Child Rights and Counter-terrorism consultant - Child Protection Section, UNICEF NYHQ remote

Child Rights and Counter-terrorism Consultant

UNICEF
- United Nations Children's Fund Remote | New York City International Consultant
- Contractors Agreement level Speaks English, French

The consultancy role at UNICEF focuses on supporting the Child Protection in Humanitarian Action team in engaging with governments on counter-terrorism while ensuring child rights are prioritized. The consultant will provide technical expertise to develop strategies, advocacy messages, and policy positions related to child rights and counter-terrorism. Responsibilities include advising on policy developments, supporting UNICEF's participation in UN mechanisms, and contributing to knowledge products.

This position requires a strong commitment to child rights and the ability to navigate complex policy environments.

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.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to opportunity.

How can you make a difference?

The proposed consultancy is expected to support the Child Protection in Humanitarian Action team when it comes to engaging with governments on counter terrorism and bring external in-depth technical expertise in order to support design of UNICEF strategies, programs and advocacy. This role is necessary to maintain consistent engagement with UN Member States, the UN Secretariat, and agencies whose policy priorities increasingly emphasize counter terrorism at the expense of child rights.

Continued technical leadership is necessary to ensure that global policy processes remain anchored in established child rights frameworks and do not contribute to their erosion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical advice and guidance on child rights and counter terrorism issues across UNICEF programmes and policy initiatives.
• Support UNICEF's engagement with governments, UN entities, and other partners to promote child rights-based approaches.
• Contribute to the development of strategies, advocacy messages, policy positions, and technical guidance.
• Support UNICEF obligations related to the Third Country Nationals Task Force (TCN TF) concerning children affected by conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
• Provide technical support for UNICEF's participation in UN counter terrorism coordination mechanisms and related global policy processes.
• Advise country offices and headquarters teams on child rights and counter terrorism matters.
• Monitor and analyze policy developments, emerging trends, and legal frameworks affecting children linked to armed groups.
• Help ensure that global and national policies remain aligned with international child rights standards and protection principles.
• Contribute to knowledge products, reports, briefings, and capacity-building activities related to child rights and counter terrorism.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have...

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Master's in International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 8 years' experience in child protection, law, humanitarian programme management, human rights, and…