Child Protection Specialist (Level 3), Qamishli

About the role

UNICEF is recruiting a Child Protection Specialist (Level 3, fixed-term appointment) for its office in Qamishli, Syria. The specialist strengthens child protection systems and advances the rights of every child, especially the most vulnerable, through technical expertise, strategic engagement and programme leadership. The role works with government institutions, civil society, UN agencies and other partners to build sustainable national capacities and promote policies and services that protect children.

Key responsibilities

• Support the development, planning and implementation of child protection programmes that respond to children's needs and align with national priorities and UNICEF strategies.
• Lead programme monitoring, assess progress and results, identify challenges and recommend timely actions to strengthen effectiveness and accountability.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with governments, UN agencies, civil society and donors, and promote innovation, knowledge sharing and capacity development.

Required profile

• Master's degree or equivalent in international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law or another relevant social science field.
• At least five years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection-related areas.
• Fluency in English and Arabic; knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.
• Experience in a developing country, in a UN system agency, and in both development and humanitarian contexts is an asset.

Required skills

• Programme planning, project management, monitoring and evaluation, programme implementation and partnership building.
• Capacity building.
• UNICEF competencies: building partnerships, ethical awareness, drive for results, innovation, managing ambiguity, strategic thinking and collaboration.

The appointment is fixed term, based in Qamishli, Syria. Visa facilitation is not available for national officer and general service positions, and candidates must pass reference, safeguarding and background checks and obtain medical clearance.