Legal Social Support Officer

Organizational Context

UNICEF Ukraine is dedicated to protecting children and families affected by conflict, focusing on health, nutrition, education, and protection. The organization supports the Ukrainian government in building a resilient social protection system, particularly by strengthening the link between humanitarian cash assistance and national systems. This involves streamlining processes for timely and effective financial support to vulnerable populations, especially during emergencies and transitions to national programs.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF Ukraine's initiative to transition humanitarian cash assistance to the national social protection system, specifically for the 2026-2027 winter response. The objective is to ensure programmatic and operational readiness of the 'Humanitarian and Resilience Account' for large-scale, one-time payments to existing beneficiaries. The position will facilitate the integration of humanitarian aid within shock-responsive national systems, ensuring sustainability and government ownership, while maintaining a hybrid model for residual humanitarian caseloads.

Responsibilities

The Legal Social Support Officer will contribute to the design, coordination, and phased implementation of transitioning humanitarian cash assistance through Ukraine's 'Humanitarian and Resilience Account'. This involves liaising with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity (MoSPFU), government entities, donors, and UN agencies to strengthen systems for government-led delivery. The role includes facilitating collaboration between humanitarian and government actors, maintaining effective working relationships, and providing data-driven inputs for planning and monitoring. Support will be given to developing operational tools, guidelines, and solutions for challenges like de-duplication and data sharing. Additionally, the officer will advocate for government-led cash assistance and shock-responsive social protection, documenting lessons learned.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in areas such as cash transfers, social protection, public administration, law, or local governance. Experience with regulatory legal acts, drafting proposed legislation, and understanding government legislative approval procedures is essential. Experience with the UN, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity, national/local government authorities, or international donors is considered an asset.

Skills

Key competencies include self-awareness, ethical awareness, collaboration, partnership building, innovation, strategic thinking, driving for results, and managing ambiguity. Expertise in administration, finance, accounting, emergency preparedness, and crisis response is also required.

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