NGO JOBS

I. Background of the assignment

In line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1612 (UNSCR 1612), the United Nations in Iraq are mandated to report on child rights violations committed in the context of the armed conflict following the listing of Al-Qaida in Iraq in the UN Secretary General annual report on Children and Armed Conflict in 2008. A full monitoring and reporting mechanism (MRM) on grave violations was set-up to document, report, prevent and respond to such violations as well as to engage and to maintain dialogue with parties to halt grave violations. In March 2009 the MRM Country Task Force led by UNICEF and UNAMI was established, complemented by a Technical Working Group (TWG) formed of a small number of UN agencies and non-governmental NGOs. The TWG has since followed the monitoring activities carried out by some 400 MRM Focal Points trained on the MRM throughout the country.

Since then the MRM implementation has faced multiple challenges that have hindered a systematic documentation of violations, their follow-up as well as a fruitful engagement with parties. For many years, the presence of UN agencies and INGOs in Iraq had been minimal, and the support to and the engagement with counterparts has been minimal. The security has been a constant challenge and the involvement of humanitarian partners limited. This consultancy aims at supporting UNICEF and its partners to review the current set-up of the MRM in Iraq, to review existing working tools, technically support the development of awareness sessions and training for counterparts and staff as well as assist with the mobilization of humanitarian and protection partners that can contribute to the full implementation of the MRM.

II. Purpose of the assignment

The purpose of the assignment is to reinforce UNICEF capacity to lead and support a full-fledge Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism in line with provisions of UNSCRs 1612, 1882 and 1998. The consultant will be responsible for directing, supervising and monitoring UNICEF MRM programme with a strong emphasize on building the capacity of UNICEF staff to lead and implement the MRM programme activities.

III. Justification and objectives

Under the guidance of the Chief of Section (Child Protection Programme), the consultant will be responsible for leading the full implementation of the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism in Iraq. This will entail the overall direction, monitoring and evaluation of activities including those of UNICEF implementing partners, the review / development of working tools, the support to capacity building initiatives, and the delivery of timely and quality reports. The consultant will be supported by Child Protection programme staff.The consultant will have a demonstrated experience in leading MRM interventions for UNICEF or other UN agencies. S/he will have also strong abilities to mentor UNICEF staff and to support inter-agencies collaboration and joint-programming.

V. Methodology

The consultant is expected to work closely with UNICEF Child Protection officers in ICO and ZO as well as to actively engage with other protection actors, including but not exclusive to those members of the MRM Country Task Force and the MRM Technical Working Group. S/he is also expected to provide close guidance and support to UNICEF implementing partners including the review of technical documents and field activities. While high-level engagement with governmental partners is to be managed by UNICEF Child Protection Chief, Deputy Representative and Representative, the consultant is to establish / reinforce working level contacts and assist with the development of strategic interventions. S/he will also lead the development of technical documents and reports in line with worldwide MRM agreed standards.

VI. Travel required:

The consultant is expected to visit UNICEF zonal offices in Iraq (Erbil, Basra and Baghdad) as well as other governorates as security and logistics permits.

VII. Support provided by UNICEF

Introduction to key partners and networks playing a role in information collection and response;

Guidance on programming environment and political context;Introduction to MRM working tools

Qualifications and/or experience required for the assignment

• Advance University Degree in Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Education or other related field.• Relevant professional experience in the field of social work and child protection (minimum 5 years).• Knowledge of the latest developments technology and trends in child rights, human rights, child protection, children in armed conflict, emergency and humanitarian affairs.• Knowledge of Mechanism for Monitoring and Reporting on grave child rights violations as outlined in the Security Council Resolution 1612.• Experience of child protection work generally, and monitoring and reporting particularly. • Experience of working with UNICEF is an advantage.• Experience of working in the Middle East is an advantage.• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.• Ability to engage and form effective working relationships with counterparts and beneficiaries is essential.• Writing and analytical skills. • Fluency in English; ability to speak and write Arabic an advantage.• Strong skills in interpersonal relations, networking and communication.• Computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point and other).

VIII. Proposed payment schedule Monthly upon submission of progress reports to supervisor.