Ethiopia: Social Protection/Policy Specialist, L-3

Type of contract: Temporary Appointment

Contract duration: 364 days

Purpose: Support the policy dialog with the National Social Protection Platform, the PSNP and the Government of Ethiopia’s stakeholders for the implementation of the integrated social cash transfer pilots in SNNP and Oromia regions

Main objective:
Advocate at Federal level, monitor and assist effective implementation of the UN joint programme, the Annual working plan with MoLSA and the PSNP4 pilot programme at federal, regional, woredas and kebele level.

Objectives of the assignment

1. The technical capacities of the Agencies of Labour and Social Affairs in the two regions in planning and implementing SCT are strengthened ;
2. The pilot programme is effectively and efficiently planned, prepared, implemented and monitored;
3. The SCT programme is well known at Federal level and used by the GoE and the PSNP4 for the scale up of the Direct Support Clients, the Temporary Direct Support Clients and soft conditionalities approaches in the PSNP4;
4. The 3 years impact evaluation is implemented as planned (baseline in January 2016) and first findings of the baseline report are used to rectify the pilot programme;
5. The social protection action plans at Federal and regional levels are elaborated as planned;
6. The follow up study on the economic impact of the TSCTPP in Tigray is delivered in a timely and quality manner.

Specific tasks

1. Provide technical assistance to the Agencies of Labour and Social Affairs in the SNNPR/Oromia and to the Woreda level Labour and Social Affairs units (WoLSAs) with regard to the design, implementation of the SCT pilot programs with clear linkages with social sectors (nutrition, health, education etc.) for the soft conditionalities;
2. Support the development and improvements of training modules on Social Cash Transfer programs that can be used for both regions at regional, woreda and kebele levels;
3. Realize regular monitoring, support and coaching missions to the two pilot regions and the four pilot woredas
4. Coordinates the cross sectoral SCT pilot implementation, organizes and facilitates monthly SCT taskforce meetings
5. Provide guidance to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) for the social protection system approach and how to build on the lessons learnt and challenges from the regional pilots;
6. Ensure the maintenance of a data base and a Management Information System (MIS) that documents and analyses activities, outputs, outcomes and costs of implementing the pilot programs and support the quality insurance of the data entry and analyses done by the MIS operators at federal, regional and woreda level.
7. Facilitate smooth communication between UNICEF, the regional partners and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and other partners with the guidance of UNICEF at both national and regional levels
8. Guide the elaboration of a costed federal and four regional social protection action plans
9. Support the county office research agenda on social protection, in particular the impact evaluation of the pilot programmes and the various studies related to social protection in Ethiopia.
10. Lead the county office South-South cooperation activities across countries and regions
11. Prepare and submit reports of the implementation of the SCT pilot programs to the regional and federal partners
12. Support the federal and regional social protection platform secretariat in coordinating the regional social protection interventions
13. Advocate and liaise with the PSNP for the scale up of the Direct Support Clients in the PSNP
14. Attend meetings related to the program as required (Social protection platforms, Donor Working Group of the PSNP, Social Development Task force, Systems building technical committee meetings…)
15. Follow up and coordinate the smooth and effective implementation of the activities in the REPOM AWP with MoLSA and the UN joint programme

Expected Deliverables and Timeline

1. Two Regional and four woreda SCT Secretariat are established and function effectively in accordance the SCT Design Report and the SCT Guidelines
2. Regional and woreda level agencies and offices receive guidance and assistance as required
3. A data bank and MIS documenting and analysing beneficiary data and program activities, outputs, outcomes and costs is established
4. A costed federal and two regional Social protection action plans are drafted
5. Training modules for all levels, Federal to Kebele, are available for the Social Workers
6. Monthly/Quarterly progress and financial reports of the implementation of the social protection programme in both regions are prepared in accordance with guidelines.
7. Monthly reports on Challenges and recommendations on the implementation are shared
8. Minutes of the various consultations with partners
9. Inputs to donor reports as required
10. Mid-year and annual report for REPOM social protection component
11. Final report for the UN joint programme
12. Irish Aid donor reports as needed

Expected background and Experience
• Master degree in Sociology, Social work, Economics or other relevant discipline
• A Minimum 5 years working experience in areas of social protection
• Fluent in English
• Ability to work through networking and in partnership
• Familiar with development issues and with policies and procedures in international development cooperation
• Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills
• Good writing and editing skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Leadership and teamwork abilities
• Proven track record in building the capacity of partners as well as in providing technical assistance;
• Familiarity and experience working with government counter parts;
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Excellent team player;
• Core values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity
  • Core and functional UNICEF and Humanitarian Competencies:
• Communication (II)
• Working with People (II)
• Drive for Results (II)
• Leading and supervising (I)
• Deciding and initiating actions (III)
• Persuading and influencing (III)
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts (II)
• Analyzing (III)
• Adapting and responding to change (III)
• Coping with pressure and setbacks (III)
• Applying Technical Expertise (III)
• Learning and Researching (II)
• Planning and Organizing (II)
• Relating and networking (II)

Apply online:http://www.unicef.org/ethiopia/careers.html

Applications must include motivation letter, an updated CV, and a completed UN Personal History Form (P-11) available for download on the same page.Please DO NOT ATTACH COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS, ACADEMIC DEGREES OR RECOMMENDATION LETTERS WITH THE APPLICATION.

UNICEF and UN candidates must also include two recent Performance Evaluation Reports.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications from qualified women are encouraged.