Social Policy and Economic Specialist (Investment and Governance)

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 emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive without discrimination. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, along with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Social Policy and Economic Specialist (Investment and Governance) plays a crucial role in leading UNICEF's strategic shift towards upstream, cross-sectoral policy work. This position involves driving efforts that encompass federal public finance and broader national investments, including private sector engagement and local financing. The specialist will conduct data analysis, research, and advocacy on emerging policy issues, influencing comprehensive financing and governance mechanisms essential for achieving results for children. The role requires high-level advocacy for investments, particularly with the Ministry of Finance, and involves navigating complex multi-stakeholder environments to secure commitments for child well-being. The specialist will also design and manage analytical activities, provide technical support, and maintain sound information sharing with regional and headquarters offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead high-level advocacy for investments, influencing the Ministry of Finance to reorient public investments towards child-centric outcomes.
• Integrate public policy with private sector governance to support family-friendly interventions.
• Navigate multi-stakeholder environments to secure commitments for child well-being.
• Design and manage analytical and consultancy activities, ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Provide technical support and consultation to counterparts through field visits and participation in policy debates.
• Assist in planning project activities and ensure timely implementation and reporting.
• Maintain information sharing with regional and headquarters offices on project progress.
• Stay updated on economic and social developments affecting children and women.
• Interact with other program sections on substantive issues and contribute to macro-level policy discussions. 1
• Develop and maintain networks among government institutions, private sector confederations, and research institutions to gather data and analysis on children's rights.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or a relevant technical field.
• Two years of additional relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience is required, with experience in a developing country considered a strong asset.
• Background or familiarity with emergency situations is also a strong asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, Social Sciences, International Relations, or Political Science. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience. Experience working in a developing country is highly valued, and familiarity with emergency contexts is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Chinese is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its mission, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance requirements. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.