National UN Volunteer - Social Protection and Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian organization globally, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and supporting sustainable futures for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, providing food assistance and support to vulnerable populations. The organization aims to combat hunger and malnutrition, enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and promote resilience among communities. WFP's mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it works closely with governments and partners to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2, which focuses on zero hunger. In Iraq, WFP's strategic plan is informed by a zero hunger strategic review conducted in 2018, emphasizing the need for collaboration with government partners and stakeholders to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The National UN Volunteer - Social Protection and Disaster Risk Management Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the social protection systems in Iraq, particularly in the context of disaster risk management (DRM) and social assistance. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating with various government ministries and agencies, establishing a task force to ensure effective collaboration, and supporting the development of a legal framework for social protection mechanisms. This position requires a strong understanding of social protection strategies, capacity building, and operational architecture to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of social assistance programs. The specialist will also work on integrating social protection with disaster risk management, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely and adequate support during crises. The role involves significant engagement with government counterparts and requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation in social protection delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main liaison with social protection, disaster risk management, and early warning/forecasting counterparts, including various ministries and agencies.
• Establish and coordinate the SRASP Task Force, ensuring regular engagement of all relevant stakeholders.
• Support the government in developing a legal framework to formalize SRASP as a national mechanism.
• Contribute to the design of financial channel structures for rapid and accountable SRASP interventions during shocks.
• Develop and implement a technical roadmap/workplan to improve social protection, disaster risk management, and SRASP.
• Assess operational structures and develop joint protocols for SRASP intervention, testing them at national and governorate levels.
• Lead the development of a training and learning agenda, including capacity assessments and workshops to strengthen government engagement.
• Support the integration of SRASP into the Unified Registry, ensuring interoperability between social assistance and DRM systems.
• Strengthen targeting methodologies to prioritize vulnerable households during shocks and improve registration processes. 1
• Enhance delivery mechanisms (cash, food, or hybrid) to maximize efficiency and accountability. 1
• Ensure a nutrition-sensitive approach is embedded in all SRASP operational architecture. 1
• Coordinate with WFP Programme Units to develop and maintain a disaster risk financing and anticipatory action roadmap for SRASP.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of social protection systems, disaster risk management, and humanitarian assistance.
• Proven experience in government coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and implement technical roadmaps and workplans.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in capacity building and training development.
• Knowledge of cash-based transfers and social assistance mechanisms.
• Familiarity with nutrition-sensitive programming and disaster risk financing.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, public policy, international development, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in social protection, disaster risk management, or humanitarian assistance are highly desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in social protection, disaster risk management, or related fields is required. Experience working with government agencies and international organizations is preferred. Proven track record in project management and coordination is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and government counterparts. Additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. National UN Volunteers receive a monthly living allowance to sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle, which varies based on local living costs. The allowances include a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), danger and hardship differential, entry lump sum, exit allowance, annual and learning leaves, medical and life insurance, and access to various learning platforms. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service can be found on the UNV website.