Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection), P-3, Temporary Appointment, Bangui, CAR (Post #123542)/ Req. 558951) - 6 months

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Chief Social Policy, the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection) oversees the implementation, monitors, evaluates and improves the delivery of UNICEF’s cash transfers programme(s) in CAR. Specifically, this includes programme design, programme administration and integrated delivery (such as support to social registries, management information systems, grievance and redress mechanisms and sub-national delivery mechanisms).

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.

For every child, Social Protection

Central African Republic (sharepoint.com)

How can you make a difference?

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Chief Social Policy, the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection) oversees the implementation, monitors, evaluates and improves the delivery of UNICEF’s cash transfers programme(s) in CAR. Specifically, this includes programme design, programme administration and integrated delivery (such as support to social registries, management information systems, grievance and redress mechanisms and sub-national delivery mechanisms).

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection) is responsible for the following functions:

Social protection

• Leads the design and implementation of social protection programmes ensuring the effective reach of children, women and families.
• Supports national dialogue, and coordinates with different parts of the government at national and subnational level, with other sectors, with other actors e.g. civil society organizations and with the international organizations (UN and beyond), to develop social protection policies, legislation and programmes aiming to expand and increase coverage of and impact on children.

Humanitarian Cash Transfers

• Directs humanitarian needs assessment to inform the design of programmes addressing barriers to meet humanitarian needs. Advises and supports the country office on minimum preparedness requirements related to Humanitarian Cash Transfer programming to undertake relevant actions prior to emergencies. Oversees the feasibility assessment of HCT’s interventions.

Cross-cutting social policy areas

• Promotes systems approach to social protection by applying evidence and appropriate advocacy messaging across the entire strategic and policy range of child-sensitive social protection systems, including inter alia: political economy; financing and commitments; social protection diagnostic methods; translation of commitments into programmes; and impact, including linkages with sectoral systems (health, child protection, nutrition etc).

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

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Operations Management, or another relevant field. *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of five years of professional work experience in social protection policies, programmes or services including relevant experience in shock-responsive social protection is required. Relevant programmatic humanitarian experience where linkages to government work has been made will also be considered
• Experience in cash transfer programme design and management and policy advocacy is required.
• Background, familiarity and/or knowledge of mainstreaming specific programmes of delivering cash in emergencies into the larger social protection system is a strong asset.
• Experience working in emergency contexts is required.
• Fluency in English and French are required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset

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

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.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. 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.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable [females’ candidates and candidates from industrialized countries’] are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.