Humanitarian Policy Specialist; Children and Armed Conflict), P-, Position Office of Emergency

Humanitarian Policy Specialist (Children and Armed Conflict), P-3, Fixed Term Position, #, Office of Emergency Programme, New York, the USA

Job no: 595759

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment

Duty Station: New York

Level: P-3

Location: United States

Categories: Child Protection, Social Policy, Emergency

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

For every child, the right to Protection

How can you make a difference?

The position is based in the Humanitarian Policy Section (HPS), Protection Team, within UNICEF’s Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) in New York. EMOPS leads and supports UNICEF’s preparedness and response to humanitarian crisis and provides strategic coordination with humanitarian partners. The HPS Protection Team develops global and field‑level policy and guidance and undertakes advocacy related to the Protection of Civilians, Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), international humanitarian law and human rights law.

The team also provides strategic advice and support, contributes to inter‑agency processes related to protection, and leads advocacy towards the Security Council and other relevant UN bodies. The position contributes to these objectives by providing technical and strategic expertise on the CAAC agenda and supporting UNICEF’s global policy, advocacy and inter‑agency engagement in this area.

As the Humanitarian Policy Specialist – CAAC, you will have an opportunity to contribute to UNICEF’s work to protect children affected by armed conflict. Under the supervision of the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Manager, you will help advance the Children and Armed Conflict agenda from a UNICEF policy perspective, working closely with colleagues at field, regional and headquarters levels. You will provide technical and strategic expertise on CAAC and represent UNICEF in key fora, supporting the advancement of child protection priorities with key stakeholders.

• Provide timely UNICEF feedback on inter‑agency documents and initiatives related to the protection of children, ensuring consistency with UNICEF’s positions and policies.
• Support the development of high‑quality working papers, guidance and policies to support field colleagues and strengthen UNICEF’s response in emergencies.
• Provide accurate and timely ad hoc guidance to UNICEF colleagues on issues related to CAAC, international humanitarian law, human rights law and related areas.

• Coordinate engagement with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary‑General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG‑CAAC) on issues of common concern.
• Coordinate with the OSRSG‑CAAC on Security Council reporting requirements to ensure inputs from UNICEF regional and country offices are accurately reflected and potential negative impacts on field operations are mitigated.
• Co‑chair meetings of the MRM Technical Reference Group (TRG) and support…