Saji Thomas Email Address

Chief, Child Protection

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A development professional with over 17 years of experience, spanning work around issues of globalization and labor rights, general development programme management, work on issues of child rights and child protection and issues of mental health and psychosocial support. Began work with a research and resource centre, a child rights network and Save the Children UK, before joining UNICEF in India in 2005. Career in India covering the length and breadth of the country – from the south in Tamil Nadu to the north Bihar and from the West, Mumbai to the east, the Andaman and Nicobar islands. With UNICEF, India to Sri Lanka and from there to the HQ in New York. At the UNICEF HQ, the Child Protection Specialist, Mental Health and Psycho Social Support and Community Based Protection Mechanisms in Emergencies. Provides guidance and support to UNICEF country offices responding to various emergencies and also leads or supports global processes on setting standards on the issue. Co-Chair of the Inter-agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. Over 17 years of experience included working in both development contexts and a number of emergencies including disasters and conflict and post-conflict situations. Has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pune in India and additional qualifications in Research Methodology. Recently completed the UNICEF-INSEAD Leadership Development Programme, (9 months), with aspirations for taking on greater responsibilities within UNICEF. Currently serves as the Chief, Child Protection in the UNICEF Gulf Area Office based in Abu Dhabi covering UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.