Coordinator – Safe Schools Declaration Implementation Network

The Opportunity

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as the Coordinator – Safe Schools Declaration Implementation Network in Geneva, Switzerland

ROLE PURPOSE:

At the Third International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration held in Spain in 2019, Norway announced that it would establish a State-led Implementation Network for the Declaration. The aim was to create a network of endorsing states and strengthen implementation of the Declaration through support, cooperation, and sharing of good practice.

The (Guidelines) has provided important guidance to all parties to armed conflict in better protecting education institutions and preventing them from becoming targets for opposing forces. Considerable progresshas been made in implementing the Declaration, saving lives and protecting the right to education.

From February -September 2021, three virtual consultations were held with endorsing states to elicit their input on the Implementation Network. In addition, a collaborative online platformwas set up to foster a community of practice and enhance peer-to-peer learning guided by the needs expressed by states. During the spring of 2021, Spain organized a virtual global training on the Safe Schools Declaration, targeting conflict-affected endorsing states. Spain has committed to hosting future trainings which will be integrated into the activities of the implementation network.

At theFourth International Conference on the Safe Schools Declarationheld in October 2021, the Safe Schools Declaration Implementation Network was officially launched by Norway.

Expected Outcomes for the Safe Schools Declaration State-led Implementation Network:

The intended impact of the network is to support effective implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and achieve a significant reduction in attacks on education and military use of schools in armed conflicts worldwide. To attain this goal, the network is intended to achieve the following outcomes:

• Heightened attention to the widespread incidence of attacks on education which will serve as an impetus for action to protect education;
• Increased state ownership and leadership in implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, and strengthened accountability for states to meet their commitments in the Declaration;
• System-wide implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration across the policies and operational processes of relevant government ministries;
• Identification of national government focal points to coordinate and track implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and establish links across different ministries;
• Improved cooperation and coordination between ministries responsible for implementation, including Education, Defense and Foreign Affairs, and establishment of national coordination mechanisms;
• Development of national action plans and legislative measures, including military doctrines, to ensure implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration;
• Improved documentation and sharing of good practices in implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration; and

• Joint coordinated advocacy amongst members of the network to promote the Safe Schools Declaration at the UN Security Council and within other international organs and in international processes.

  The network will achieve these aims by:

• Facilitating discussion, technical cooperation and sharing of good practices on implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and the Guidelines between states;

• Further developing a platform for informal dialogue to discuss challenges in implementing the Safe Schools Declaration and the Guidelines, identify concrete solutions, and facilitate problem-solving exchanges;

• Promoting and strengthening gender-responsive implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and the Guidelines;

• Exerting peer-to-peer influence to encourage implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, and the sharing of experiences, particularly ahead of future international conferences on the Declaration;

• Encouraging and promoting data collection and reporting on implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration by states;

• Providing states with access to expert technical assistance and support, including training on implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and Guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters’ degree or equivalent in international relations, international human rights and humanitarian law or similar fields;
• Written and oral fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years’ experience working on education in emergencies, protection, or human rights issues;
• Knowledge of the Safe Schools Declaration and the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict;
• Experience in working with civil society, broad-based alliances and partnerships;
• Experience working with national governments; and
• Experience in event management, virtual meetings, and conference programme development.

Where we Work –Where We Work | Save the Children International

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers/apply

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.