Job Description

Duration: Fixed Term - 4 Years to August 2024
Salary: Circa 42,000 per annum
Job Level: 4
Hours: 24.5 hours per week.
Disclosure Level: Enhanced. This role involves some direct work with children.
Team: UK Programmes: Rights Respecting Schools (RRSA)
Reports to: Senior Professional Adviser
Location: Regional working (Home based) - Northern Ireland. The role will involve visits to schools and at least quarterly team meetings in London. We particularly welcome applications from people based in the border counties.
This Post supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
At the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), we strive to achieve the best possible results for children around the world as well as here, in the UK. We believe in an inclusive workplace and in the power of fulfilled colleagues who share the same values and goals, enjoy their work, and are motivated to do their utmost for children.
Our work is guided by the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognise the universality of children's rights.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The core purpose of the directorate for Advocacy, Programmes and Safeguarding is to effectively protect, promote and uphold the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) by mobilising multiple stakeholders, influencing key decision makers, and driving direct change to effectively deliver positive outcomes and lasting impact for children in the UK and around the world.
The multifaceted directorate include the Advocacy Department alongside four programming teams: Child Rights, Safeguarding and Participation; the Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA); the Child Friendly Cities and Communities Programme; and the Baby Friendly Initiative. All teams are guided by the UNCRC and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognise the universality of children's rights.
The Rights Respecting Schools team works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured, and they are able to thrive. Our Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
The team consists of the RRSA Programme Director, three Senior Professional Advisers and a team of Professional Advisers, administrative staff and casual staff members. Senior Professional Advisers, Professional Advisers and casual staff are regionally based. The core duties and responsibilities a Professional Adviser are to support schools to progress through the RRSA stages and to contribute the wider work of the team such as developing resources and training materials.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The RRSA Professional Advisers are responsible for supporting the delivery of the Rights Respecting Schools Award and associated advocacy objectives, with a particular focus on their allocated schools.
This role is integral to a collaborative project led by UNICEF Ireland. UNICEF UK, Ulster University and Kids Own Publishing Group are delivery partners. The Communities of Learning, Openness and Understanding through Rights (COLOUR) project will support participating schools by fostering positive interactions across communities. COLOUR will enable children, teachers, families and communities to meaningfully engage with others from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. By using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) as a common framework, the project seeks to build mutual understanding and respect. This will help reduce sectarianism and discrimination, promoting an inclusive environment where diverse cultural heritages are celebrated.
This is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body
What we will expect you to achieve
Be accountable for the promotion, development and growth of RRSA in a designated area.
Build positive relationships with key stakeholders including local government organisations, and, in particular, schools, senior leaders and teachers.
Work in close collaboration with other partners in the delivery of the COLOUR project.
Deliver consistent guidance, materials, and accreditation processes in the allocated area and contribute this UK wide, as required.
Work with the RRSA leadership team to continually review and refresh the RRSA programme to ensure it remains optimally focused on its vision and targets.
Contribute to a culture of continuous innovation within the Programme and this specific Project, including monitoring and evaluating effectiveness and sharing lessons learnt, with the aim of keeping the programme fresh and up to date and relevant to our key supporters.
Play an active role in supporting the team's engaging and inclusive working culture, by upholding UNICEF UK's Shared Commitments.
BEHAVIOURS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
Effective Behaviours
Supporter driven and mission aligned
Is committed to children and their rights and motivated to work towards achieving a world that is fit for every child.
Considers partners' needs and pressures, balancing their expectations with doing what's right for children.
Digital First
Utilises digital media and tools to achieve specific engagement objectives and is open to exploring how to make use of digital further.
Invests time in acquiring the knowledge and skills to develop effective approaches to managing information.
Inspiring great teamwork
Actively contributes to a supportive and positive working environment where questions/opinions can be expressed appropriately.
Values diversity, respecting and drawing on colleagues' different perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge.
Relevant experience
Experience in a relevant field relating to child rights education. Preferably with middle or senior leadership experience with school, education authority or similar service delivery contexts.
Experience of working for, or with, relevant public services, including knowledge and understanding of school and education service structures, culture and significant issues facing these services.
Specific knowledge and skills
In depth understanding of approaches to child rights education and a good knowledge of the education system and curriculum in Northern Ireland.
Ability to engage, empathise with and motivate school and Education Authority staff and with a range of partners and community colleagues.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to, and knowledge of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Skills Required