Social Policy Specialist NOC Fixed Term (FT) Hargeisa, Somalia

If you are a qualified Somali National and looking for a chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Somali children while gaining opportunities for career growth, you are invited to apply for the above post of Social Policy Specialist, with UNICEF Somalia, to be based in Hargeisa.

If successful, you will be part of a dynamic and passionate team in Somalia and Nairobi that works together to improve the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene and basic education of Somali girls and boys, protect them from violence, exploitation and abuse and provide them with poverty relief and access to opportunities through social protection.

Purpose of the Post:

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Field Office, and the technical supervision of the Nairobi-based Chief of Social Policy and Social Welfare Specialist, responsible for the technical oversight, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of assigned programme/project(s) in Somaliland.

Major duties and responsibilities:

1. Together with a government-led Technical Steering Committee (TSC) and the UNICEF Social Welfare Specialist, coordinate and manage all aspects of the design, implementation, and evaluation of a social protection system and pilot child grant programme.
2. Conduct evidence-based policy analysis in support of programme sections in the area of UN joint programming and ensure national plans, policies and budgets prioritize child rights and are effectively implemented.
3. Monitor and update current information on state budget and spending patterns and decentralization status of social services on an on-going basis to support advocacy for effective decentralized service delivery.
4. Analyse national and district budget focusing on the areas of acceleration to achieve the SDG related child outcomes. Actively participate in relevant budget related meetings.
5. In collaboration with other Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralised Service Delivery (JPLG) partners, contribute to the sustainability of decentralized social services through technical support to local actors to ensure accessibility, effectiveness and affordability of basic social services relevant to children. Ensure development of programme plans of action for children at regional and district/municipality levels, effective coordination between sectors and linkage between different levels of government structures for effective policy implementation.
6. Ensure UNICEF social policy programme is effectively planned, implemented and managed in support of the country programme.
7. Undertake field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conduct periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners in collaboration with UNICEF programme sections. Provide technical guidance to government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme/project(s).

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes

• Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, or related technical field. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• Five years of progressively responsible professional work, experience at the national and international levels in programme management, monitoring and evaluation in a related field;
• Experience in program coordination and working partnership with government representatives;
• Fluency in oral and written English and Somali languages is required;
• Previous experience working in social protection programming and particularly developing social protection systems or implementing cash transfer programmes, is highly preferred;
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches;
• High sense of integrity and commitment;
• Good communication and analytical skills;
• Computer skills.

Desirable Qualifications.

1. Demonstrated experience in programme management, including experience with coordination, donor relations, planning, monitoring and budget management and oversight;
2. Proven ability to work with partners, manage staff and consultants, write proposals and sound evidence-based reports in clear and simple language;
3. Good understanding of government systems, procedures and processes at all levels ;
4. Strong communication skills, including an ability to build rapport with individuals, groups and maintain an effective network of individuals.

Benefits and Entitlements
Employees’ benefit from family friendly, work-life, and diversity policies, and UNICEF is committed to maintaining a balanced gender and geographical representation. Other Benefits and entitlements include:

• Annual leave
• Dependency allowance
• Medical and dental insurance
• Pension scheme
• Education grant for special children
• Life insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Family leave
• Danger pay
• Maternity / Paternity adoption leave
• Special leave

Please note that some benefits are paid depending on the duty station and type of assignment/contract.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are advised to follow the link below to submit their applications.

http://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/#/job/496807