State Child Protection Consultants at UNICEF Nigeria

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria is supporting the Government of Nigeria to strengthen prevention of and response all forms of violence against children. In particular, assistance will be provided to strengthen the child protection system, including through modelling the system in four States, in order to demonstrate the impact of a well-functioning child protection system, to develop a common model for operationalizing the Child Rights Act at State level and to develop standardized tools, including regulations, working protocols and training manuals to govern the system.

If you are a passionate and committed professional and want to make a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: State Child Protection Consultant

Ref No: VN-NGR-462015
Locations: Imo and Ekiti
Level: NOB
Type of Appointment: Special Service Agreement (SSA) for 11.5 months

Purpose of the consultancy
To work in close collaboration with UNFPA state level focal officers to lead the development, implementation and monitoring of state and local government areas action plans on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting abandonment aligned to the national policy and strategy on FGM/C abandonment in Nigeria.

Major Tasks to be Accomplished

• Support UNICEF Child Protection Specialists (Abuja, Enugu and Lagos) in the implementation of the UNFPA/UNICEF joint Programme on FGM/C abandonment in four states (Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo and Lagos).
• Develop and implement an FGM/C abandonment action plan linked to the national implementation strategy and state and LGA action plans (LGA action plan will be required only where there is significant difference in the social norms to be changed in a particular LGA as indicated in the assessment report).
• Implement (and document results) an aggressive, consistent and branded FGMIC abandonment communication initiative in at least 70 per cent of the FGM/C endemic communities engaging all groups.
• Work with relevant ministries, agencies, departments and civil society organizations to include FGM/C awareness in relevant programmes and events.
• Support the design of appropriate and appealing messages and materials on mass media, Interpersonal Communication and/or advocacy initiatives and ensure that FGM/C abandonment-related promotional materials and services help facilitate social norm change.
• Monitor, report and adjust the FGM/C Abandonment Action plan and program as needed, with evidence.

Minimum Qualification

• University degree/diploma in social/behavioural sciences (Health education, Sociology, Anthropology).
• Three years progressively responsible work experience in planning and management of social development programmes at community level.
• Proven skills in partnership building, networking, advocacy, negotiation and organising campaigns and special events, especially around social norm changes.
• Good understanding and experience in the field of social norms, gender and gender based violence, community dynamics.
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral forms.
• Knowledge of issues related to violence against children and child protection is required
• Leadership and participation in previous assignment and in capacity similar or higher than this assignment
• Expertise in community mobilization and engagements, and sociocultural relations in the selected areas.
• Proven ability to work independently
• Fluency in English- and local language of respective state of assignment.
• Computer skills, including various office applications and internet navigation skills

Application Closing Date
Tuesday, 16th June, 2015.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidate should submit their application, accompanied by an updated CV in English and a completed United Nations Personal History Form to: [email protected]

Click Here to Download the United Nations Personal History Form

Note: UNICEF a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women are strongly encouraged to apply. Zero tolerance of sexual abuse and exploitation is our policy.