Research Consultant – Juvenile Justice Expert (3‑month contract)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a Research Consultant with expertise in juvenile justice to support a three‑month assignment aimed at strengthening Italy’s protection system for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). The role is remote, based in Rome, with occasional travel for stakeholder meetings.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct a structured desk review and mapping of existing territorial protocols, agreements and inter‑institutional coordination mechanisms governing UASC reception and case management.
• Design and implement data‑collection tools and consolidate findings into a structured database of coordination models and practices across selected locations.
• Carry out targeted interviews with juvenile court professionals to validate desk‑review findings and assess practical implementation of referral pathways.
• Identify and document replicable good practices and operational gaps affecting cooperation between judicial authorities and reception actors.
• Produce analytical outputs and evidence‑based recommendations to support the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior.

Required profile

• Proven experience in juvenile justice, child protection, or related research fields.
• Familiarity with Italian law 47/2017 and EU migration and asylum frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to work with institutional stakeholders such as juvenile courts, prefectures, municipalities and reception services.
• Strong analytical, report‑writing and presentation skills.
• Capacity to work independently under UNICEF supervision while coordinating with multiple partners.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national child‑protection policies in Italy.
• Collaboration with UNICEF and key governmental institutions.
• Remote work with occasional travel to Rome.
• Professional development within a leading international organization.