Social Policy Specialist (NO-3), FT, #00135994, Mbabane - Eswatini, ESAR

UNICEF Eswatini Country Office is looking for an experienced and highly knowledgeable Social Policy Specialist who will be responsible for providing technical support to the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all stages of social policy programing and related advocacy from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of concrete and sustainable results. This includes programmes aimed at improving (a) public policies to reduce child poverty; (b) social protection coverage and impact on children; (c) the transparency, adequacy, equity and efficiency of child-focused public investments and financial management; and (d) governance, decentralization and accountability measures to increase public participation and the quality, equity and coverage of social services UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visitour websiteto learn more about what we do at UNICEF. For every child, the right to opportunity. Eswatini continues to face significant development challenges, particularly in addressing persistent poverty and inequality and despite notable policy efforts, child poverty remains widespread and entrenched. These challenges are particularly acute in rural areas, where access to basic services is limited.  UNICEF is supporting the Government of Eswatini to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the national social protection systems with a specific focus on improving child sensitivity and strengthen Eswatini’s social protection system as a strategic vehicle for addressing child poverty and promoting long-term human capital development.  The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of social policy programs/projects and the achievement of sustainable results, contributes to achievement of goals and objectives to create a protective environment for children and ensure their survival, development and well-being in society. How can you make a difference? UNICEF Eswatini Country Office is looking for an experienced and highly knowledgeable Social Policy Specialist who will be responsible for providing technical support to the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all stages of social policy programing and related advocacy from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of concrete and sustainable results. Summary of key functions/accountabilities: 1. Improving data on child poverty & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action. 2. Strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children. 3. Improving use of public financial resources for children. 4. Strengthening capacity of local governments to plan, budget, consult on and monitor child-focused social services. 5. Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy. 6. UNICEF Programme Management. If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:JD Social Policy Specialist NOC Eswatini.pdf To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… Minimum requirements - Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in economics, public policy, social sciences, international relations, political science, development studies and, or another related field is required. A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with two additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. - Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in social policy, social protection, public finance, poverty analysis, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, governance, decentralization, advocacy, program management, or another related field is required. - Skills: Proven skills in policy development, risk analysis and mitigation, social policy, social protection, and finance advocacy are required. - Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Desirables - Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset. - Bilateral and multilateral donor coordination experience is an asset. - Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts. For every Child, you demonstrate... UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter:UNICEF Values UNICEF competencies required for this post are… (1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3) Drive to achieve results for impact(4) Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6) Thinks and acts strategically(7) Works collaboratively with others Familiarize yourself withour competency frameworkand its different levels. UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status. UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpageAccessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance. UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially. UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments are conditional on the se