Italy: Research & Evaluation Specialist, P-4, Florence, Italy

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Italy
Closing date: 01 Dec 2014

Purpose of the Position

The incumbent of this post will develop and undertake research on governance and human rights affecting the situation of children. The incumbent will also carry out advocacy with human rights institutions and development organizations in support of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The incumbent will also develop conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches to address new research dimensions relevant to UNICEF.
The incumbent will participate in professional networks and meetings of academic experts, high-level policy officials and field practitioners to share research and support policy discussions. Additionally, the incumbent will contribute to knowledge management within UNICEF by disseminating findings, including through accessible syntheses of research, policy dialogue and the exchange and brokering of knowledge on child rights. The incumbent will support field offices with advice on methodology and quality assurance.

Key Expected Results

1. Develop, manage and carry out research and analysis on governance and the promotion, protection and realization of children's rights. Promote research on emerging governance and child rights issues to support policy and practice and UNICEF advocacy. Identify partners, develop research designs, terms of reference and workplans for specific studies. Organize expert consultations; identify data and reference materials; prepare technical reports; manage review processes, and oversee the finalization of studies.
2. Develop strategies and partnerships, and conduct advocacy with international development and human rights institutions, including the Committee on the Rights of the Child, in order to promote consideration of key governance and children's rights issues. Provide input from these external partners to inform UNICEF policies/strategies.
3. Research and prepare background papers on governance and child rights issues and provide technical support and advice within UNICEF and with external partners with special focus on emerging issues concerning the protection of children's rights and children and governance. Contribute to office-wide initiatives by identifying significant new research and researchers/research institutions implementing quality research relevant to UNICEF as a whole and by preparing accessible syntheses of research findings.
4. Contribute to knowledge management by providing quality assurance for research on governance and children's rights issues within UNICEF as a whole, through technical input to research ToR prepared by other parts of the organization and technical advice on research methodologies. Serve on advisory boards for research by country offices, regional offices and headquarters and contribute to peer review. Maintain an overview of research on governance and child rights both within UNICEF and outside, advising chief of child protection and the implementation of international standards on strategically significant gaps and opportunities.
5. Contribute to the interdisciplinary research and advocacy of UNICEF through participation in project teams and provision of substantive inputs and comments.
6. Contribute to the overall management of the OoR and its work programme and advise on the UNICEF research programme. Act as a resource person for key UNICEF meetings and advocacy activities as requested by the Supervisor.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• An advanced university degree (Master's) in Governance, International Human Rights Law, International Affairs, Social Sciences or a directly-related technical field(s) is required. A Doctorate degree (PhD) with specialization in directly-related technical field(s) is considered an asset.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in international human rights, international children’s rights, research and advocacy, development, social policy analysis, governance research, policy research is required.
• Previous experience with technical and practical specialization in the field of children's rights, including familiarity with relevant literature and professional networks and institutions is highly desirable.
• A strong record of professional publications in relevant academic and policy area(s) is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English (written & verbal) is required. Knowledge of the language of the duty station (Italian) is desirable. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is considered an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
• Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.
• Seeks and quickly absorbs new information and techniques.
• Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
• Contributes innovative approaches, insights and ways of designing projects; drives effective change initiatives.

Remarks

This is a re-advertisement due to the time-lapse from the closing of the original vacancy. Previous applicants need not reapply as their original application will be duly considered..

How to apply:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies. Applications must be received by 01-Dec-14

Vacancy position link:

https://careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9NTQ2QUE2QkUwODAyMTNEMUUxMDAwMDAwOUU3MTBGMEYmY2FuZF90eXBlPUVYVA%3d%3d&sap-client=100&sap-language=EN&sap-accessibility=X
Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.