Child protection consultant

Background:

Since 2015, Serbia is situated along the preferred route through the Western Balkans for refugees originating from the Middle East and Asia, aiming to seek asylum in Europe. UNHCR and UNICEF have highlighted the extreme vulnerability of families travelling with children and unaccompanied children and have agreed with State actors and other partners to prioritise the needs and protection of children. Despite the bordure closures since 9th March 2016, UNHCR estimates the number of continuous daily arrivals to Serbia at 50-100. Refugees and migrants transit through Serbia to reach the Hungarian border, where only 20 refugees and migrants are admitted on a daily basis. As a result, an average of 7,300 refugees, predominantly women and children, are currently waiting for admission.

Refugees and migrants are currently sheltered in a total of 16 different locations with waiting times. The Commissariat for Refugees and Migration is the national authority in charge of shelter and is in need of specialised child protection expertise to ensure that child related services are made available in these locations and that they meet the minimum standards.

Purpose of the assignment:

UNICEF is looking for a child protection officer who will be seconded to the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration and in close cooperation with the UNICEF Child Protection in Emergency Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible to provide technical support to the Commissariat in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of child protection activities in the different centres throughout the country.

Estimated start Date:

Estimated end Date:

15 May 2017

Number of days/months

15 February 2017

3 months

Work Assignment Overview

Tasks

Deliverables

Timeframe

Undertakes and assist with needs assessment and situation analysis, prioritization of programme interventions and planning conducted.

Undertakes field visits to existing project areas, to assess local conditions and monitor progress. Collect information, identify problems constraints in order to ensure effective project delivery.

Ensure application of standards, guidelines and good practices for child protection in emergency related activities.

Participate in discussion with government or other local authorities, partners to advocate and assist counterparts in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of assistance and coordination.

Monthly work plans will be agreed upon between the consultant and the supervisor at the beginning of the month. Monthly reports will be submitted

Monthly

Travel Required: Yes    

Estimated number of days of travel: travel will be covered by the Commissariat and will be required throughout the country.

Workplace of Consultant:

Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, Belgrade

Qualifications required, specialised knowledge, specialised skills and work experience required for this assignment

Advanced university degree in Social Sciences or other related field

At least 5 years of experience in social development planning and management in child protection and/other related areas is required, at least two of which field based dealing with large-scale emergencies or displaced/refugee situations. Relevant experience in child protection and related areas, program/project development and management is required.

Knowledge and experience in application of international technical guidelines and standards in Child Protection.

Fluency in English and Serbian required.

Sound judgement is required in follow-up on requests; high degree of accuracy is important. Ability to meet tight deadlines through excellent time management, organization and multi-tasking skills.

The application must include the following:

1. Daily rate in RSD

Important note: Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. UNICEF is a non-smoking environment. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply.