UN Volunteer National Expert – Social Policy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization focuses on providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to children and families in need, particularly in areas affected by conflict, poverty, and inequality. UNICEF's mission is to save children's lives, protect their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and community organizations, to implement programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer National Expert – Social Policy Officer will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF’s Social Policy programme in Ukraine, particularly in the Lviv Field Office. This position involves providing technical and operational assistance to local and regional authorities, focusing on the application of Public Finance for Children (PF4C) principles and emergency preparedness in service planning and delivery for children and young people. The officer will contribute to strengthening the capacity of local governance systems to deliver quality, cost-efficient, and responsive services amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including UNICEF teams, local authorities, and partners, to ensure effective implementation of social policy activities and to facilitate coordination and monitoring of interventions aimed at improving the lives of children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assessment and improvement of child and youth-oriented services: Develop assessment tools, service mapping methods, and budget analysis approaches. Identify priority sectors and coordinate with local authorities to facilitate access to necessary data. Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of service coverage and efficiency, and prepare analytical briefs with actionable recommendations.
• Strengthening integrated referral and child protection coordination: Assist in situational assessments to identify gaps in services and contribute to the development of service mapping tools to improve referral pathways. Support intersectoral coordination to enhance local budget capacities and sustainability.
• Documentation and modelling of flagship programmes: Collect and systematize data to develop replicable programme models and frameworks. Prepare briefs and knowledge products to inform policy dialogue and scale-up efforts.
• PF4C support, training, and analytical integration: Develop training materials on public finance and budgeting, co-deliver trainings for local actors, and ensure alignment of field-level work with PF4C methodologies.
• Contribute to enhancing emergency cash preparedness: Support data collection and partnerships for integrated cash and care services for children.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of social policy, public finance management, and child protection principles. They should have experience in working with local governments and a proven ability to analyze and interpret data related to social services. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effective collaboration with various stakeholders. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, including respect, integrity, and accountability.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, public administration, economics, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in public finance, social policy, or child protection will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in social policy, public finance management, or a related field. Experience working in humanitarian contexts or with international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Ukrainian context and local governance structures will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian and English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Russian, will be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time national UN Volunteer assignment based in Lviv, Ukraine. The contract duration is subject to funding availability and operational necessity, with no expectation of renewal. The monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is USD 1690, which covers housing and living expenses. Additional benefits include medical and life insurance, annual leave, learning leave, and sick leave entitlements.