National Consultant – Child Protection in Schools (Remote, 7 months)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a National Consultant to support the implementation of child protection interventions in pre‑primary, primary and secondary schools across Sao Tome and Principe. The assignment is home‑based and lasts for seven months, working closely with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Higher Education and an International Consultant.

Key responsibilities

• Operationalise and monitor child protection tools, systems and approaches at school level, adapting central guidelines to local contexts.
• Coordinate with UNICEF, the Ministry and the International Consultant to ensure technical standards are met while remaining responsive to school realities.
• Translate technical designs and guidelines into practical field‑level practices, supporting schools in reporting pathways and referral procedures.
• Facilitate continuous feedback loops between schools and central actors, communicating challenges, adaptations and lessons learned.
• Strengthen ownership of child protection mechanisms among school staff and communities to promote routine use and sustainability.

Required profile

• BA degree in Education, Social Work, Child Protection, Law or a related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in child protection, child development or related areas, preferably within educational programmes.
• Proven experience in training facilitation and community‑based work.
• Strong coordination and communication abilities.
• Fluency in Portuguese.

Required skills

• Technical knowledge of child protection principles and mechanisms.
• Experience applying protection guidelines in school settings.
• Ability to adapt tools to local systems.

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to UNICEF’s mission of safeguarding children’s rights.
• Professional development within an international humanitarian organization.
• Competitive consultancy remuneration.