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Child Protection Specialist

JOB CODE – UNCPS-01

Location: Chennai
Closing Date: 25th August 2010

Purpose of the post:
Under the supervision of the Chief of field office and technical guidance from Child Protection Section, responsible for facilitating and influencing the State Government’s policy, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, for Child Protection programme in Tamil Nadu and Kerala States at the state and district levels. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:-
• Analyses and recommends policies, systems of management, resource allocation and coordination systems around child protection issues and programmes. 

• Convenes strategic partnerships – among government, non-government and community based organizations to impact on overall child protection policies, to support child protection programmes and leverage resources in the States. Promotes the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue through active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes. Interacts with State, national and international agencies and commissions, on the management of child protection programmes/projects. Participates in meetings with Ministries/Departments responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements. Assists in the development and/or introduction of new approaches, new partners methods and practices in project management and evaluation.

• With guidance from the Section, takes primary responsibility for the development of the sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for programme management, implementation and monitoring of the Child Protection Programme in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, in compliance with the defined programme strategies and approaches.  Promotes the quality of rights-based Child Protection programmes through participation in the formulation of programme goals, strategies and approaches. Brings coherence, synergy and added value to sectoral or inter-sectoral management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

• Facilitates the review of systems and capacity related to delivery of services to children and the interventions to improve such systems and capacities.  Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes (including cash and supply assistance), as well as conducting periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.  Identifies and recommends necessary action for programme adjustments. Provides advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning and management of programme/projects. Contributes to the preparation of the Situation Analysis, led by SPME, by compiling data, analyzing and evaluating information, and writing chapters of the Analysis.

• Assists government authorities and non-government partners to plan and organize capacity building programmes with respect to child protection. Identifies training needs for the purpose of capacity building and sustainability of programme/projects.  Provides technical expertise as required, facilitates learning exchanges as well as policy influencing.

• Proactively collaborates within state and/or sector with programme colleagues to give and receive knowledge and assistance. Pooling resources for more effective programming. Assists in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate child protection programme development.  Assists in the planning and formulation of Behaviour Development/Behaviour Communication Change initiatives with respect to child protection to enable more effective behaviour change. Assist in review and monitoring of education sector policies as related to child protection measures and policies. Supports/undertakes research that provides tracking on programmes of social inclusion.

• Coordinates with the Operations/Supply staff/programme support on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, as per UNICEF rules and procedures monitors and submits financial status reports to Programme Manager or Chief Field Office as required.

• Writes programme/project inputs for donor proposals, status reports required for management, Executive Board and donors, budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

Qualifications, Experience and competencies required:

• Advanced university degree in any of the following:   Social Sciences, Child Development, Education, Human rights or other fields related to the work of UNICEF.
• Minimum five years progressively responsible professional work experience in social development and in particular in implementation and monitoring of large scale child protection programmes (Child Labour, Juvenile Justice, Child Trafficking and related areas). Good understanding and knowledge of government systems at state, district, and village levels. Knowledge and proven application of project cycle management, Log Frame Analysis, an added advantage.
• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of local working languages of the duty station, an asset.
• In depth understanding and knowledge of the child protection issues and sector
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in development cooperation, in particular pertaining to child protection. 
• A strong familiarity as to how public administration systems affect delivery of results for children
• Drive for results.
• Understanding of social mobilization and behaviour change communication.
• Understanding of the importance and role of partnerships. 
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.
• Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Excellent drafting/writing skills.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.

Application consisting of a cover letter and an up-to-date CV should be sent to  spenta@airtelmail.in by 25th August 2010. In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the Job Code of the post and location applied for in the subject line of your e-mail/application. For more details of the posts and full job descriptions, visit the UNICEF India website at www.unicef.in and click on “Careers at UNICEF” at the bottom of the page. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. These vacancies are open to Indian Nationals only.

UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.
Applications from qualified women are encouraged.