UNICEF Child Protection Specialist – Female Genital Mutilation

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights, save lives, and help children reach their full potential. As a leading global organization dedicated to child welfare, UNICEF is committed to creating a world where every child can thrive.

Position Overview:

UNICEF is seeking a dedicated and experienced Child Protection Specialist with expertise in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevention to join their team in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is critical in accelerating efforts to abandon FGM and other harmful practices affecting children worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Development and Management:

• – Design and implement programs focused on preventing harmful practices, especially FGM
• – Develop program proposals and secure funding
• – Create monitoring tools to track program results
• – Align child protection initiatives with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan and international standards
• – Set specific goals, objectives, and strategies for the FGM prevention sector
• – Ensure compliance with results-based planning methodologies

2. Thought Leadership and Strategic Direction:

• – Provide strategic guidance for UNICEF’s global initiatives on FGM elimination
• – Develop and strengthen inter-agency guidelines and tools
• – Offer technical advice to management on FGM-related issues
• – Contribute to global strategies and policies on harmful practices prevention

3. Partnership Building and Representation:

• – Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders
• – Represent UNICEF in global forums related to FGM and child protection
• – Collaborate with various UNICEF sections, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations

4. Research and Innovation:

• – Advance research on FGM prevention and response
• – Promote innovative approaches to accelerate FGM abandonment
• – Support capacity building by disseminating best practices
• – Ensure research findings inform program design and implementation

5. Technical Support and Capacity Building:

• – Provide technical guidance to regional and country offices
• – Develop training materials and conduct workshops on FGM prevention
• – Support the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM across 17 countries

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• – Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises
• – Prepare detailed program reports and analyze results
• – Contribute to knowledge management and information sharing on FGM prevention

Requirements:

Education:

• – Advanced University degree (Master’s or higher) in international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, social work, gender studies, international law, or related social science field

Experience:

• – Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in FGM prevention and response programming
• – Experience working in developing countries
• – Proven track record in gender transformative programming

Skills and Competencies:

• – Strong communication and writing skills, including report writing and presentations
• – In-depth knowledge of latest developments and issues related to FGM and gender
• – Experience in child protection program development and management
• – Proficiency in designing, implementing, and monitoring program results
• – Fluency in English; knowledge of another UN language or local language is an asset
• – Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively
• – Innovation mindset and ability to embrace change
• – Strategic thinking and results-oriented approach

Desirable Qualifications:

• – Experience in a UN agency or international development organization
• – Knowledge of UNICEF’s mandate and child protection strategies
• – Familiarity with results-based management and planning

What UNICEF Offers:

• – Competitive salary and benefits package
• – Opportunity to make a significant impact on child welfare globally
• – Professional development and learning opportunities
• – Diverse and inclusive work environment
• – Flexible working arrangements
• – Paid parental leave and family-friendly policies

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications through UNICEF’s online recruitment system. Please include a detailed CV and cover letter explaining your motivation and how your skills align with the position requirements.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

Note: UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All communications from UNICEF will come from official @unicef.org email addresses.

Join UNICEF and be part of a global team working to protect children’s rights and create a better future for every child!

For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit www.unicef.org.