Child Protection Specialist – Fixed Term (Nairobi)

About the role

The Child Protection Specialist provides strategic leadership, technical oversight and coordination for UNICEF's protection and safeguarding initiatives in Kenya, with a strong focus on online safety. Reporting to the Chief of Child Protection, the role ensures that adolescent and youth protection principles are embedded across all workstreams and that programme delivery aligns with UNICEF’s strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate protection, safeguarding and online‑safety components of the RISE programme.
• Ensure coherence, compliance and quality assurance across all child protection activities.
• Support programme development, including situation analyses and evidence‑based policy advocacy.
• Monitor trends and evidence to enhance programme relevance and results.
• Contribute to strategic discussions and develop proposals aligned with UNICEF Strategic Plans, the Country Programme and national priorities.
• Oversee programme management, monitoring and delivery of results in collaboration with Innovation and Education sections.
• Advance the broader violence‑against‑children agenda, including online safety initiatives.

Required profile

• Senior‑level professional with at least five years of experience in child protection, safeguarding or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and technical oversight.
• Strong knowledge of online safety and adolescent protection principles.
• Experience in programme design, policy advocacy and results‑based management.
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Attractive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global organization.
• A diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to improving children’s lives.