Social Policy Specialist - Social Protection Systems, P-4, Fixed Term Position, Global Programme Division, Economic & Social Policy COE, Nairobi, #00133873

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The Global Programme Division (GPD) drives programme excellence, providing global strategic leadership and policy direction. Centres of Excellence (CoEs) offer demand-driven technical assistance to Country and Regional Offices and partners.

Job Purpose

The Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection Systems) will contribute to expanding children’s access to inclusive and shock-resilient social protection in all contexts, supporting UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The role focuses on strengthening national social protection systems through hands-on technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge management, and strategic partnership engagement, with a particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. The Specialist provides analytical input, oversight, quality assurance, and technical guidance to Country and Regional Offices and their partners, ensuring social protection programmes are child-sensitive, inclusive, and resilient to shocks, including in fragile and humanitarian contexts. The role supports policy reform, programme design, and operational guidance by consolidating and sharing evidence and good practices, while working closely with regional bodies, UN agencies, and partners to expand collaboration, foster South–South cooperation, and advance sustainable and scalable social protection systems.

Responsibilities

The Social Policy Specialist will accelerate UNICEF’s support to regional and country efforts to strengthen national social protection systems and programmes through hands-on technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge management, and strategic partnership engagement, with a particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. You will provide analytical input, oversight, quality assurance, and technical guidance to Country and Regional Offices and their partners, ensuring that social protection programmes are child-sensitive, inclusive, and resilient to shocks, including in fragile and humanitarian contexts. You will contribute to strengthening policy reform, programme design and implementation, evidence generation, and knowledge sharing, while working closely with regional bodies, UN agencies, and partners to expand partnerships and foster South-South cooperation. Through this work, you will help build stronger, more equitable national systems delivering sustainable protection for children and families, while enhancing UNICEF’s visibility and credibility as a trusted partner to governments in advancing social protection systems at scale. The role also involves contributing to the Child Poverty Centre of Excellence's mandate in driving UNICEF’s results in child poverty reduction, inclusive social protection, cash assistance, public finance, and sustainable livelihoods.

Work Experience

At least five years of professional experience in social policy, social protection, child rights, or a related field, with a focus on programme design, implementation, and policy analysis. Experience working in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, is an asset. Experience with international organizations or UN agencies is desirable.

Skills

Social Protection Systems Analysis, Policy Reform and Development, Programme Design and Implementation, Capacity Building, Knowledge Management, Partnership Engagement, Child Rights Programming, Public Finance for Children, Humanitarian Contexts, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Communication Skills

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