Social Policy Specialist (NO-3), TA (6 months), #00138904, Antananarivo
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries 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
The Social Policy Specialist will support the Government of Madagascar in strengthening the national social protection system, focusing on the implementation of the universal child benefit programme, Zara Mira. This role involves enhancing programme delivery, strengthening national social protection and cash transfer systems, and operationalizing Social Windows for beneficiary management and service delivery. The incumbent will provide backstopping support for system interoperability, reinforce government capacities for shock-responsive social protection, and support payment processes through digital solutions. The aim is to ensure effective and inclusive social protection for children and vulnerable populations, contributing to the overall strengthening of national systems.
Responsibilities
Under the general guidance of the supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for enhancing programme delivery and strengthening national social protection and cash transfer systems. This includes supporting the implementation of the Zara Mira cash transfer programme in the Atsimo Atsinanana region and operationalizing Social Windows for beneficiary registration, grievance management, and referral services. The role involves reinforcing government systems by providing backstopping support for interoperability between the Social Window Management Information System (MIS) and sectoral information systems (nutrition, health, education). Additionally, the incumbent will strengthen national capacities for designing, delivering, monitoring, evaluating, and scaling up shock-responsive social protection programmes. Support for payment processes through digital solutions, including UNICEF's HOPE platform and other MIS systems, is also a key responsibility. The role also encompasses beneficiary data management, HOPE system management, payment operations, strengthening the Social Registry (RSU) and Social Window MIS, and managing UNICEF programmes.
Work Experience
At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Social Policy, Programme Management, Partnership Management, Social Protection, Cash Transfers, Beneficiary Data Management, Payment Operations, Information Systems Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Government Coordination, Referral Systems, or any other related fields is required.
Skills
Data analysis, Data management, Information systems, Stakeholder coordination, Payment reconciliation, Digital payments, Programme implementation, Social protection systems, Cash transfer programmes, Beneficiary data management, System interoperability, Capacity building