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.
Sudan is surrounded by the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya and South Sudan. Positioned next to East, West, and North Africa, it is surrounded by complex conflicts in an unpredictable, volatile and rapidly evolving region. Sudan is by size the third biggest country in Africa, with a diverse population of around 42 million people. Sudan’s children make up half of the total population, and the past two decades have seen their lives significantly improve: fewer girls and boys are dying before their fifth birthday, primary school attendance is increasing, immunization coverage is high, and the country remains polio free. Still, millions of children continue to suffer from protracted conflict in Darfur, the Kordofans, and Blue Nile, from seasonal natural disasters, malnutrition and disease outbreaks, and from under-investment in basic social services. More than three million of Sudan’s school aged children are not in the classroom. UNICEF has been in Sudan since 1952 and continues with a presence in 12 of Sudan’s 18 states.
UNICEF is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff and at all levels. UNICEF may give priority consideration to suitable female candidates in specific functional areas or positions at the P5 level where women are significantly underrepresented. UNICEF’s most inclusive wellbeing offer includes breastfeeding policy, parental and family leave and flexible work
How can you make a difference?
The Chief, Social Policy reports to the Deputy Representative Programme for general guidance and direction, and is responsible for leading, managing and supervising 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, child protection, water and sanitation, and HIV.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities :
- Managerial leadership ;
- Improving data on child poverty & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action ;
- Strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children ;
- Improving use of public financial resources for children ;
- Strengthening capacity of local governments to plan, budget, consult on and monitor child-focused social services.
- Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy.
- UNICEF Programme Management
Chief of Social Policy Level 5.docx
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- Advanced university degree in Economics (preferred) or in one of the following fields is required: Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant technical field ;
- A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience is required ;
- Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset ;
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The functional competencies required for this post are…
- Analyzing (3) ;
- Persuading & Influencing (2) ;
- Planning & Organizing (3) ;
- Deciding & Initiating Action (3).
View our competency framework at : 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 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 :
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. For this position, suitable female industrial candidates will receive preferential consideration and selection, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements stated above.