UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
Organizational Context and Purpose for the job
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, advocacy and in operations. UNICEF's work is based on the need to address the impact of conflict and other phenomena affecting the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families and translate this commitment to children’s rights into action. UNICEF performs these tasks to give all children equal opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favouritism. This will ensure that every child has an equal chance in life. Moreover, UNICEF’s work 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 and in its Core Commitment for Children in the Humanitarian crisis.
In Afghanistan, more than forty years of conflict continue to undermine the rights of children to have access to their rights (Education, health, food, nutrition, protection etc) which adversely results in children and their families demonstrating Mental Health and Psychosocial disorders and challenge. The National Mental Health Survey and Assessment of Mental Health Services (2018) showed that the population of Afghanistan is very much exposed to traumatic events: 66% have personally experienced at least one traumatic event, and 77% witnessed such an event, for a total of 85% who have either personally experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. This is a very high number which is considered a risk for PTSD[1]. Irrespective of this alarming level of risk of PTSD in the country, the multiple levels of emergencies ranging from the conflict, which intensified in 2021, the COVID Pandemic and climate-related (storms, flooding, winter, drought, earthquake etc) emergencies result in further Mental Health and Psychosocial challenge for the population, including children. According to the 2018 National Mental Health Survey, 10 % of children were found to be impaired in their daily roles by a mental health problem as evaluated by their mother; 8% may qualify for a potential diagnosis[1].
In Afghanistan, more than forty years of conflict continue to undermine the rights of children to have access to their rights (Education, health, food, nutrition, protection etc) which adversely results in children and their families demonstrating Mental Health and Psychosocial disorders and challenge. The National Mental Health Survey and Assessment of Mental Health Services (2018) showed that the population of Afghanistan is very much exposed to traumatic events: 66% have personally experienced at least one traumatic event, and 77% witnessed such an event, for a total of 85% who have either personally experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. This is a very high number which is considered a risk for PTSD[1]. Irrespective of this alarming level of risk of PTSD in the country, the multiple levels of emergencies ranging from the conflict, which intensified in 2021, the COVID Pandemic and climate-related (storms, flooding, winter, drought, earthquake etc) emergencies result in further Mental Health and Psychosocial challenge for the population, including children. According to the 2018 National Mental Health Survey, 10 % of children were found to be impaired in their daily roles by a mental health problem as evaluated by their mother; 8% may qualify for a potential diagnosis[1].
In August 2021, approximately 750 vulnerable children received case management services from UNICEF and partners, of which over 230 UASC. The recent crises and the new control of the de facto new authority led to the evacuation of thousands of Afghanis including unaccompanied and separated children. At the request of its USG counterparts, UNICEF provided technical assistance with respect to UASC during the evacuation from 23 – 29 September, 165 unaccompanied and separated children were registered and provided care and support while waiting for evacuation. Of these, 148 travelled out and 17 children were reunified with families in Kabul. UNICEF's role focused on making recommendations for transfers based on the tracing information compiled through a best interest assessment process. The process will continue in Afghanistan and oversee to ensure that unaccompanied children and separated children including children on the move are provided with care and protection.
Moreover, due to the relocation of the national staff who are working on MRM outside the country and the scale-up programming for child protection in the current situation, the child protection programme will need to leverage more human resources with good expertise in current Afghanistan, expertise on MRM and emergency, in general, is critically needed specifically in the context of possibility for UNAMA to downsize or exit from the country.
Job organizational context: The CP Officer will focus on scaling up child protection responses including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Family tracing and Reunification (FTR) and alternative care as part of the UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme. S/He will be working across other sectors in UNICEF to ensure an integrated approach to emergency response and building elements of humanitarian and development nexus. The Officer will work to support UNICEF field Offices and partners on emergency work in general with a focus on MHPSS, FTR and alternative care. The Officer will contribute to the monitoring and reporting of the grave violations, establishment and or strengthening of the regional mechanisms, and capacity building of the extenders and partners on reporting and verification of cases.
Purpose of the job
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the chief of field office and the technical guidance of the chief of child protection and technical supervision of P4 MRM Specialist, the Officer Supports the development and preparation of the Child Protection programme(s) in the field and is responsible for the management, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of the child protection programmes/projects within the field offices, with focus on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Family tracing and Reunification, (FTR), Alternative Care and build up robust case management and information system component of the programme. The Officer provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes. H/She facilitates the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable contributions. Her/his leadership in both the AOR and the Case management He/she will ensure that children at risk and victims of violence, abuse and exploitation and unnecessary separation are supported through the UNICEF’s Programme in Afghanistan
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
1. Support programme/project development and planning
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation
4. Technical and operational support to programme implementation of MRM
5. Networking and partnership building
6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Impact of Results
The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of child protection programmes/projects and the achievement of sustainable results, contribute to the achievement of goals and objectives to create a protective environment for children against harm, and all forms of violence and ensures their survival, development and well being in society. Achievements in child protection programmes and projects in turn contribute 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.
UNICEF values and competency required for the post
Core Values
Core Competencies required
Education
A university degree in one of the following disciplines: international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law, or another relevant social science field.
Experience
A minimum of two years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection-related areas, with particular emphasis on MHPSS, is required.
Experience working in humanitarian contexts, particularly post-conflict and protracted humanitarian contexts.
Relevant experience in programme development in child protection-related areas in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is considered an added advantage.Language requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks:
UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to delivering the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable nationals of Afghanistan are encouraged to apply.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, e... Read More
