Beneficiary Data Specialist, P-3, Port Sudan, Sudan (Temporary Appointment until 30 June 2024 - Open to non Sudanese only)

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 74,649 USD and 97,747 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, support.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Strategic office context:

Early childhood is a particularly precarious time for children in Sudan due to high under 5 mortality rates, poor health and nutrition outcomes, and extreme vulnerability to child protection concerns. Approximately 76 per cent of infants do not make it past their first year of life in Sudan, and although there has been a steady decline in the infant mortality rate in Sudan, it consistently remains higher than the African average. Children who make it past infancy are highly susceptible to communicable diseases particularly diarrhea, malaria, and acute respiratory infections, which are compounded by malnutrition which is the single largest risk factor of mortality and illness in early childhood. Additionally, poor birth registration rates present barriers to healthcare access for children which can exacerbate healthcare deprivation. Lack of birth registration also makes children vulnerable to neglect, deprivation and abuse of the human rights throughout their lives due to lack of recognition by the state. Children are at risk of violence in the home in early childhood, and children with disabilities face even further discrimination and deprivation.

Mortality in child’s early years (0-5 years) can be attributed to multiple causes. As a result, child mortality indicators are widely utilized as a key markers of overall population well-being, inequality, and service provision, quality and use for a variety of public services. According to MICS survey 2014, 48 per cent of all under 5 deaths in Sudan occur within the first month of life, and 76 per cent occur within the first year (28 per cent of which occur between 2-11 months). Only 24 per cent of deaths occur between 12-59 months.

In April 2021, UNICEF Sudan Country Office (SCO) launched a new Mother and Child Cash Transfer Plus (MCCT+) in two eastern states of Kassala and Red Sea States, with the funding support from KfW/BMZ. MCCT+ is an integrated social protection programme for pregnant women and children during the first 1,000 days of life. MCCT+ builds on UNICEF’s ongoing support to primary health care (PHC) facilities which serve as the platforms for an integrated package of services and support to vulnerable women and children.The programme is expected to contribute to a reduction in child and maternal mortality and malnutrition through improved family practices and access to essential services for to first 1,000 days of life.

MCCT+ was originally designed as a government programme implemented by the Ministry of Social Development, the ministry responsible for social protection in Sudan, with UNICEF technical and financial support. In light of the October 2021 military takeover, the programme is being reoriented as a nexus programme implemented by UNICEF with support from frontline workers including social workers, midwives and health and nutrition staff.

To date, the MCCT+ programme has successfully enrolled approximately 52,000 women benefiting 312,600 individuals in 4 localities in Kassala and 5 localities in Red Sea state. In early 2024, UNICEF will expand the programme to reach an additional 30,000 pregnant women in additional states. In this expansion, UNICEF will collect data through KoboCollect and import this data into HOPE, UNICEF’s management information system for humanitarian cash programme operations.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the supervisor and in close collaboration with the Humanitarian Cash Transfer Specialist/Social Policy Specialist, the incumbent is responsible for delivering timely beneficiary data management services while upholding UNICEF data protection policies.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. 1. Personal Data Services Management
   • Provide guidance and oversight for the adequate use of the Humanitarian Cash Operations and Programme Ecosystem (HOPE) for UNICEF and partners
   • Escalate to management risks related to personal data management
   • Ensure quality of data analysis, reporting, Third Party Monitoring (TPM), Grievance and Redressal Mechanisms (GRM) and data protection standards
   • Provide oversight of personal data use for efficient and effective delivery of individual payments / cash transfers
   • Coordinate with interagency counterpart’s data interoperability initiatives
   2. Data Management Representation Function
   • Coordinate with HQ HOPE team on prioritized support
   • Represent personal data management function within SLCO
   • Represent data management function with external stakeholders including de facto authorities
   • Represent data management function in donors briefing
   3. Data Protection Standards
   • Ensure that personal data management workstream is aligned with UNICEF Data Protection Policy
   • Coordinate with HQ technical counterparts to ensure:
   • Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) are carried out with appropriate frequency on supported programmes
   • UNICEF partners are trained on Data Protection and Responsible Data for Children principles
   • UNICEF CSO and private sector partners comply with relevant data protection legal tools such as Non-Disclosure Agreements
   • Timely implementation of DPIA recommendations
   • Ensure timely arrangement and signature of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with UNICEF’s implementing partners, financial service providers and other entities who will require access to personally-identifiable information on UNICEF

Impact of Results

• Risk informed project plans reflect Data Protection risks and mitigation measures
• Beneficiary personal data are stored and maintained up to date to ensure timely delivery of cash assistance to recipients
• UNICEF Data Protection Policy and Information security standards are upheld

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education: Master’s degree in Information Technology, Economics, Social Science or related field is required. Bachelor's degree complemented with relevant industry certifications and work experience can be considered.

Experience: 5 years of professional work experience of data or humanitarian program/project management experience, including with multiple stakeholders. Experience in emergency contexts desirable.

Knowledge and skills:

•Experience in implementing humanitarian cash transfers programme

• Experience in beneficiary data system for humanitarian cash transfer at field level

• Experience in business operation environments with a proven track record of interfacing with multiple stakeholders (internal and external) and successful project completion

• Experience in working with UN agencies or NGOs (UNICEF experience preferred) at interagency level.

• Experience with writing short data analysis reports and presenting findings using data visualization tools and graphics.

• Experience in data coordination, management, and analysis.

• Detailed knowledge of the project lifecycle and fluency in project management methodologies

• Experience collaborating across multiple functions and working with operational subject matter experts, technical resources and architecture teams.

• High motivation, and dedication to deliver results within strict timeframes.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a local language is an asset.

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…

Competencies and level of proficiency required

Core Values attributes

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

Core competencies skills

• Nurtures, Leads, and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Functional competencies

• Applying Technical Expertise (2)
• Analyzing (2)
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts (2)
• Planning and Organizing (2)
• Deciding and Initiating Action (2)
• Adapting and Responding to Change (2)
• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks (2)
• Relating and Networking (2)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. 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. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

Eligible UNICEF Staff Members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to this TA may be able to retain a lien on their existing post for the duration of this TA.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable females are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will 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.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.