Social Policy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to advocate for the rights of children and to help them fulfill their potential. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in some of the world's toughest places, ensuring their survival, development, and protection. UNICEF operates globally with a mission to promote children's rights and improve their well-being through various programs and partnerships with governments, civil society, and families.

Job Overview:
The Social Policy Specialist position at UNICEF involves providing technical support for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of social policy initiatives, particularly in social protection programming. The role requires collaboration with government and civil society partners to enhance public policies aimed at reducing child poverty, improving social protection coverage, and ensuring effective public investments in child-focused services. The specialist will also work on strengthening governance and accountability measures to enhance public participation in social services, thereby contributing to the overall mission of UNICEF to advocate for every child's rights and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Improve data on child poverty and vulnerability to inform policy and program actions by supporting data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Strengthen social protection coverage and impact for children by developing policies and programs that increase coverage and support marginalized groups.
• Improve the use of public financial resources for children through budget analysis and advocacy for equitable allocations.
• Strengthen local government capacity to plan and monitor child-focused social services, ensuring community needs are met.
• Enhance advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy by establishing effective collaborations with various stakeholders.
• Manage and coordinate UNICEF's technical support around social protection and public finance, ensuring timely implementation and risk management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, or Political Science. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in developing countries or have experience in emergency contexts. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of another UN language or a local language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, or Political Science is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of social policies and their impact on children.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience. Candidates with experience in developing countries or in emergency situations will be viewed favorably, as this background is crucial for understanding the challenges faced in such contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working in a complex humanitarian and development setting. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization offers various benefits, including paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and medical clearance, and may be required to meet vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.