Child Protection and Resilience Advocate

UNICEF the Netherlands works with partners and colleagues to realise children’s rights globally but also in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, we partner with governments, organisations, and children to contribute to creating a safe and nurturing environment in which children are protected and stimulated to fulfil their full potential.  

On Sint Maarten, we have been working closely with the government since Hurricane Irma made landfall on the island in 2017, causing significant destruction throughout the country. Our current project, the Child Resilience and Protection Project, which ends on 31st December 2024, focussed on three areas: (a) creating a safe and nurturing environment for children at home and at school (b) child protection system strengthening and (c) disaster preparedness in schools. The lead ministry for this project is the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and the project is financed by the Government of The Netherlands, through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, administered by the World Bank. 

Purpose of the job 

In partnership with the Government of Sint Maarten, many results have been achieved. These include the development of a Positive Parenting Support Programme, a pilot project on violence prevention in schools, rolling out of the Child Safety Code, strengthening the referral and case management system for situations of violence against children, creation of a Youth Hub website, publication of the Growing Up Safe St. Maarten magazine, and strengthening of the emergency preparedness capacity of schools.  

UNICEF the Netherlands is now looking for a Child Rights Advocate who will help to ensure that the results of the project will be sustained and strengthened. One the one hand, this will be done by advising the government how to integrate results and activities in government policies and plans. On the other hand, this will be done by supporting fundraising efforts for new projects on Sint Maarten. 

• The first point of contact on St. Maarten for the government of St. Maarten and the UNICEF the Netherlands office in The Hague. 

• Advise the government on strategies to include the results and activities in their own policies and activities. This includes setting strategic priorities in close collaboration with the government, identifying opportunities and liaise with key stakeholders. 

• Work with colleagues in the office in the Hague to help secure additional external funding for additional projects on St. Maarten. This includes liaising with the government on their needs, but also support to draft project proposals, and 

• Co-ordinate project activities (in case we have successfully raised project funding). This includes liaising with government to ensure the support offered aligned with their needs and providing guidance to consultants. 

The candidate will report to the Head of Advocacy and Programmes in the Hague. The candidate will be asked to draft a detailed workplan including specific targeted results, based on which he/she will report to the Head of Advocacy and Programmes. 

Requirements 

• Master’s degree in Social Studies, Law, Education, Business Administration or another relevant field – or equivalent through work experience. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of child protection system strengthening, as well as a strong interest in child rights and the wider social sectors. 

• Established track record in advising governments. 

• Demonstrated experience in project development and project co-ordination. 

• Minimum 8-10 years working experience in similar roles. 

• Ample experience working and living on Sint Maarten. 

• Positive and pro-active attitude. 

• Able to work independently. 

• Diplomatic and excellent audience-centred communication skills. 

• At ease working in multi-cultural working environments and dealing with people having a different academic or cultural background. 

• Proficiency in English. 

Our offer 

This position is a local position and is funded by external resources, which have been secured for the period of one year. The successful candidate will be offered a 12-month contract, based on Sint Maarten.  

How to apply 

Potential candidates are invited to apply for this position by submitting their CV and letter of motivation by January 15th, 2025, close of business, Eastern Standard Time.