Social Protection Associate
Organizational Context
UNICEF's mission is to promote child rights globally, with a focus on equity for disadvantaged children. In Jordan, UNICEF collaborates with the government and partners to support child-friendly policies. The Social Policy section works on social protection, public finance, and poverty reduction to build an inclusive, shock-responsive national system. Jordan faces socio-economic pressures, increasing the need for a robust social protection system. UNICEF supports the operationalization of the National Social Protection Strategy (2025-2033), focusing on integrated services and child-sensitive approaches.
Job Purpose
This role supports UNICEF's efforts in Jordan to operationalize and implement the National Social Protection Strategy (2025-2033). The assignment focuses on key priorities such as integrating cash transfers with complementary services (cash plus model), strengthening community-based organizations in service delivery, and institutionalizing community centres for social services. The UN Volunteer will contribute to child-sensitive social protection approaches, including child cash grants, and advance public finance for children initiatives. Working under the Chief of Social Policy, the volunteer will gain practical experience in UN programming within a complex and dynamic environment, supporting research, analysis, implementation, and communication activities.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will contribute to research, analysis, and knowledge generation by assisting in the development and review of analytical products on child-sensitive social protection and public finance management in Jordan. This includes supporting the monitoring of socio-economic trends affecting children through data collection and report writing. The role also involves supporting communication materials related to social policy priorities, assisting in the design, review, and editing of these materials, and contributing to advocacy briefs on the National Social Protection Strategy implementation and child-focused outcomes. Additionally, the volunteer will support documentation and reporting for the social policy portfolio, preparing meeting notes, briefings, and progress updates for various audiences, and undertaking other relevant section activities as requested.
Work Experience
A minimum of 1 month of relevant experience is required, with a demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in economic development, poverty and social protection, or public/social policies. Skills in data and policy analysis, planning and coordination, and English writing/editing are necessary. Familiarity with MS Office applications and database/data collection tools is beneficial.
Skills
Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Specific skills in communication, advocacy, public information, project management, programme development, strategy, finance, and accounting are also relevant.