Social Policy Specialist - Social Protection Systems

The Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection Systems) will contribute to expanding children’s access to inclusive and shock-resilient social protection in all contexts, supporting UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The role focuses on strengthening national social protection systems through technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge management, and strategic partnership engagement, with emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa.

Responsibilities

• Capacity Development & Institutional Strengthening
• Quality Improvement at Scale
• Policy Reform & Systems Transformation
• Evidence, Data & Knowledge for Action
• Equitable Access
• Programme Management & Results Monitoring
• Global Facing Functions

Requirements

• Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Public Policy, Labor and social protection, international relations
• 8 years of relevant work experience in Social Protection, international development, strengthening social protection systems, written analysis/documentation of public policy.
• Experience managing and/or providing advisory support for strengthening social protection systems (including policy, programme design and operations) in international development settings
• Experience working in a developing country
• Experience in written analysis/documentation of public policy work
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellence strategic communication skills across multiple audiences
• Ability to influence others while working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Strong analytical skills
• Proficiency in English is required.
• Experience in social protection operational programme design
• Experience in policy drafting
• Experience in system strengthening
• Experience in financing analysis
• Experience in policy advocacy
• Experience in links to other sectors
• Experience in capacity building
• Relevant experience in a United Nations system agency or organization
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is desirable
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts is desirable

Skills

• Social Protection Policies
• Policy Analysis
• Policy drafting
• Programme Design
• Social Protection Financing Analysis
• Policy Advocacy
• Capacity Building
• Strategic Communications
• Technical Assistance
• Knowledge Management
• Social Protection System Strengthening
• International Development
• Advisory Support
• Multicultural Sensitivity
• Written Policy Documentation
• Country Level Experience
• Development Context Experience
• Humanitarian Experience

Languages

English