Social Policy Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Over the last two decades, Rwanda embarked on important socio-economic and structural reforms, sustain economic growth rates and maintained peace and stability across the territory. Rwanda now aspires to reach Middle Income Country (MIC) status by 2035 and High-Income Country (HIC) status by 2050. This aspiration will be carried out through a series of seven-year National Strategies for Transformation (NST1), underpinned by detailed sectoral strategies that are aimed toward achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Rwanda’s strong economic growth was accompanied by substantial improvements in living standards, with a two-thirds drop in child mortality and near-universal primary school enrolment. A strong focus on homegrown policies and initiatives has contributed to significant improvement in access to services and human development indicators. Measured by the national poverty line, poverty and extreme poverty rates stood at 38% and 16% respectively in 2017, while life expectancy at birth improved from 29 years in the mid-1990s to 69 years in 2019. However, the COVID-19 crisis dramatically contributed to increase poverty and threatening human capital gains of the last many years. The headcount poverty rate is estimated to have risen by 5.1% (more than 550,000 people) in 2021, compared to the no-COVID scenario. In this context, the UNV Social Policy officer will provide technical support and assistance in all stages of social policy programming 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. This encompasses both direct programme work with government and civil society partners as well as linkages and support to teams working on education, health and nutrition, early childhood development, child protection, water and sanitation.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Social Policy, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the National UNV Social Policy Officer will: • Support the design and implementation of analytical works promoting Public Finance for Children within the Social Policy section and across other programme sections, with a focus on Early Childhood Development and Early Childhood Education • Support the development of financing options for the expansion of existing Social Protection interventions and introduction of new cash grants in Rwanda • Support the development of annual budget briefs to monitor public investments in social sectors and poverty reduction financing for children, adolescents and young people. • Support the design of capacity building interventions for local and central government officials to promote integrated approaches for effective planning and budgeting (with a focus on Nutrition, Early Childhood Development and Disability) • Support preparatory work for Rwanda’s next Household Integrated Living Conditions Survey (2023/24) and a new Multiple Overlapping Deprivations Analysis (2024) • Contribute to macroeconomic analysis and monitoring to identity socio-economic vulnerabilities and risks affecting children, young people and other vulnerable population • Contribute to organization of national and local level policy advocacy and dialogues for increased resources to child focused sectors, • Contribute to capacity building across programme sections and with government partners in areas relating to child poverty, public finance for children, social protection, budget transparency, and accountability • Support knowledge management and documentation of good practices. Contribute to the preparation of funding proposals, donor reports, annual reports and other documents across all components of the section’s portfolio • Perform other assignments as may deemed necessary by the supervisor.

☒ Professionalism ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Teamwork and respect for diversity ☒ Commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Knowledge Sharing

• knowledge of economics and accounting • writing and editing skills • office setting • Strong and demonstrable writing skills; • Strong organizational skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills; • Ability to interact with multidisciplinary teams; • Photography skills • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to meet deadlines, and to take initiative to troubleshoot and solve problems before they arise.

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has undergone an incredible period of rejuvenation and stability that is clearly visible the moment you step out into this beautiful city. Concerning transport, even though motorcycle taxis are not recommended, they are the fastest way to get around this metropolis. Helmets are provided, but it is better to have your own helmet. You can also take a standard taxi. Those with a yellow stripe will be run by individuals, while the majority will belong to either Kigali Taxi Service (3122) or Kigali Airport Taxis (476586). Public transportation is the cheapest way to get around Kigali, and many of the buses are new and well- maintained. You can also take these buses farther afield; expect to pay a fare based on distance. Transport prepaid cards are available for passengers at each bus station, and you can load a minimum amount of two hundred Rwandan francs (200RWF). If public transport isn’t your style, cars are available for rent or purchase in Kigali. Major investment has been made in infrastructure, including roads, and congestion in this city has never been particularly bad. Accommodations are found easily and at the relevant standards and recreation infrastructures (swimming pools, aerobics, etc…) can be found in the various places.

Shops and markets are available with necessary items including imported goods, home furnishings and electrical appliances and vehicles spare parts.

Public and private health facilities are available in Kigali and some of them such as King Faisal Hospital, Legacy Clinic, Hôpital la Croix du Sud, etc …work with CIGNA insurance. The above Hospitals have necessary health equipment; ambulances, adequate health services and can handle any emergency.

Kigali is an exceptionally safe city. However, in case of emergency, there are several emergency numbers in Kigali, so be sure to know which to call. You can reach the police on a special line by dialing 999. Fire fighters can be reached at 111 and the emergency services are at 112. If you have or see a traffic accident, call 113.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications, and other basic needs.

Unified Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers can be accessed on the following link: https://www.unv.org/sites/default/files/unvpf/UNVcos2021%20Complete%20hi-res- final_compressed_30.08.2021.pdf

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate