National Consultant for Social Protection (Malaysian nationals only - office based with travel)

Organizational Context

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

Job Purpose

UNICEF Malaysia is seeking a National Consultant for Social Protection to provide technical assistance for priority initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's social protection system. The consultant will support national assessments of adaptive and shock-responsive social protection, conduct impact assessments of specific programs like the Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB) with a focus on Cash-Plus design for the first 1,000 days, and monitor and evaluate the ASUH KL cash-plus pilot for urban low-income families. Additionally, the role involves data collection for the cost of raising children and contributing to the overall goal of ensuring children and families have access to adequate, child-sensitive income support and are protected from poverty and vulnerability, especially in the face of climate-related hazards, economic volatility, and public health shocks.

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise and support for the national assessment of adaptive and shock-responsive social protection systems in Malaysia. Conduct a comprehensive impact assessment of the Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB) programme in Sarawak, with a specific focus on the Cash-Plus design for the first 1,000 days of a child's life. Monitor and evaluate the ASUH KL cash-plus pilot programme targeting urban low-income families with children under five years old. Lead and manage data collection activities for the cost of raising children study. Analyze existing social protection policies and programmes to identify gaps and recommend evidence-based strategies for improvement. Collaborate with government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of social protection initiatives. Prepare regular progress reports, policy briefs, and other relevant documentation. Contribute to the development of innovative approaches to social protection that are child-sensitive and responsive to emerging challenges. Support capacity building initiatives for national partners involved in social protection delivery. Ensure that all activities align with UNICEF's mandate and global strategies for child protection and social inclusion.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in social protection, child rights, social policy, or a related area. Experience in programme design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is essential. Experience working with government counterparts and international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Social Protection Analysis, Programme Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Collection and Analysis, Policy Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Report Writing, Child Rights, Cash Transfer Programming, Shock-Responsive Social Protection, Project Management, Research Skills, UNICEF Policies and Procedures

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