Social Protection Officer

Organizational Context

UNICEF has been committed to Iraq's children and youth since 1963, working in partnership with the government and operating across four offices. The organization collaborates with UN agencies, NGOs, and partners to address the needs of vulnerable children and young people. UNICEF's mandate focuses on realizing the rights of every child, particularly the most disadvantaged, and empowering young people as agents of change. This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF Iraq's Social Policy Programme, supporting the EU-UN Joint Programme on Social Protection to develop inclusive, equitable, and child-sensitive systems.

Job Purpose

This UNV assignment supports UNICEF Iraq's Social Policy Programme, contributing to the reform and strengthening of the national social protection system under the EU-UN Joint Programme. The role will assist the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in developing more inclusive, equitable, shock-responsive, and child-sensitive social protection systems. Key activities include supporting the implementation of the national Social Protection Strategy, strengthening institutional capacities, improving delivery systems, generating evidence for policy reforms, and piloting innovative approaches. The UN Volunteer will provide technical, coordination, operational, and administrative support to advance social protection reforms, ultimately improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families across Iraq.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Social Policy Specialist, the UN Volunteer will support the implementation of UNICEF's Social Protection programme. Key responsibilities include: Supporting national social protection priorities by assisting in the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategy roadmaps for both Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), tracking progress, and identifying bottlenecks. Contributing to social protection research and assessments, including the Teenage Mothers Assessment, by coordinating stakeholders, supporting data collection, and disseminating findings. Assisting in government capacity strengthening through planning and delivering training activities, developing materials, and documenting outcomes. Supporting the expansion of cash transfer initiatives by assisting with the implementation and scale-up of pilot programs and coordinating with counterparts. Managing programme coordination and events by organizing workshops and meetings, liaising with service providers, and preparing necessary documentation. Facilitating operational and administrative processes by working with Supply and Operations teams on procurement and logistics. Engaging with stakeholders by assisting in maintaining communication with government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations.

Work Experience

Requires 7 years of relevant professional experience in social protection, social policy, programme management, public sector reform, or public administration. Experience working with the UN or international development organizations is an asset. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong drafting and reporting skills, and excellent interpersonal and communication abilities are essential. The candidate should be self-motivated, adaptable to challenging environments, and possess a strong interest in social protection and public policy.

Skills

Key competencies include building and maintaining partnerships, self-awareness, ethical awareness, innovation, driving for results, managing ambiguity and complexity, strategic thinking, and collaborative work. Specific expertise in social work is required. Values emphasized are care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability.

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