Social Policy Specialist (Cash Programme Coordinator), NOC/TA, Manakara, Madagascar #127379, 364 jours

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, a champion

(25) Leonie and her children benefit from Zara Mira Child benefits – YouTube

UNICEF support the Government of Madagascar in strengthening its social protection system and making it more child sensitive and inclusive, in particular with the implementation of a universal child grant (ZARA MIRA programme) in various regions of the country covering 80,000 children and various technical assistance activities to the Ministry of population. In 2024, UNICEF will expand the social protection programme ZARA MIRA in the Atsimo Atsinanana region to reach 68,000 additional children and pregnant women in the district of Befotaka, Midongy and Vondrozo. The programme in this region will also reach about 3,500 people with disability with a specific top up. The ZARA MIRA programme in the Atsimo Atsinanana will be implemented directly by UNICEF by hiring and managing financial service providers and NGOs in the field (unlike the other regions where the programme is implemented by the Government). The expansion in the Atsimo Atsinanana region is financed by a European Union grant and the programme will be implemented for 3 years, starting in March 2024.

In addition to the regular social protection programme ZARA MIRA, UNICEF support humanitarian cash transfers (via an expansion of the ongoing programmes) to respond to cyclones and/or food insecurity when needed.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job:

The Social Policy Specialist (Cash Programme Coordinator), under the supervision of the Social Protection Specialist, will be responsible for the management of the programme funded by the EU grant in Atsimo Atsinanana, and more precisely the incumbent will be responsible for contracts, administrative and fiduciary management of the various implementing partners hired by UNICEF for the programme implementation, for managing the information beneficiary data system (HOPE-Humanitarian cash Operation and Programme Ecosystem) and donor reporting.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• UNICEF Programme Management
• Strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children
• Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy

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

• An advanced 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 five years of relevant professional work experience is required
• Background and/or familiarity with social protection is considered as a strong asset
• Exposure to system for the management of personal data with desired experience in direct management of personal data is considered as a strong asset
• Experience in programme management and knowledge of UNICEF administrative procedures is considered a strong asset
• Fluency in Malagasy and French is required. Knowledge of English is an asset.

 JD Social Policy Specialist NOC TA.doc

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.

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:

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.