candidate should submit their resume on or before 2nd July, 2009. Your application should include a complete UN Personal History Form (which can be downloaded from www.unicef.org/employ); your curriculum vitae showing functional telephone number, functional e-mail address and detailed contact address, and a non-page summary statement that describes how your experience and qualification related to the outline above.

UNICEF, a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff.

Well qualified candidates, particularly female are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.