Chief of Social Policy, P-5 (FT)

For every child, a future.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

The role

UNICEF is looking for a seasoned economist to lead the office’s portfolio on child poverty analysis and advocacy, public finance and social protection. As the Chief of Social Policy, you will work with senior government officials, international financial institutions and civil society organizations to better understand the main social sector financing gaps and how the government can better invest the recent inflow of external resources alongside domestic revenue. You will also lead dialogue and technical assistance efforts to expand the national social protection system to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable families and reverse growing inequality. As the country continues to cope with the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic, historic droughts and floods, oil price volatility and a growing debt crisis, the strategic importance of this role and its potential to impact policies, investments and children cannot be underestimated.

Key responsibilities

The Chief of Social Policy will be responsible for:

• Analyzing macroeconomic and human capital trends to inform advocacy for child-sensitive policies
•  Increasing the size, impact and transparency of public investments in human capital sectors
•  Expanding the coverage and impact of social protection programmes for children
•  Improving the availability and use of data on child poverty and vulnerability

What we are looking for

The successful candidate is a proven leader in global organizations with a minimum of ten years of professional experience in managing social policy programmes. The position requires excellent communication skills in English and Portuguese, although knowledge of other Latin languages can be accepted in lieu of Portuguese. Qualified candidates hold an advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, or another relevant field.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF is committed to achieving gender balance at P5 level by end 2021 and will prioritize eligible and suitable female candidates.