Child Protection Officer (Community –based and social change)

Child Protection Officer (Community –based and social change) Category and Grade Level: National Officer – NOB IMIS NO: 72325 Type of Contract: Fixed Term – 1 Year Organization Unit: Child Protection Duty Station: UNICEF Somalia - (Bossaso) Date of Issue: 22 September 2011 Closing date of Application: 10 October 2011 If you are qualified Somali National looking for a chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Somali children while gaining opportunities for career growth, you are invited to apply for the above post of Child Protection Officer (Community –based and social change), with UNICEF Somalia, North East Zone Programme to be based in Bosasso. If successful, you’ll be part of a dynamic and passionate team in Somalia and Nairobi that works together to improve the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and basic education of Somali girls and boys and protect them from violence, exploitation and abuse. Purpose of the Post: Under the general supervision of Zonal Head of Child Protection Section, and in close coordination with the Child Protection Chief in USSC, the Community-based Child Protection/ Social change Officer is accountable for provision of technical support and assistance in the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of child protection activities in the areas of community mobilization and social change with focus on FGM. Major duties and responsibilities: 1. Programme design, management and technical support Provide technical support and assistance in the development, management and facilitation of the implementation of the workplan for the community-based child protection and social change, and activities addressing FGM through promotion of social change in protective practice i. In light of UNICEF priorities and mandate, the Community-based Child Protection and social change Officer contributes to the development, manages and facilitates the implementation of community based child protection and social change strategy and plans of action aimed at families and communities, government counterparts and service providers through: (a) mobilization and behavior change addressing harmful traditional practice with focus on FGM and other forms of violation at individual/household level; (b) mobilization of civil society organizations around identified areas of works; and (c) increased community participation in child protection programmes. ii. Ensure that existing community based child protection actors and structures in targeted regions/districts are increasingly accountable to the government and follow government led policies and standards iii. Manage the process of financial and narrative reporting and accountability of partners and the identification and use of appropriate funds at the zonal level. 2. Capacity building support Develop training materials and activities to build capacity of government and civil society for participatory planning and behavior change communication i. Provide technical support to the development of training materials on community mobilization and harmful traditional practice in collaboration with relevant authorities and partners for community representatives, child protection networks, government counterparts promoting protective environment for children. ii. Build the capacity of community-based partners and networks in child protection within the identified technical areas of responsibilities. 3. Coordination and collaboration with the government and partners Facilitate effective coordination within UNICEF sectoral programmes, government counterparts and other partners particularly partners in the development, management and strategic use of the community child protection and social change strategies and interventions in the identified areas of responsibilities i. Liaise and coordinates with government counterparts and other relevant partners in the development, provision of technical support and appropriate use of community mobilization and communication strategies for child protection aimed at both individual and collective social and behavioral change. ii. Provide assistance and support to government officials, community leaders, UN, and bilateral agencies and NGOs in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of realization of sustainable and adequate abandonment of traditional harmful practices affecting women & children and creating protective environment for children. 4. Monitoring and evaluation Monitor and evaluate programme activities and prepare monitoring and evaluation reports. Exchange findings, experiences, lessons learned and new methods with partners. i. Monitor and evaluate project activities on the basis of the annual work-plan and frequent visits to project sites to ensure greater accountability in the use of resources, greater focus on results and promotion of institutional learning & knowledge. Make corrective actions, when necessary, to meet project objectives and priorities ii. Prepare monitoring reports in accordance with the established guidelines, methods and procedures. Provide technical advice to partners, government officials and other counterparts on community-based child protection and social and behavioral change on FGM and other violations , to ensure better coordination, more focus on results and improvement of deliverables iii. Disseminate findings, and ensure sharing of experience, lessons learned, best practices, and new methods to government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners. Qualifications, Experience and Attributes a) University degree in the social/behavioral sciences or other related fields. b) At least two years of experience at professional level one of which should be in implementing projects in the areas of community mobilization, social development and specific experience in managing FGM programme preferably for a UN or international organization. c) High sense of integrity and Results oriented d) Ability to work independently and accurately. e) Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information. f) Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications. g) Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral form. h) Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization. i) Fluency in English is and Somali languages (written and oral) required. Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications with updated UN Personal History Form (P.11), updated CV, copies of academic certificates to the email address below. UN staff are requested to provide at least two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs). Please quote the vacancy number in your application. somaliahrvacancies@unicef.org Only short-listed applicants will be contacted