Organization: UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund
Location: Ankara
Grade: Junior level – NO-B, National Professional Officer – Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Children’s rights (health and protection)
Protection Officer (Refugee)
Closing Date: 2024-06-12
If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, education
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
How can you make a difference?
The Child Protection Officer will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and achieving the planned results and activities as outlined in the programme entitled “Improving the Capacity of Lawyers and Bar Associations to Promote, Protect and Monitor Children’s Rights” (hereinafter ‘ÇABA Project’) as well as the “Legal Aid, Empowerment and Protection for EQ survivors” (hereinafter ‘LEAP Programme’) which will be implemented in close collaboration with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (UTBA). S/he will also assist and contracting the IPA-funded initiative entitled “Protective and Restorative Approaches for Children in the Judicial System (PRAC)” in partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Justice Academy of Türkiye (JAT).
The above mentioned projects in partnership with the EUD is in line with the RWP with UTBA and contributing to two critical actions i) improving the capacity of lawyers and Bar Associations to promote, protect and monitor child rights’; and ii) to provide free legal aid for the EQ survivors.
S/he will primarily work in close cooperation with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (UTBA) and Local Bar Associations as well as other relevant partners including MoJ, JAT, civil society, academia and the media.
The Child Protection Officer will also provide professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for the child protection programmes/projects through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development and formulation of the Child Protection Programme within the Country Programme.
The Child Protection Officer reports to the Child Protection Specialist for supervision. The Child Protection Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for child protection programmes/projects within the Country Programme from development planning to delivery of results. H/She prepares, executes, manages, and implements a variety of technical and administrative programme tasks to facilitate programme development, implementation, programme progress monitoring, evaluating and reporting.
Key Function, Accountabilities, and Related Duties/Tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
1. Support to programme development and planning
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation
4. Networking and partnership building
5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
1- Support to Programme Development and Planning
Provide technical, operational and administrative support for the Implementation of the LEAP, ÇABA and PRAC initiatives.
In line with the results of the foregoing initiatives, support programme development and planning on training programme for lawyers as well as guidance documents for child rights centers (to be established at local Bar Associations).
Ensure good planning, smooth implementation and quality technical support to all activities involving curriculum development, policy proposals, research and knowledge concerning the initiatives.
Contribute to the development and establishment of sectoral programme goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning through research, analysis and reporting of child protection and other related information for development planning and priority and goal setting.
Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevancy of information.
Conduct and update the situation analysis for the development, design and management of child protection related programmes/projects. Research and report on development trends (e.g. economic, social, health) and data for use in programme development, management, monitoring, evaluation and delivery of results.
Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming
processes by executing and administering a variety of technical, programme, operational, and administrative transactions, preparing related materials and documentation, and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support programme planning, results-based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluating of results.
Prepare required programme documentation, materials and data to facilitate the programme review and approval process.
2- Programme Management, Monitoring, and Delivery of Results
Ensure that the foregoing initiatives are planned and managed in a timely and diligent manner and represent UNICEF in the Project Steering Committee Meetings.
Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss implementation issues, provide solutions, recommendations and/or to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decisions. Keep records of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts to assess programmes/projects, and to report on required action/interventions at the higher level of programme management.
Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verifying compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations, procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on critical issues and findings to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
Prepare regular and mandated sectoral programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.
Prepare inputs for programme and donor reporting.
3- Technical and Operational Support to Programme Implementation
Conduct regular programme field visits and surveys and exchange information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support. Take appropriate action to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices in child protection, to support programme implementation.
Where necessary, provide support to overall oversight for the A2J agenda in Türkiye.
4- Networking and Partnership Building
Support the establishment of a proper network between all the stakeholders, particularly among lawyers, Bar Associations, MoJ and academia, in line with the outcomes of the LEAP Initiative, PRAC and ÇABA Project.
Build and sustain close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain results on child protection.
Participate in inter-agency meetings/events on programming to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF operational planning and preparation of child protection programmes/projects, and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF’s position and strategies with UNDAF development and planning processes.
Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.
Draft communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for child protection programmes.
5- Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building
Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.
Apply innovative approaches and promote good practices to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
Research and report on best and cutting edge practices for development planning of knowledge products and systems.
Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders.
The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Child Protection Officer to programme preparation, planning and implementation, contributes to the achievement of sustainable results to create a protective environment for children against harm and all forms of violence, and ensures their survival, development and well-being in society. Success in child protection programmes and projects in turn contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide programme services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
The following minimum requirements:
Education: A university degree in law is required. Additional educational degrees in human rights, social work, psychology, sociology, international law, or another relevant social science field are considered a strong asset.
Work Experience: A minimum of two years of professional experience in legal services (preferably as a registered lawyer) and proven work and management of projects (preferably of EU funded) with/for children and is required.
Experience in planning and management in child protection-related areas is considered an asset.
Relevant experience in programme development in child protection related areas in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is considered an asset.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Turkish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.