Social Policy Specialist

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Description

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• Direct and provide leadership to the Ethiopia Cash Working Group (CWG), facilitating regular meetings and engagement between stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Develop 2024-2026 CWG strategy and work plans in alignment with the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), CWG Assembly, and stakeholders.
• Ensure harmonization of multi-purpose cash (MPC) to aid those in need and coordinate emergency MPC responses as required.
• Represent the CWG in ICCG meetings and other relevant platforms.
• Support different inter-agency coordination structures, including OCHA-led coordination structures, facilitating strategic yearly humanitarian response planning (HRP) with MPC.
• Lead the conceptualization of an exit strategy from emergency MPC, emphasizing alignment with development/durable solution/social protection initiatives where possible.
• Oversee and provide strategic support to the sub-national CWGs operating in various regions. Facilitate consistency in methodologies and encourage cross-learning.

• Offer technical advice to stakeholders on efficient, effective, and context-appropriate CVA programming for the affected population.
• Regularly update and develop MPC and sector-specific CVA guidelines, key messages, and Standard Operational Procedures as needed.
• Facilitate reviewing and mapping financial and compliance frameworks related to CVAs, advising agencies on potential opportunities and constraints.

• Manage the CWG Coordination Funds, coordinating joint initiatives, capacity building, consultancies, and other critical projects.
• Organize, structure, and develop spending plans and report to the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), the CWG assembly, and donors on spending, ensuring financial transparency and accountability.
• Support and collaborate with the CWG Information Management Officer (IMO) in enhancing reporting through the 5Ws and regular market analysis in collaboration with Market sub-WG members to inform strategic coordination, harmonization, and complementarity of programming.
• Support and work with the IMO in collecting/documenting replicable good practices, lessons learned, case studies and in building a repository of resources, including context-appropriate CVA guidance and tools beneficial to the CWG.
• Regular reporting as required by the ICCG

• Engage with donors regularly, sharing information about CVA policies and trends in Ethiopia with members and stakeholders.
• Advocate for solutions to emerging constraints on CVA programming in Ethiopia, liaising with partners, ICCG, HCT, and the Aid Community.
• Foster relationships with regional groups such as the Cash Learning Partnership (CALP) and other similar coordination and advocacy groups.

• Oversight of the Cash Information Management Officer and any other coordination support provided by partners.
• Build the capacity of the team, promoting collaboration between members from different functions and host agencies
• Foster a supportive team atmosphere, providing resources and support to maintain or improve team performance and personal development.

• A Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Sociology, Economics, International Development, or a related field.
• 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.
• A minimum of eight (8) years combined field and country office experience in various international organizations or projects (e.g., UN agencies, INGOs, IOs, Donors, IFRC, or ICRC) is required.
• Demonstrable experience in coordination roles, with a preference for those related to Cash and Voucher Assistance.
• Proven understanding of the UN System, NGO humanitarian community, and humanitarian coordination architecture (desired).
• Comprehensive knowledge of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) standards, indicators, and best practices.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of the local language or any other official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.

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