The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
Strategic office context :
The situation for unaccompanied child migrants in Tunisia is dire. They face violence, exploitation, an uncertain future, and struggle to access basic services. Urgent action is needed to safeguard the rights and well-being of these vulnerable children.
The UNICEF response for children on the move, which started in mid-2023 in support of IOM and UNHCR was formalized through a Letter of Understanding end of 2023, including providing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services and protection services, such as case management and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
Additionally, UNICEF continues to lead efforts to ensure that the child protection system in Tunisia is inclusive and safeguards all children.
The Child Protection Senior Assistant reports to the Child Protection Associate for close guidance and supervision.
The Child Protection Senior Assistant provides professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for the child protection programmes/projects through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations, and procedures to support the development and formulation of the Child Protection Programme within the Country Programme.
Technical and operational support to child protection programme implementation
Contribute to assessing (BIA) of child protection cases, integrating multi-sectoral perspectives and protection-specific assessments to inform case plans.
Actively participate in Case Conferences and Best Interest Determination (BID) panels, drafting necessary documentation to support decision-making processes.
Support the implemention of child protection Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and ensure effective referral mechanisms to key services are in place and regularly updated.
Maintain and update child case files in databases, ensuring compliance with UN standards for confidentiality and data protection.
Assist in the opening and running of children’s clubs in the shelters.
Monitor and support appropriate care arrangements for unaccompanied and separated children, facilitating referrals to relevant partners to establish family linkages.
Engage children, youth, and communities actively in the implementation of child protection activities, providing them with information about available services and monitoring their needs to inform operational responses.
Collaborate with children, youth, and community members to identify and develop community-based child protection initiatives that enhance local resilience.
Ensure strict adherence to UNICEF’s child protection policies, including commitments to age, gender, diversity (AGD), accountability to affected populations (AAP), gender-based violence (GBV), gender equality, disability inclusion, and youth empowerment.
Partnership, Networking, and Capacity Building
Assist in Child Protection inter-agency coordination efforts, contributing to information management, reporting and collaborative strategies.
Perform other related duties as required, contributing to the overall mission of UNICEF in protecting the rights and well-being of children.
