Social Policy Specialist - Child Responsive Budgeting (P4)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The position of Social Policy Specialist within UNICEF's Global Programme Division (GPD) is crucial for driving program excellence by providing strategic leadership, policy direction, and technical expertise. The role is based in the Child Poverty Centre of Excellence in Amman, which focuses on reducing multidimensional child poverty and promoting inclusive economic and social policies. The specialist will work closely with UNICEF Country Offices, governments, and partners to advance children's rights through effective public budgeting. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance, strengthening capacities, generating evidence, and collaborating with various stakeholders to integrate children's rights into financing decisions. The role also involves contributing to the Public Finance for Children framework and ensuring that public resources are effectively allocated to benefit children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for this position include: 1) Capacity Development and Institutional Strengthening: Enhance the capabilities of staff and partners in public financial management and child-responsive budgeting. 2) Quality Improvement at Scale: Implement strategies to improve the quality of public finance systems affecting children. 3) Policy Reform and Systems Transformation: Advocate for and support reforms that promote child rights in public finance. 4) Evidence, Data, and Knowledge for Action: Generate and share data-driven insights to inform policy and practice. 5) Equitable Access: Ensure that budgeting processes are equitable and inclusive, addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged children. 6) Programme Management and Results Monitoring: Oversee the implementation of programs and monitor their effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes for children.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or a relevant technical field. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant work experience in public financial management and financing for children, with a focus on child rights. Skills required include expertise in Public Financial Management (PFM), Child-Responsive Budgeting, policy analysis, capacity development, strategic communication, and the ability to translate technical knowledge into accessible assistance.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in a relevant field such as Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Policy, or Political Science. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public finance and its impact on children's rights.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in public financial management and financing for children, particularly from a child rights perspective. Experience should include advisory roles in national and international social development settings, demonstrating a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is desirable. Strong communication skills, including public speaking and engagement in international advocacy platforms, are also important.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term role within UNICEF, emphasizing the importance of mobility and flexibility in international professional employment. The role may involve collaboration across multiple locations and requires adaptability to different time zones. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware of UNICEF's zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and the rigorous background checks that will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.