Social Policy Specialist (Cash Transfers)
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
Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist - Cash Transfers, the Social Policy Specialist (Cash Transfers) will contribute to the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of UNICEF's four cash transfer interventions. These interventions are delivered through parallel, mixed, and government systems, encompassing multi-purpose cash assistance, emergency protection cash assistance, winter cash assistance, and shock-responsive cash assistance. The role provides technical and operational support across the full programme cycle, including programme design, targeting, registration, community engagement, accountability to affected populations, monitoring, verification, risk identification and mitigation, coordination with partners and government counterparts, performance analysis, documentation of lessons learned, and reporting. The specialist will also support UNICEF's engagement with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity and other government counterparts on the transition of humanitarian cash towards a government-led shock-responsive social protection response.
Responsibilities
Support the implementation and management of the humanitarian cash transfer programme, ensuring timely, accountable, transparent, and risk-informed delivery aligned with humanitarian principles and UNICEF standards. Contribute to government-led cash delivery and shock-responsive social protection by supporting the operationalization and use of government systems, including the Humanitarian and Resilience Account. Conduct monitoring, verification, and risk management activities to ensure programme quality and identify and mitigate potential risks. Enhance accountability to affected populations (AAP) and community engagement for cash assistance responses, ensuring feedback mechanisms are in place and utilized. Foster partnerships and coordination with implementing partners, government counterparts, donors, UN agencies, and cash coordination mechanisms to ensure effective programme delivery and integration. Contribute to evidence generation, reporting, learning, and resource mobilization efforts by documenting lessons learned, analyzing programme performance, and supporting fundraising initiatives.
Work Experience
At least two years of professional experience in social policy, social protection, humanitarian response, or programme management, with a focus on cash transfer programming. Experience working in a developing country or conflict-affected setting is an asset.
Skills
Cash Transfer Programming, Social Protection Systems, Humanitarian Response, Programme Design and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Risk Management, Stakeholder Coordination, Community Engagement, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), Data Analysis, Report Writing, UNICEF Programme Standards