The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) operates in some of the most challenging environments worldwide, focusing on reaching vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Their mission is to protect children’s lives, advocate for their rights, and support their growth and development. With operations in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF is committed to working for every child, every day, to help build a better world for all.
Position Available:
Job Title: National Consultant for the Development and Validation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Handover Protocol, and Training Military Personnel on the SOPs
Job ID: 575717
Location: Abuja
Contract Type: Consultancy
Categories: Child Protection
Scope of Work:
This consultancy aims to streamline the processes involved when children, encountered in armed conflict situations, are placed under military administrative custody. The objectives include:
Ensuring child protection actors have full and unimpeded access to children held by Nigerian Security Agencies.
Releasing all children from administrative custody within seven days and transferring them to civilian child protection authorities for reintegration.
Guaranteeing that the treatment of children in custody aligns with international standards and child rights frameworks.
Responsibilities:
The Consultant, under the guidance of the UNICEF Child Protection Chief, and in coordination with the Child Protection Manager in Maiduguri and the Child Protection Officer in Abuja, will undertake the following:
Develop an inception report outlining the methodology, data collection approach, and available resources.
Facilitate workshops with the inter-Government and UN Taskforce on the Handover Protocol, as well as military officials, to discuss the contents of the SOPs.
Draft SOPs that provide child protection authorities access to Nigerian Security Agency facilities where children are held.
Develop SOPs that detail the transfer of children from military custody to civilian authorities.
Create SOPs outlining the treatment of children in military custody, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Conduct a validation workshop with relevant government and military stakeholders to review and approve the developed SOPs.
Train military personnel on the finalized SOPs and the minimum standards required for the treatment of children in detention.
Travel to field locations, including Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, to gather information and conduct training sessions for the military.
Key Deliverables:
Inception report detailing the proposed approach, literature review, and existing protocols.
Workshops with stakeholders to discuss the SOPs.
SOPs for access to children held in Nigerian Security Agency facilities.
SOPs for the transfer of children from military custody to civilian authorities.
SOPs for the treatment of children in military custody.
A validation workshop with military and government stakeholders to finalize the SOPs.
A comprehensive training package and rollout plan, along with training sessions for military personnel on the SOPs and minimum standards for children in detention.
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:
A Bachelor’s degree or background in international development, international relations, conflict studies, or international law.
At least 5 years of experience working in relevant areas such as child protection, civil-military relations, or international law.
Ability to manage various stakeholder expectations, including government officials, while adhering to strict deadlines. Experience with the Nigerian military is a plus.
Strong understanding of national and international Child Rights legislation and frameworks.
Previous experience working in Northeast Nigeria, with excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English.
Experience working in developing countries or emergency contexts is advantageous.
Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of another official UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
Application Deadline: October 7th, 2024.
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online.
