UNICEF Careers: Social Policy Specialist Vacancy

18/06/2024

4 minutes read

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Social Policy Specialist NO-3, Fixed Term, Abuja Nigeria #123433

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Job no: 572950
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria
Level: NO-3
Location: Nigeria
Categories: Social Policy

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About UNICEF

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, striving to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them reach their potential from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. We offer diverse opportunities for personal and professional development, fostering a culture where staff thrive, supported by an attractive compensation and benefits package.

To learn more about what we do, visit our website and explore the work we do in Nigeria by clicking here.

For every child, a chance

UNICEF’s core mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything we do — in programs, advocacy, and operations. Our equity strategy translates this commitment to action, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination, bias, or favoritism.

UNICEF Careers: Social Policy Specialist Vacancy

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Chief Social Policy, the Social Policy Specialist will provide technical support for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of social protection programs. This includes strategic planning, formulation, and advocacy efforts aimed at reducing child poverty and vulnerability. The role focuses on improving public policies and reforms at both federal and state levels, emphasizing the following areas:

Social protection coverage and impact on children
Transparency, adequacy, equity, and efficiency of child-focused public investments
Governance and accountability measures to enhance public participation and the quality, equity, and coverage of social protection

Key functions/accountabilities include:

Improving data on child poverty and vulnerability: Enhancing data collection and analysis to inform policy and program actions.
Strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children: Developing and implementing social protection programs that directly benefit children.
Improving use of public financial resources for children: Ensuring efficient allocation and use of public funds for child-focused programs.
Building local government capacity: Training local governments to plan, budget, consult on, and monitor social services aimed at children.
Advocacy and partnerships: Promoting child-sensitive social policies through advocacy and building partnerships.

For detailed responsibilities, please access the complete Job Description.

To qualify as an advocate for every child, you will have:

Education: An advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or a relevant technical field.
Work Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. Experience in a developing country or emergency context is highly regarded.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Core Values

UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) are integral to our work. Learn more about Our Values Charter.

UNICEF Competencies Required:

Builds and maintains partnerships
Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
Drive to achieve results for impact
Innovates and embraces change
Manages ambiguity and complexity
Thinks and acts strategically
Works collaboratively with others
Nurtures, Leads, and Manages People

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework.

Why Join UNICEF?

At UNICEF, we strive for a diverse workforce that reflects the children we serve. We offer:

Diversity and Inclusion: A commitment to include everyone, regardless of race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or socio-economic background.
Supportive Measures: Paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.
Zero-Tolerance Policy: A strict stance against any form of misconduct, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
Safety and Protection: Commitment to safeguarding all children in our care, with rigorous reference and background checks for all selected candidates.

Additional Information

Medical and Visa Requirements: UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country is required for International Professional (IP) positions.
Inoculation Requirements: Selected candidates must meet vaccination requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid), unless medically exempt.
No Fees: UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Remarks

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the UN Charter, the paramount consideration in employment is securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. UNICEF’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to delivering the best results for children. Eligible candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Government employees considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer if visa or medical clearance is not obtained within a reasonable period.

To apply, visit the recruitment website at UNICEF Careers and complete your online profile. Ensure your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills. Attach a letter of motivation and submit your application. For assistance, create a one-time registration with UNICEF’s client support team at UNICEF Service Now.

Keywords: Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF, child protection, social protection, public policy, economic development, advocacy, Nigeria, data analysis, child poverty, public investments, governance, equity, capacity building, partnerships, inclusion, accountability, transparency, monitoring and evaluation, emergency context, policy reform.