UNICEF Mozambique seeks a Social Protection Expert (Policy Engagement) Consultant to provide technical support to UNICEF and the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Action in the development of the National Basic Social Security Strategy III.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to protection! 

The Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Mozambique and UNICEF (CPD) for 2022-2026 aims to support Mozambique to accelerate efforts towards achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and meeting its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of children, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action. It derives from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), 2022–2026 and aligns with the Government Five-Year Plan 2020–2024, the National Development Strategy 2015–2035 and relevant sector policies and programmes.

For more information about UNICEF Mozambique's work please follow this link

You can also access and explore all new UNICEF vacancies via the UNICEF Mozambique website link herein.

How can you make a difference? 

The Social Protection Expert (Policy Engagement) Consultant will provide technical support to UNICEF and the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Action (MTGAS) in the development of the National Basic Social Security Strategy III (ENSSB III).

UNICEF Mozambique plays a central role in supporting the Government to strengthen and expand its national social protection system. This work aligns with the country’s poverty reduction and human capital development priorities, as set out in national frameworks such as the Plano Quinquenal do Governo and in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. UNICEF has been a longstanding partner in building the foundational systems for noncontributory social protection, including support to the Basic Social Subsidy Programme (PSSB), contributing to reduce poverty and vulnerability of the elderly, disabled people and children. ‑reduction and human capital development priorities, as set out in national frameworks such as the ‑standing partner in building the foundational systems for non‑contributory social protection, including support to the Basic Social Subsidy Programme (PSSB), contributing to reduce

Through analytical work, technical assistance, and operational support, UNICEF contributes to policy development, system strengthening, and programme implementation. This includes evaluations and evidence generation, digitalization of delivery systems, improvements in grievance and feedback mechanisms, and strengthening of linkages across sectors such as nutrition and gender. In doing so, UNICEF acts as a balanced convenor, a technical leader, and a facilitator of cross-government coordination.‑government coordination.

UNICEF is currently supporting Government to develop the new 10-year strategy for social protection (ENSSB III), which will provide strategic direction for the sector and guide future investments. The development of ENSSB III will build on the achievements and lessons of its predecessor, with a renewed focus on:

  • Enhancing programme effectiveness, including improved intersectoral coordination and system integration, particularly in the areas of digital payments, grievance mechanisms, and the E-INAS platform.
  • Strengthening efficiency within a constrained fiscal space, acknowledging structural underfunding of the sector from 2023–2025.
  • Expanding linkages between social protection and anticipatory or emergency response mechanisms, with increased conflict sensitivity and climate responsiveness.
  • Designing a sustainable financing strategy, including the exploration of climate finance and other innovative financing mechanisms.

In this context, UNICEF Mozambique is seeking the services of a national social protection expert (policy engagement) to support engagement with government and the review of the former strategy (ENSSB II) and the development of the ENSSB III, in close collaboration with partners and the senior social protection advisor.

Scope of Work

The objective of this consultancy is to support the Ministry of Labour, Gender and Social Action (MTGAS) in the development of the National Basic Social Security Strategy III (ENSSB III), covering the period 2026–2035. The strategy aims to consolidate and expand basic social protection mechanisms in Mozambique, ensuring they are more effective, inclusive, and resilient in the face of emerging challenges.

Specifically, the consultancy will:

  • Support government engagement, review and finalisation of a social protection diagnostic looking at the implementation of ENSSB II, including an assessment of the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of the actions implemented across its strategic axes and programmes.
  • Support to the development of a comprehensive proposal for ENSSB III, informed by the achievements and shortcomings of ENSSB II, current and emerging challenges (such as fiscal constraints, conflict and displacement in Cabo Delgado, climate change, and other emergencies), as well as lessons learned and best practices from both national and international experiences.

The ENSSB III proposal should include the following key components:

• A clearly defined mission and vision for basic social security in Mozambique.

• Adapted and/or innovative approaches to basic social security programmes.

• An integrated and realistic financing framework for the implementation of ENSSB III.

• A detailed and time-bound implementation plan.

• A proposed model for institutional dialogue and coordination, both across government sectors contributing to basic social protection, and between Government and other key stakeholders — including Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations, the Private Sector, and other relevant actors.

Duration & Location

This assignment will be based in Maputo, Mozambique. The expected period of performance is between February to May 2026, with an estimated 20 working days to be confirmed at contract finalization.

Please refer to the full Consultancy Terms of Reference via this link: Download File Terms of Reference.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

  • A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, especially economics, demography, social protection, social development, public finance, public policy, or other related fields.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in the development and evaluation of social protection strategies, policies, and programmes within the Mozambican context.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of Mozambique’s social action and social protection policies and strategies.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
  • Strong analytical and report writing skills.
  • Familiarity with ENSSB II and/or relevant national, regional, and international social protection frameworks and instruments.
  • Excellent command of both Portuguese and English (oral and written).

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply online, submitting all the required documents, a technical proposal, and an all-inclusive financial proposal incorporating professional fees, travel fees if any, and DSA).  UNICEF will provide transportation support for all assignment related field trips.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable male or female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

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