Development of Procedural Guidelines for Child Best Interests Determination

UNICEF State of Palestine seeks a consultant to develop standardized Best Interests of the Child Assessment and Determination Procedures to strengthen child protection and child justice systems in Palestine. The consultant will review legal frameworks, consult stakeholders, and develop practical procedures and tools to support professionals in applying the Best Interests of the Child principle. Responsibilities Review the existing legal and institutional framework related to child protection and child justice in Palestine. Consult with key stakeholders involved in child protection and justice systems. Develop practical procedures, guidance, and implementation tools to support child protection counsellors, justice actors, and other relevant professionals. Ensure procedures allow for transparent and objective assessments of the best interests of the child, incorporating views of the child, legal reasoning, timely perception, and establishment of facts. Design flexible procedures applicable by different child protection and judicial actors in various legal/formal settings, including special measures for emergency cases with criteria for interim measures. Contribute to the improvement of a responsive and protective child protection system for children in Palestine. Requirements An advanced University degree in law, social work or international human rights. At least five years in applied research and policy analysis, including publications in peer reviewed journals in the field of child protection, child rights and child justice. Demonstrated technical expertise in child protection. Excellent English writing and good communication and presentation skills/ability to express concisely and clearly ideas and concepts in written and oral form. Ability to adhere to strict deadlines yet operate in national environments of uncertainty and ambiguity. Professional level knowledge of Written and Spoken English. Arabic language is an Asset. Skills Applied Research Policy Analysis Child Protection Child Rights Understanding Child Justice Legal Framework Assessment Best Interests of the Child Assessment Procedure Development Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Technical Writing Presentation Skills English Writing Oral Communication Deadline Management Languages English, Arabic