Turkey: Child Protection Officer, NOB, Ankara (For Turkish nationals only)

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

In line with its global mandate and Strategic Plan, UNICEF has been long advocating globally for the gender equality. Therefore, UNICEF has been working on gender focused and gender mainstreamed programmes by supporting partners at local and central level. UNICEF is also active member of UN Gender Result Group through which gender priorities are further advanced by respective UN agencies.

UNICEF in a collaboration with UN Women, UNFPA, IOM and UNCHR and in light of the recommendation of the RC Office and the UN Result Group on Gender, developed the “Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Turkey Programme” which will be implemented with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency in 12 provinces over a period of three years. The Programme, to be led by UNICEF, is aimed at consolidating an enabling environment for ending child, early and forced marriages in Turkey and promoting social norms conducive to gender equality. The outcomes of the proposed Joint Programme on CEFM are: (a) an enabling environment to end child marriage by strengthening child protection mechanisms is in place, (b) favorable social norms and attitudes towards ending CEFM are increased at national and community levels.

Purpose for the job: The Child Protection Officer reports to the Child Protection Officer (NOB) for supervision and will be responsible to assist in the coordination all aspects related to the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Joint Programme. The officer will also be responsible to perform any other tasks to accelerate the gender equality and girls’ empowerment agenda as directed by the Supervisor.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Support to program development and planning

2. Program management, coordination monitoring and delivery of results.

3. Technical and operational support to program implementation

4. Networking and partnership building

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

· Research and report on best and cutting edge practices for development planning of knowledge products and systems.

· Participate as resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.

Core Values

Core competencies

Functional Competencies:

Education:

A University Degree in one of the following fields is required: international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law or another relevant social science field.

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in gender programming, planning and management at the international and/or in a developing country is required. Relevant experience in joint programme management on gender and related areas, program/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset. Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is an added advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Turkish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=514093