Apply for the UNICEF Child Protection Advocacy Consultant role in Peshawar, KP (3 months). Open to Pakistani nationals with expertise in legal reform and child marriage prevention. Apply by June 7, 2026.

UNICEF Pakistan is seeking a qualified Child Protection Advocacy Consultant to drive critical legal and policy reforms for child protection in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This 3-month role focuses on updating outdated child marriage frameworks and aligning provincial systems with international standards.

📋 Overview & Key Details – UNICEF Child Protection Advocacy Consultant (Peshawar)

Category	Job Specifications
Job Number	593370
Contract Type	Consultant (Consultancy Level)
Duration	3 Months
Location	Peshawar, Pakistan (Remote with required travel)
Eligibility	Pakistani Nationals Only
Application Deadline	June 7, 2026 (Pakistan Standard Time)

🎯 Scope of Work & Key Responsibilities of Child Protection Advocacy Consultant

Under the supervision of UNICEF and in close coordination with the KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC) and the Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) department, the consultant will lead four core areas:

Core Pillar	Key Focus Areas
A. Advocacy Framework	Develop a comprehensive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection Advocacy Framework.
B. Legal & Policy Reform	Conduct targeted advocacy to replace the outdated Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 with a modern, international-standard legal framework.
C. Local Governance	Strengthen local government ownership and create interoperable protection systems.
D. Stakeholder Coordination	Facilitate high-level consultations, draft policy briefs, and design social and behavior change interventions.

🎓 Candidate Requirements & Qualifications of Child Protection Advocacy Consultant

Requirement	Criteria
Education	Master’s Degree in Law, Child/Human Rights, Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Work, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or Gender Studies.
Experience	8–10 years of professional experience in policy development, legislative reform, advocacy, or child protection systems.
Key Skills	• Deep knowledge of Pakistan’s (and specifically KP’s) child protection laws. • Proven track record in conducting legal gap analyses. • Experience facilitating high-level meetings with parliamentarians and government departments. • Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
Languages	Fluent in English and Urdu.
Desirables (Plus)	• Prior experience with UNICEF or other UN agencies. • Direct contributions to child marriage law reform processes. • Direct field experience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (highly valued).

How to Apply

Important Safeguarding Note: This has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and credential verification.

Qualified candidates must submit their application through the official UNICEF online recruitment portal (Talent Management System – TMS), including:

1. An up-to-date TMS profile and CV.
2. A tailored Cover Letter.
3. A separate Financial Proposal (using the official template provided on the UNICEF vacancy portal).

Note: UNICEF never charges a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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What You Will Actually Be Doing

Operating as a high-level advisor, you will work hand-in-hand with UNICEF, the KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC), and the Local Government & Rural Development (LGRD) department. Your work will center on four major pillars:

• Drafting the Blueprint: You will build a comprehensive Child Protection Advocacy Framework specifically tailored to KP’s unique socio-political landscape.
• Targeting Outdated Laws: You will lead the charge in creating evidence-based policy briefs, legal analyses, and talking points specifically designed to lobby parliamentarians to finally replace the 1929 child marriage law.
• Connecting the Dots: You will help bridge the gap between local grassroots governments and provincial systems, ensuring that child protection data flows seamlessly and securely between departments.
• Uniting Stakeholders: You will design and facilitate high-stakes consultative meetings with cabinet ministers, provincial secretaries, civil society organizations, and human rights bodies.

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Contract Snapshot

• Who Can Apply: Strictly open to Pakistani Nationals only.
• Location: Peshawar-based, but structured as a hybrid/remote setup with mandatory travel across the province.
• Timeline: A focused, intensive 3-month contract.
• Deadline: Applications close on June 7, 2026 (Pakistan Standard Time).

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Are You the Right Fit? (The Checklist)

This is a senior-level consultancy. To be competitive, you need a distinct blend of legal acumen, political savviness, and deep human rights expertise.

🧠 Educational Background

You must hold a Master’s Degree in a relevant field. Think Law, Human/Child Rights, Public Policy, Social Work, Gender Studies, or Development Studies.

💼 Proven Track Record

• 8 to 10 Years of Heavy-Hitting Experience: You must have a solid decade or near-decade of experience working directly in policy development, legislative reform, or large-scale child protection programs.
• Local Nuance: You thoroughly understand Pakistan’s child protection machinery. If you have specific, hands-on experience navigating the legal and cultural landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, you will have a massive competitive advantage.
• The UN Factor: If you have previously successfully delivered consultancies for UNICEF or other UN agencies, your application will stand out significantly.
• Communication Mastery: Complete professional fluency in both English and Urdu is non-negotiable. You must be as comfortable drafting complex legal briefs in English as you are leading a sensitive consultation in Urdu.

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Crucial Safety & Vetting Notes

Because this role influences high-level child safeguarding policy and deals with sensitive data systems, UNICEF treats it as an Elevated Risk Role.

If you are shortlisted, expect an incredibly rigorous vetting process, including extensive criminal background checks, employment verifications, and academic audits. Furthermore, in strict alignment with global child protection values, UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on abuse and discrimination and will not hire anyone legally married to a minor (under the age of 18).

How to Throw Your Hat in the Ring

If you possess the required expertise and are ready to tackle this challenge, you must submit your application through the official UNICEF Talent Management System (TMS). Make sure your application includes:

1. A fully updated TMS Profile and CV detailing your exact policy experience.
2. A highly tailored Cover Letter explaining your strategy for pushing legislative reform in KP.
3. A separate, itemized Financial Proposal (you must use the official template available on the UNICEF vacancy site).

(Quick Tip: If you are viewing this on an external job board and can’t see the attached financial template or the official Terms of Reference, head straight to the official UNICEF Careers Page and search for Job No: 593370).

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