Social Policy Officer

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. 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 passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Social Policy Officer position at UNICEF Lebanon is crucial in providing technical support and assistance throughout all stages of social policy programming and advocacy. This role is particularly significant in the context of Lebanon's complex crisis, which includes economic collapse and political instability. The officer will focus on improving public finance for children, raising awareness about child poverty, and strengthening the national social protection system. The overall objective is to contribute to the realization of child rights priorities in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This position involves direct program and policy work with government and civil society partners, as well as analytical support to teams working on various sectors such as education, health, and child protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Social Policy Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Public Finance for Children: Conducting budget and public expenditure analysis to inform UNICEF's advocacy and program priorities, providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance, and enhancing transparency and accountability in public finance.
• Child Poverty: Generating and disseminating evidence on child wellbeing, preparing user-friendly data products, and leveraging evidence to support children's rights and reforms.
• Social Protection: Supporting the development and implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy Action Plan, conducting research and analysis, and promoting data-driven design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.
• Policy Analysis & Advocacy: Utilizing data to inform social policy programming, monitoring socio-economic developments, and fostering dialogue among stakeholders regarding child-sensitive policy reforms.
• Local Governance: Assisting in advancing child-sensitive local budgeting processes and engaging with local authorities and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in fields such as Economics, Public Policy, or Social Policy. Formal training in public finance or social protection systems is a strong asset. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in social policy, public finance, or social protection, with a strong grounding in Lebanon’s socio-economic context. Proven experience in engaging with government institutions and supporting policy dialogue is required, along with strong analytical and communication skills in both Arabic and English.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Social Policy, Development Studies, or Public Administration. Specialization in public finance, social protection systems, or applied policy analysis is highly desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in social policy, public finance, or social protection is required. Candidates should have practical experience in designing and implementing social protection programs in Lebanon, as well as experience in engaging with government institutions to support policy reforms and coordination.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory. Knowledge of French or any other UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a complex humanitarian context. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF's standards of conduct. The position may also require medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements.