National Consultants - Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC) at UNICEF

Purpose of the Assignment

• The nature of the conflict and the resultant displacements have caused a large and growing number of children separated from their primary caregivers.
• It is estimated that there are over 20,000 unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) in the three States of Emergency.
• As the conflict subsides, it is envisaged that there will be mass returns of internally displaced persons. Identification of all UASC, assessment of their care arrangements and reunification are urgent priorities.
• The purpose of the consultancy (one for Borno and one for Yobe) is to support the UNICEF Nigeria Country Office to scale up its emergency response programme related to unaccompanied and separated children (UASC).

Assignment Tasks

• Provide inputs into the action plan for sensitization, training (especially on Identification, Documentation, Tracing and Reunification and follow up) and coaching for state and non-state partners on case management of UASC based on capacity gaps and gaps and challenges in programme implementation
• Coach and train officials of State and Federal Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and National and State Emergency Management Agencies on effective approaches to UASC in accordance with the action plan
• Monitor programme implementation and provide support for UASC identification, registration, tracing, provision of alternative cars, reunification and follow up
• Monitor and support placing of UASC under appropriate alternative care systems, with particular attention to the provision of care for high risk children i.e., children associated with armed groups, children born out of sexual violence etc.
• Provide support to state and non-state partners for the operationalization of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) and Case Managements System
• Monitor implementation of UASC project by UNICEF's partners

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education:

• University degree in Social Science, Social Work, Social Development, Child Development or related field

Years of Relevant Experience:

• Minimum two years' experience in child protection, preferably with UN or NGOs
• Experience in implementing systems of identification, documentation, tracing and reunification of UASC is desirable
• Experience in delivering training to government and NGO partners
• Experience of working in an emergency context is desirable

Competencies of Successful Candidate:

• Ability to work independently in the field
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Hausa and Kanuri would be an advantage