Child Protection Associate (Tunis & Zarzis)

Functional Responsibilities:

Purpose for the job:

The Child Protection Associate reports to the Child Protection Officer for close guidance and supervision.

The Child Protection Associate provides 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.

Technical and operational support to child protection programme implementation

• Conduct Best Interest assessments (BIA) of child protection cases, integrating multi-sectoral perspectives and protection-specific assessments to inform case plans.
• Actively participate in Case Conferences and Best Interest Determination (BID) panels, drafting necessary documentation to support decision-making processes.
• Implement child protection Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and ensure effective referral mechanisms to key services are in place and regularly updated.
• Maintain and update child case files in databases, ensuring compliance with UN standards for confidentiality and data protection.
• Assist in the opening and running of children’s clubs in the shelters.
• Monitor and support appropriate care arrangements for unaccompanied and separated children, facilitating referrals to relevant partners to establish family linkages.
• Engage children, youth, and communities actively in the implementation of child protection activities, providing them with information about available services and monitoring their needs to inform operational responses.
• Collaborate with children, youth, and community members to identify and develop community-based child protection initiatives that enhance local resilience.
• Ensure strict adherence to UNICEF’s child protection policies, including commitments to age, gender, diversity (AGD), accountability to affected populations (AAP), gender-based violence (GBV), gender equality, disability inclusion, and youth empowerment.

Partnership, Networking, and Capacity Building

• Assist in Child Protection inter-agency coordination efforts, contributing to information management, reporting and collaborative strategies.
• Perform other related duties as required, contributing to the overall mission of UNICEF in protecting the rights and well-being of children.

Impact Result:

The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Child Protection Associate to programme implementation, contributes to achieving 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.

Child Safeguarding

Child safeguarding involves proactive measures to limit direct and indirect collateral risks of harm to children, arising from UNICEF’s work, UNICEF personnel, or UNICEF associates. The risks may include those associated with physical violence (including corporal punishment); sexual violence, exploitation, or abuse; emotional and verbal abuse; economic exploitation; failure to provide for physical or psychological safety; neglect of physical, emotional or psychological needs; harmful cultural practices; and privacy violations. The incumbent to this role is expected to have special responsibilities in managing child safeguarding risks and in taking appropriate measures to prevent any harm to children. The role has the potential to particularly affect children, (i) because the incumbent will be working closely with children; (ii) with their data; (iii) because the children’s background or situation makes them vulnerable; or (iv) the role may entail responsibilities in reporting and responding to child safeguarding concerns. The position is considered as an “elevated risk role” and the appointee will be subject to a more rigorous vetting and training.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education:

• A high school diploma is mandatory
• A bachelor’s degree is desirable in Law, Social Sciences, Community Dvpt/Social Work or Human Rights from a recognized academic institution is a strong asset and may substitute for 4 years of the required years of experience
• A Master’s degree is highly desirable in Law, Social Sciences, Community Dvpt/Social Work or Human Rights from a recognized academic institution is a strong asset and may substitute the required years of experience

Experience:

• 6 years of relevant working experience for holders of a High School Diploma are required ,
• 2 years for holders of a Bachelor Degree are required,
• 1 year is desirable for holders of a Master Degree in a relevant field.
• Previous work experience relevant to the function of child protection in a local context and having experience in the field of child protection prevention and response, broader protection, or social work involving the empowerment of women and girls, gender, child protection, mental health, counseling and working with survivors, humanitarian and development issues is required.
• Skills and experience in interviewing and working with children and families including child protection case management will be an advantage.

Language:

• Proficiency in Arabic, and French and working knowledge in English is required.

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We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. Click apply and join us!

Remarks: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.