Programme Specialist (PSEA – Multi Country), P4

About

Under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, the Multi-Country Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Programme Specialist will provide strategic leadership, technical guidance and operational support to strengthen safeguarding and PSEA systems across ESAR. The incumbent will support Country Offices in meeting UNICEF’s institutional and programmatic commitments, strengthening prevention and response mechanisms, building sustainable national and partner capacity, and ensuring safeguarding and PSEA considerations are integrated across programmes and operations. Job grade: P4. Terms of service: Temporary Appointment (365 days). Reference: #00134783. Duty station: Nairobi-Kenya, Eastern & Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO).

How to apply

Apply online through the official UNICEF careers advert page.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with HQ Divisions to provide technical support for policy rollout and implementation guidance.
• Support Country Office Risk Management, Planning, and Safeguarding/PSEA Focal Points through regular meetings, training, and improved communication.
• Strengthen safeguarding and PSEA integration in Program, Operations and People and Culture work.
• Promote adherence to global safeguarding and PSEA policies and procedures among UNICEF staff and partners with training, awareness and monitoring.
• Assist in reporting, managing, and responding to safeguarding and SEA concerns/incidents in coordination with OIAI and relevant divisions.
• Track progress at country level through tools such as pulse surveys or targeted assessments.
• Implement global and regional guidance and strategies to address SEA, including survivor assistance, SEA risk assessments, and engagement with governments and partners.
• Ensure survivors have access to appropriate services (medical, psychosocial, legal, material) in line with the UN Victim Assistance Protocol.
• Collaborate with Risk Management teams to operationalize PSEA assessments for CSO implementing partners and related risk management procedures.
• Strengthen inter-agency PSEA initiatives, including establishing in-country PSEA Networks.
• Represent UNICEF in regional inter-agency PSEA working groups and HQ coordination groups; maintain close relationships with focal points in other regions.
• Support capacity building efforts, including co-facilitating PSEA training for UNICEF and implementing partner staff on international standards, roles, complaint mechanisms, and GBV services.
• Provide technical support to Country Offices, identify trends, challenges, and good practices, and escalate findings to HQ for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 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, PSEA, or similar fields—preferably within the UN.
• Experience in humanitarian and/or development contexts implementing safeguarding, PSEA, or protection programming.
• Familiarity with safeguarding and PSEA developments, inter-agency responses, humanitarian cluster systems, and intersections with GBV, Child Protection.
• Experience in training and capacity building in safeguarding or PSEA.
• Strong communication, facilitation, training, networking, and advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to work independently under challenging conditions and exercise sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments and build effective working relationships internally and externally.
• Fluency in English and French is required.
• Knowledge of Portuguese is an asset.
• Experience working in ESAR developing countries and/or emergency contexts is considered an asset.