Social Policy Specialist, NO-C, Fixed Term Position, #00135994, Mbabane, Eswatini - For Nationals of Eswatini Only

Organizational Context

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

Eswatini faces significant development challenges, including persistent poverty and inequality, with child poverty remaining widespread, especially in rural areas. UNICEF supports the Government of Eswatini in assessing national social protection systems to improve child sensitivity and strengthen them as a vehicle for addressing child poverty and promoting human capital development. This role contributes to the strategic and effective advocacy, planning, and formulation of social policy programs and projects, aiming to create a protective environment for children and ensure their survival, development, and well-being in society.

Responsibilities

The Social Policy Specialist will focus on improving data on child poverty and vulnerability for policy and program action, supporting the collection, analysis, and presentation of multidimensional and monetary child poverty data, and strengthening national capacity for data use. They will also work on strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children by supporting the development of policies, legislation, and programs, with a focus on marginalized groups and evidence generation. Additionally, the role involves improving the use of public financial resources for children through budget analysis and advocacy with relevant ministries, and building capacity for costing and cost-effectiveness analysis. Finally, the specialist will strengthen the capacity of local governments to plan, budget, consult on, and monitor child-focused social services, collaborating with authorities to ensure services meet local community needs.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in social policy, child poverty, social protection, public finance, social services, policy development, data analysis, or a related field.

Skills

Policy development, Risk analysis, Risk mitigation, Social policy, Social protection, Finance advocacy, Data analysis, Budget analysis, Capacity building, Advocacy, Programme planning, Stakeholder engagement

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