Social Policy Officer, NO-B, Baghdad, Iraq, one-year Temporary Appointment (open to Iraqi nationals only)

Contract

This is a NO-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-2 contracts.

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 full 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, hope

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Social Policy Manager (Social Protection), the Social Policy Officer is accountable for providing 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 with specific focus on the child sensitive cash transfer programme. 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, development agencies and civil society partners as well as linkages and support to teams working on education, health, child protection, water and sanitation, and HIV.

More specifically the officer will provide strategic support to the implementation of the social protection child sensitive cash transfer programmes in the office while providing support to the section team in facilitating smooth engagements with government officials. The Social Policy Officer will also represent UNICEF in relevant coordination meetings and ensure effective communication through efficient documentation, providing interpretation and translating relevant documents.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities and end results: 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. Help manage and provide technical support on programmes with cash components to ensure adequate support scale-up and delivery. Ensures risk analysis and risk mitigation are embedded into overall management of the support, in close consultation with UNICEF programme sections, Cooperating Partners, and government agencies.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have… A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant technical field. A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required with experience in designing and implementing cash transfer programme required. Background in translation is an asset. Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate the values and competencies required for this post: UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it.

Core Competencies Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1) Works Collaboratively with others (1) Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1) Innovates and Embraces Change (1) Thinks and Acts Strategically (1) Drive to achieve impactful results (1) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates will be prioritized.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks • Lien on post may apply to applicants who are current UNICEF staff on Permanent, continuing and Fixed Term positions applying for this Temporary Appointment assignment • Government or related entities employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF or provide a proof of leave of absence. • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. • Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.