Social Policy Specialist

The Social Policy Specialist supports the effective delivery of UNICEF's Country Programme in Malawi, focusing on the Social Protection sector and the National Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP). The role involves providing technical guidance, operational support, and coordination with government counterparts and development partners to strengthen social protection outcomes for children.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and operational support for the Social Protection sector and the National Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).
• Lead activities related to social protection policy, planning, implementation, and coordination with government counterparts and development partners.
• Facilitate management and delivery of results through key global, regional and country partnerships.
• Support the Government of Malawi to strengthen the Social Protection sector with a focus on SCTP.

Requirements

• Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Economics, Social Science, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations or related fields is required.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Programme Management, Social protection, Social policy, Public policy, Program management, Monitoring and evaluation, Grant management, Government relations, Cash transfer programs, Stakeholder coordination, Capacity building or related fields.
• Project and budget management skills are required.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with different stakeholders including external government partners is required.
• Ability to perform under pressure; ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment is required.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex social policy data and trends is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey policy recommendations and engage stakeholders is required.
• Demonstrated capacity to design, monitor, and evaluate social protection programmes is required.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Previous experience with UNICEF or another UN agency is an asset.
• Familiarity with European Union grant management would be a strong asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Skills

• Programme Management
• Social Protection Policies
• Social Policy
• Public Policy
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Grant Management
• Government Relations
• Cash Transfer Programmes
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Capacity Building
• Project Management
• Budget Management
• Data Analysis
• Policy Recommendations
• Social Protection Program Design
• Social Protection Programme Monitoring
• Social Protection Programme Evaluation
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Collaboration with Government Partners
• European Union Grant Management

Languages

English