Social Policy Officer (Social Protection)

Organizational Context

UNICEF is the UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of every child, with a focus on the most vulnerable. In Mozambique, UNICEF collaborates with the Government to enhance inclusive, child-sensitive social protection systems, aiming to reduce poverty, vulnerability, and inequality while improving access to essential services. This assignment supports UNICEF Mozambique's Social Policy Programme, strengthening national and sub-national social protection systems, particularly the Child Grant Programme and ProSAS in Zambézia Province.

Job Purpose

This UN Volunteer assignment supports UNICEF Mozambique's Social Policy Programme in Zambézia Province, focusing on strengthening national and sub-national social protection systems. The role involves supporting the implementation of the Child Grant Programme and the Social Action Programme (ProSAS), reinforcing delivery systems, institutional capacity, and coordination mechanisms. The UN Volunteer will work closely with government partners and civil society to improve access to quality social protection services for vulnerable children and families through enhanced case management, effective programme implementation, capacity building, monitoring, and coordination. The assignment contributes to strengthening government systems, improving programme performance, and advancing Sustainable Development Goals related to child well-being and resilience.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of UNICEF-supported Social Protection programmes in Zambézia Province, specifically the Child Grant Programme and ProSAS. This includes providing technical, operational, and administrative support for case management and programme rollout, coordinating implementation across five districts, and organizing capacity-building activities for government counterparts and partners. The role involves strengthening coordination mechanisms among various government bodies and civil society organizations, conducting field monitoring missions to assess progress and identify challenges, and supporting monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection and analysis. The UN Volunteer will also monitor resource utilization, prepare high-quality reports, support donor and government missions, build partnerships, contribute to advocacy and resource mobilization, and promote knowledge management and the dissemination of best practices.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in social development planning and management within Social Protection or child protection is required. Field experience in programme implementation, working with government counterparts, and familiarity with Mozambique’s social protection and child protection systems are essential. Experience in a developing country, programme development in child protection within the UN system, and work in both development and humanitarian contexts are considered assets.

Skills

Core values include Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability. Key skills encompass community development, project management, programme development, strategy, and information technology/telecommunications. Strong data analysis and information management skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Kobo Toolbox, and Power BI, are highly desirable for evidence generation and data-driven decision-making. Excellent coordination and communication skills are also considered strong assets.

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