Syria: Child Protection Advisor

ITF seeks to support the resilience of communities in NES by reducing risks to peace and security. Since 2019, ITF has been supporting protection and food security/livelihoods programs in NES to increase the civilian population’s security by protecting lives, civilian infrastructure, and productive assets, and supporting livelihoods and income generation. Since 2021, ITF has also been supporting a program promoting the reintegration and protection of children impacted by the conflict in NES.

The ITF CPA is anticipated to be an expert in child rights and global child protection systems with experience in the Middle Eastern, and particularly the NES context. The ITF CPA will be responsible for closely coordinating all activities with project partners and collaborating with a variety of other stakeholders, including international and local NGOs, human rights organizations, and relevant working groups. They will offer technical expertise and will liaise and advocate with local authorities in joint efforts with other team members and partners, all to develop and implement protection frameworks supporting the rights of children in NES.

They will bring a wealth of experience to the role, having successfully delivered high-quality programs and technical support across various countries and contexts. Their expertise lies in capacity building for child protection, encompassing a deep understanding of principles, practices, and policy priorities related to child protection. This includes proficiency in areas such as child protection system strengthening, and a sound knowledge of policy development and research. The candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to build relationships and engage with decision-makers to influence positive change.

The main responsibilities include:

Research, Assessment & Planning:

• Review existing issues, map relevant actors, and conduct thorough research on specific child protection issues in NES, relevant to the program, while staying updated on regional and global best practices.
• In coordination with the program MHPSS Lead, conduct additional assessments to identify child protection needs, risks, and vulnerabilities in NES, as necessary and as related to the program.
• In collaboration with the project team, develop and implement comprehensive child protection plans, ensuring alignment with international standards and local context.

Policy Design & Development:

• Formulate and contribute to the development of child protection and child rights policies, strategies, and guidelines, taking into account the specific challenges and opportunities in NES as they relate to the program.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders (local, international), including global human rights organizations, sector working groups, other organizations active in NES, and the project team, to ensure that child protection policies align with national and international legal frameworks and standards.

Internal Coordination:

• Work closely with the project team and partners to integrate child protection considerations into overall programming and operations, including liaison with the local authorities.
• Provide guidance and support to the project team to ensure the effective implementation and streamlining of child protection activities across the program activities.
• Foster a collaborative culture and an approach focused on child rights within the organization and the broader project team.

External Coordination & Advocacy:

• In coordination with the project team, represent the organization and program in relevant child protection coordination forums, ensuring active participation and contribution.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including local authorities, local and international NGOs and international organizations, UN agencies, sector working groups (Protection Working Group, CAAC Task Force), NES NGO Forum, and others to promote collaboration and information sharing.
• Collaborate with local authorities, partners, and other stakeholders to identify gaps in existing child protection systems and contribute expertise to the development of effective solutions.
• Engage proactively with local authorities to advocate for the development and implementation of robust child protection policies, frameworks, and initiatives in alignment with international standards and national legal frameworks.
• Provide advisory support on child rights issues, offering expert insights to local authorities in the creation of policies that safeguard and promote the rights of children and are informed by local context.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to enhance the understanding of child rights among local authorities, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor and assess the implementation of child protection policies, providing feedback to local authorities and recommending improvements based on best practices and evolving needs.
• In collaboration with the project team, prepare comprehensive and timely reports and attend meetings to report on child protection activities, outcomes, and impact, as well as assist in the development of A strong and transparent relationship with the donor.

Technical Support:

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to the project team in the streamlining of child protection systems and policies within the project activities.
• As necessary, collaborate with the project team to conduct capacity-building initiatives for staff, partners, and other stakeholders on child protection principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Ensure the integration of innovative and evidence-based approaches in child protection programming.
• Support the development of new child protection initiatives based on actual needs in NES.

The above responsibilities are a general guideline and may need to be customized based on the specific requirements of the organization or the program, and the evolving context in NES.

Experience and Technical Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as social work, child protection, human rights, or international development.
• Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in child protection or child rights programming, with a focus on policy development and advocacy.
• In-depth knowledge of child protection issues in conflict and post-conflict settings, with particular emphasis on the specific context in NES.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations and strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective coordination and advocacy.
• A successful track record of building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and other advocacy organizations.
• Ability to establish trust and credibility through consistent and transparent communication.
• Proven ability to communicate complex issues clearly, concisely, and compellingly.
• Ability to navigate political sensitivities and negotiate effectively to garner support for the advocacy cause.
• Flexibility and preparedness to address unexpected challenges or crises that may arise during the advocacy process.
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a cross-cultural team.
• Ability to work away from home within remote environments and sometimes insecure field locations.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, and knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish is an asset.
• Strong leadership, team building, and communication skills.
• Previous experience working in NES is a strong asset. Regional experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, proactive approach, and flexibility.

We Offer:

• A 10-month contract (extension contingent on funding and performance) with flexible working arrangements (hybrid work, part-time work, consultancy all considered).
• Competitive remuneration.
• Accommodation provided.
• Work in a growing organization, which allows for a lot of flexibility and influence in shaping future humanitarian programming.
• Insurance as per industry standards.

How to Apply: 

All interested candidates are requested to submit their CVs (no more than two pages) and Cover Letter (no more than one page) with two references (at least one from the last employer/supervisor) to info@itf.si and katarina.cvikl-balic@itf.si prior to the closing date on 30 November 2023. Please state “Application: Child Protection Advisor” in the email subject line.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews are expected to be held on a rolling basis. ITF reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ITF staff must comply with ITF Code of Conduct and relevant Safeguarding and Anti-Corruption Policies. As part of the recruitment process, ITF conducts anti-terror checks, which is a prerequisite for employment.