The National Health and Nutrition Survey reported that five out of ten children and adolescents in Mexico have been subjected to physical or psychological punishment by a member of their household. 10.8% of the men surveyed believe that physical punishment is necessary to properly educate a child. In the case of women, the percentage is 8.8%. When transferring the question to adolescents, the percentages increase to 14.7% in men and 15.1% in women.

Also, 66.1% of women aged 15 and over have suffered at least one incident of emotional, economic, physical, or sexual violence or discrimination throughout their lives. Likewise, 78.6% of women victims of physical or sexual violence by their partner did not request support and did not file a complaint. The data of violence against children is also alarming. In 2021, the authorities reported 1,077 homicides of children and adolescents. In the first quarter of the year, this number reached 451 homicides. Moreover, in 2021, 111 femicides of girls and adolescents were registered. From January to May 2022 the figure already reached 49 femicides.  On the other hand, COVID-19-related confinement led to an increase of reported domestic violence-related crimes of 5.3% in 2020 compared to 2019 (CNPJE 2021).

The state of Chiapas appears as the entity with the highest percentage of children in poverty and extreme poverty. In 2020, it had the highest percentage of teenage women who were married, as well as the entity with the highest percentage of teenage mothers. In this context, the UNICEF Tapachula Field Office is working closely to strengthen the capacities of government institutions that provide the first response in cases of violence against children, such as the 911 emergency line, local police officers, health workers, justice system staff, among others.

This position aims to support the Child Protection program related to the prevention and response to violence against children. The volunteer will contribute to the knowledge management strategy, to support the evidence documentation and follow–up of the achieved progress in the different interventions.

Under the direct supervision of the Child Protection Officer, the UN University Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the Child Protection Programme of the UNICEF Tapachula Field Office, related to prevention and response to violence against children, including gender-based violence.
• Contribute to the development of documents to support evidence-based protection strategies.
• Contribute to the preparation of studies, reports, and conceptual notes to promote the Child Protection program.
• Supports the protection team to generate a knowledge management strategy that allows documenting the scope of the implemented interventions.
• Participate in the diverse Child Protection Working Groups, formed by the government, civil society organizations, and the United Nations system.
• Support the mainstreaming of gender and intercultural approaches within the programmatic interventions.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking an active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

☒ Accountability
☒ Adaptability and Flexibility
☒ Commitment and Motivation
☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning
☒ Creativity
☒ Ethics and Values
☒ Integrity
☒ Planning and Organizing
☒ Professionalism
☒ Respect for Diversity
☒ Working in Teams

/or currently studying towards a degree, preferably in Social Sciences, law, International Relations, Psychology, or another relevant field.

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in Child Protection, humanitarian response, gender-based violence, violence prevention and response interventions.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment.
• Desirable strong writing skills and previous experience in academic research projects or in elaboration of academic essays or reports

UNV will be based on the southern border of Mexico, in the city of Tapachula with the possibility of trips to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Tapachula is close to the border with Guatemala, which means living in a place with a high flow of people from Central America or other countries in the world, trying to move to the north of the country, to try to cross into the United States. In this context, it is necessary to pay special attention to the various situations and social problems that may arise, however it also provides an interesting and enriching environment, but it also requires a high cultural sensitivity and a high sense of security, as well as a greater energy and commitment than in other places to live comfortably and affordably.

Consequently, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially dangerous conditions, involving physical difficulties and discomfort, become essential. UNV must follow the recommendations of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security and coordinate with UNICEF colleagues on the ground.