About us

Social Policy Specialist

Duty Station: Hyderabad
Closing date: 15 August 2012

Purpose Of The Post

Accountable for effective engagement in social policy dialogue with the State governments, advocating for increased public resource allocation towards the social sector with special focus on social protection schemes for the marginalized and excluded, supporting sustainable decentralization of social services and local capacity building in support of the goal of universal coverage of essential social services. Conducts data collection and analysis to fill information gaps and to strengthen capacity for advocacy for children rights. Provide inputs in the development of monitoring and evaluation systems in support of the UNICEF supported programme in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

Collect, analyse, coordinate and direct the timely flow of relevant social, economic and political information and situation analysis of women and children and make recommendations necessary for policy and programme development in the relevant state/s.

Collaborate with relevant government departments, officials and other partners to identify interventions necessary for the improved planning, implementation and monitoring of assigned programme areas.  Support the design and implementation of national flagship programmes that are inclusive and perform efficiently; develop strategies which facilitate intersectoral convergence and effective use of human and financial resources within the state/s.

Track new and innovative trends in social policy and advocate/disseminate new ideas with policy makers and other stakeholders.

Assist in the development and implementation of research, monitoring and evaluation activities in the states with special attention to community based monitoring systems.

Participate and contribute to the State Management Team of the field Office, and to regular programme team meetings.  Participate and contribute to inter-state activities related to the areas of assignment and in relevant country office meetings.  Contribute relevant inputs to annual, donors and other reports and documents.

Establish and maintain regular professional contacts with government officials, other partners, including research and training institutions, through joint visits, consultations, meetings.  Advocate and promote the adoption of UNICEF policies and strategies, foster alliances to meet objectives.

Prepare programme workplan, approve project plans, certify FACE and provide funding details for raising requisitions and payments as well as prepare periodic management reports on the project for review and decisions.

Qualifications, Skills and Attributes required to perform the duties of the post:

a) Education

Advanced university degree in Social Sciences or Development Economics with course work or other advanced training in one or more areas of UNICEF programming.

b) Work Experience

Five years of professional work experience related to programme planning, monitoring, and policy analysis with focus on social development and poverty alleviation at national and/or international level.

c) Languages

Fluency in English and Hindi.  Knowledge of other relevant local language(s) an asset.

d)  Competency Profile

i)  Core Values (Required)
•  Commitment 
•  Diversity and Inclusion 
•  Integrity    

ii) Core Competencies (Required)

  •  Communication  [ II ] 
  •  Working with People   [ II ]      
  •  Drive for Results   [ II ]  
 
iii) Functional Competencies (Required)

  •  Leading and Supervising    [ II ]                      
  •  Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ II ]
 •  Analyzing   [ II] 
  •  Relating and Networking [ II ]
  •  Persuading and Influencing [ II ]
  •  Planning and Organizing [ III ]
   

iv)  Technical Knowledge   [  ]

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job) [  ]   

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 
•  Expertise to leverage UNICEF’s competitive advantage.
•  Expertise to deploy networking and mass media for fundraising and special events.

b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group) [  ]   

Understanding of UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies (MDGs, UNDAF, HIV/AIDS, WFFC, MTSP, etc.)  

 •  Understanding of Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming.
 •  Understanding of UN mission and system; and International Code of Conduct.
•  Gender equality and diversity awareness.   

 c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job) [  ]  

•  Knowledge of UNICEF’s financial regulations and rules, fundraising manual and fundraising strategy.
•  Understanding of government policies, guidelines, legislation, and strategies related to fundraising.
•  Understanding of UNICEF programme policies, goals, strategies, guidelines and approaches related to programme funding activities. 
•  UNICEF policies, strategies promoting and supporting gender equality and diversity.

 Other Skills And Attributes

- Current knowledge of development issues, policies, social programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.

- Proven ability to conceptualise, analyse and plan for actions as well as to transfer knowledge and skills.

- Proven record of initiatives in the conceptualisation, planning and implementation of social development programmes.

- Knowledge and use of standard office automation applications related to word processing, graphics presentations etc. as well as Management Information Systems and databases.  Knowledge and training on use of work planning tools an asset.

- Ability to work in a multicultural and international environment.

Applications consisting of a covering letter; an up-to-date CV and a completed Personal History form (download)  should be sent to nonprofitjobs@abcconsultants.net by 15 August 2012.  In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the post title and location in the subject line of your e-mail/application. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged.

UNICEF does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training or any other fees). UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment. Applications from qualified women are encouraged.