Programme Specialist (PSEA - Multi Country), P4, Temporary (365 days)

About the role

The UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) is recruiting a Multi-Country Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Programme Specialist (P4) for a temporary appointment of 365 days in Nairobi, Kenya. Reporting to the Deputy Regional Director, the incumbent provides strategic leadership, technical guidance and operational support to strengthen safeguarding and PSEA systems across the region, helping Country Offices meet their commitments and integrate safeguarding into programmes and operations.

Key responsibilities

• Support the rollout of the Safeguarding Policy at Country Office level, coordinating with HQ Divisions on technical support and implementation guidance.
• Support Country Office Risk Management, Planning and Safeguarding/PSEA focal points through regular meetings, training and better communication.
• Strengthen safeguarding and PSEA integration in Program, Operations and People and Culture work, and promote adherence to global safeguarding policies through training, awareness and monitoring.
• Assist in reporting, managing and responding to safeguarding and SEA concerns in coordination with OIAI and relevant divisions, and track progress with tools such as pulse surveys.
• Provide ongoing technical support on the PSEA Portfolio and implement global and regional guidance on SEA, survivor assistance, risk assessments and engagement with governments and partners.
• Ensure survivors have access to medical, psychosocial, legal and material services in line with the UN Victim Assistance Protocol.
• Collaborate with Risk Management teams on PSEA assessments for CSO implementing partners and strengthen inter-agency PSEA initiatives, including in-country PSEA networks.
• Represent UNICEF in regional inter-agency PSEA working groups and HQ coordination groups, and co-facilitate PSEA training for UNICEF and partner staff on international standards, complaint mechanisms and GBV services.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in international development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law or a related social science field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in programme design, planning, implementation and management related to safeguarding, child protection, GBV or PSEA, preferably within the UN.
• Experience in humanitarian and/or development contexts implementing safeguarding, PSEA or protection programming, and familiarity with cluster systems and inter-agency responses.
• Experience in training and capacity building in safeguarding or PSEA.
• Fluency in English and French; knowledge of Portuguese is an asset.
• Experience in ESAR developing countries and/or emergency contexts is an asset.

Required skills

• Strong communication, facilitation, training, networking and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work independently under pressure and in multicultural environments.
• Competencies: building partnerships, strategic thinking, collaboration, innovation and adaptability.