The child right to live in a protective environment free from violence and abuse is one of the fundamental child rights. The Government of Serbia has identified the protection of children against violence and further advancements of the child protection system as ones of its priorities in the context of advancing child rights. In 2020, the Republic of Serbia has adopted a Strategy on Prevention and Protection of Children from Violence (2020-2023) followed by the adoption of General VAC (violence against children) protocol in 2022. The General VAC Protocol provides a framework for establishing an effective, operational, cross-sectoral network for the protection of children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. To ensure the smooth implementation and maximum efficiency of intersectoral cooperation is achieved within the processes of child protection, the General VAC Protocol prescribes the development of special sectoral protocols, that will be an effective tool for certain systems in addressing cases of suspected violence against children (social welfare, health, education, etc.), and aligned with the basic principles and guidelines from the General VAC Protocol. Internal procedures within the system and within respective institutions shall be regulated by Special protocol(s).

Work Assignment Overview:

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide support to UNICEF in assisting the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs (MoLEVSA) in the development of a new Special Protocol for the protection of children from violence in the field of social protection (hereinafter the Special Protocol) which will be harmonized with the General VAC protocol for the protection of children from violence, including paying special attention to the specifics of protective mechanisms when it comes to age, gender, health and other relevant factors and vulnerabilities of children. The consultant will work in close coordination with the MoLEVSA and UNICEF, and will provide direct expert assistance in the preparation of the Special Protocol to the Working Group (WG), which will be formed and chaired by the Ministry. The consultant will attend and actively participate in the meetings of the WG (minimum 3), and in accordance with its’ conclusions and agreements, s/he will formulate drafts of the document and create a final draft proposal that the WG will finally submit to the Ministry for approval.

Duration of the assignment: April – June 2024 (part-time, remote, up to 15 workdays)

Task description:

1. Prepare the initial framework for the development of a new Social Welfare VAC Protocol (identification of key segments/aspects) as a basis for the work of the Working Group.
2. Active participation in Working Group meetings (up to 5), preparation of the zero- and improved drafts of the text of the new protocol, collection of additional inputs/opinions and electronic exchange of information with members of the Working Group as needed.
3. Preparation of the final proposal of the new Special VAC Protocol in the social welfare system, on the basis of the WG agreed position, which will be submitted to the Ministry for approval.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• University degree in a wide range of social and humanistic fields (law, social work, psychology, sociology, pedagogy, etc.).
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in child protection field, including with focus on prevention and protection of children from violence.
• Proven evidence on experience in development of relevant policies/regulations (please provide at least 3 references/documents).
• Knowledge on the national child protection/VAC context.
• Knowledge on key international child rights standards, including in prevention and protection of children from violence.
• Very good teamwork skills.
• Fluency in Serbian, written and spoken.

How to apply:

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing a separate fee for each of the 3 deliverables:

1. Task 1,
2. Task 2,
3. Task 3.

Important notes:

• Please do not forget to specify your name in the financial proposal file while saving (to be uploaded online under the “Financial Proposal” tab).
• Please do not indicate financials anywhere else in the online application form, please mark “n/a” or “00” under the fee-related questions in the online application form.
• Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

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