Child Protection Consultant – UNICEF (Remote, 8.5 months)

About the role

This consultancy will assess how the Common Rules are reflected in national legislation, policies, institutions and programmes across selected Inter‑American countries, document promising practices and gaps in restorative justice, and develop practical recommendations to accelerate implementation. It will also support UNICEF’s Reimagine Justice for Children agenda, focusing on diversion and prevention of detention.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse national legal and policy frameworks related to child justice and compare them with international standards.
• Identify best practices and implementation gaps in restorative justice and diversion mechanisms.
• Develop actionable recommendations and produce concise, decision‑oriented reports, technical guidance and knowledge products.
• Engage with government officials, justice institutions, UN agencies and development partners to validate findings.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, human rights, criminology, social sciences, public policy, international development or a related field.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in child justice, child protection, legal or policy reform, or a related area.
• Proven experience conducting comparative legal and policy research and reviewing laws, policies or programmes concerning children in conflict with the law.
• Fluency in English and working proficiency in Spanish; Portuguese is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international child‑justice standards.
• Excellent analytical, writing, editing, presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple deliverables and collaborate across regions and time zones.