Social Policy Specialist

United Nations Development Programme

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Social Policy Specialist

negotiable / YEAR Expired 2 months ago

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Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization, fighting to end the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

The Agenda 2030, based on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is underpinned by a strong commitment to leave no one behind and to reach the furthest behind first. It recognizes the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and inequality and provides a framework that comprehensively addresses all dimensions of well-being. Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to endorse the SDGs at the Sustainable Development Summit held on 25 September 2015. In 2016, Pakistan Parliament unanimously approved the SDGs as the national development agenda. Since then, Pakistan has demonstrated an impressive policy, institutional, and financial commitment to achieving SDGs, embracing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and leaving no one behind by adopting the UNDP-supported Goals frameworks as part of its national development planning. Since adopting the SDGs as the National Development Agenda, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has established the SDGs Support Unit at the Planning & Development Department in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme.

As a second-generation intervention of the long-standing National Initiative for SDGs (2016-2023), the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa SDGs Plus Project, as a joint initiative of UNDP Pakistan and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is launched to strengthen a policy integration approach, evidence-based decision-making, resilient institutional capacities, diversified partnerships, mobilization of innovative financing, and integrating climate resilience, innovation, social protection, and inclusion. The project is anchored by an integrated framework comprising three key areas based on the provincial priorities, including:

Objective 1: Internalizing SDGs: Improved governance for SDGs aligned equitable and inclusive development planning, budgeting, expenditure tracking, monitoring, and reporting, with a special focus on underdeveloped /marginalized districts to achieve regional equalization.
Objective 2: Financing for Development and Climate Resilience: Public and private financing for development, identifying and channelling resources to reduce the development financing gap, focusing on SDG investments and climate financing.
Objective 3: Inclusive Development, Social Protection, and Innovation: Gender equality, inclusion, innovation, and digital transformation mainstreamed in SDGs to achieve Leave No One Behind.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa SDGs Plus Project, and in close coordination with UNDP Pakistan Development Policy Unit, the Social Policy Specialist’s prime responsibility is to ensure the following main tasks:

Duties and Responsibilities

The Social Policy Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and guidance from the Assistant Resident Representative, Development Policy Unit UNDP and collaborates closely with the UNDP Pakistan DPU colleagues, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Planning & Development Department and the relevant stakeholders at the provincial and district levels.

Social and socio-economic policy development, research, and strategy enhancement support for inclusive and informed development planning:

Conduct in-depth social and socio-economic Sector’s analysis to inform policy development and provide technical assistance and strategic visioning in line with the Project Document and close coordination with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Planning and Development (P&D) Department for crafting SDG-aligned and evidence-based policies, emphasizing priority sectors and marginalized demographics in development planning, budgeting, and implementation strategies, aimed at economic development, and poverty and inequality reduction.
Undertake high quality analysis and interpretation of social and socio-economic data and prepare policy papers and briefs for senior government and UNDP officials on issues related to social development, social protection, social inclusion, gender mainstreaming and economic empowerment, poverty and inequality as well as sectoral reports.
Analysis of public policies aimed at social development, poverty and inequality reduction with the objective to assess their effectiveness and impact and provide recommendations accordingly Assist in harnessing technological innovations, particularly the potential of digital transformation for inclusive and area-based development.
Evaluate existing policies, frameworks, and project activities to ensure gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches aligned with SDGs for equitable development and social inclusion.
Substantively contribute to the Project Progress and other reports; Supervise the work of consultants and other organizations which the project may engage in relation to the work of this particular post;
Organize national and sub-national workshops and where required, present project’s work

Capacity Building and Data Strengthening

Engage with consultants and provide input regarding social and socio-economic sectors to develop district profiling and curate gender-sensitive and inclusive district development plans, monitoring frameworks, and evaluations specifically tailored for underdeveloped or marginalized districts.
Assist in developing SMART indicators to monitor the cut across themes of gender inclusion, diversity, and social inclusion etc. of project-supported initiatives and awarded consultancy services.
Provide data strengthening support by developing a disaggregated data system at provincial and district levels, focusing on policy-oriented data collection to fortify SDGs monitoring and reporting.
Extend technical support to government entities in monitoring, tracking, and reporting expenditures at the provincial and district levels. This includes analyzing ADP alignment with the SDG Agenda 2030 and identifying capacity constraints for integration into development planning.
Collect, analyze, and synthesize social and socio-economic sectors’ data and information across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and propose policy options to relevant government departments.
Provide top-quality and innovative policy advisory support to the Government and facilitate capacity development and knowledge building with regards to accelerating progress in social and socio-economic sectors, and pro-poor growth for achieving SDGs targets.
Address challenges related to suboptimal private sector partnerships for reducing the financing gap, while also focusing on innovative strategies to optimize limited fiscal resources.
Contribute to Provincial SDGs Status Report and keep abreast of regional and global economic trends and issues and analyse their implications for the realization of the SDGs in Pakistan.

Strategic Partnerships, Knowledge Management, and Dissemination

Establish dynamic and diversified partnership platforms, ensuring effective inclusion of grassroots communities, movements, and marginalized groups to amplify voices and actions.
Keep abreast of regional and global socio-economic trends and issues and analyze their implications for the realization of envisaged targets in the project’s priority policy areas.
Develop policy briefs and conduct policy dialogues on the success stories, best practices, challenges, and opportunities for evidence-based social protection and inclusion.

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the Project for Sustainable Development Goals Implementation, the performance of project team and success in implementation of programme strategies. Accurate analysis, data entry and presentation of information ensure proper programme implementation.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-functional & Technical competencies

Information Management and Technology

Data Management & Analytics: Knowledge in data management, data sciences, ability to structure data, develop dashboards and visualization; Design data warehouses, data lakes, or data platform concepts; Familiarity with Machine learning, natural language processing or generation, and the use of artificial intelligence to support predictive analytics; CDMP or TOGAF9 or equivalent certification desirable.

Business Direction & Strategy

System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Digital & Innovation

Digital Inclusion: Knowledge of how digital inclusion works opportunities and challenges for governments and society.

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

Strategic Policy Engagement: Economic forecasting

Business Management

Risk Management: Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.

Partnership Management

Relationship Management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain, and/or strengthen working relations, trust, and mutual understanding.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, International Development, Social Policy, Development Economics, with strong emphasis on policy analysis, research, and quantitative skills is required, or
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years (with Master´s Degree) or 7 years (with bachelor´s degree) of experience at the national or international level; with social and socio-economic development issues and strategies in developing countries and awareness of SDGs related policy matters;
Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis in formulation of social and socio-economic development strategies is an asset;
Foundational knowledge and skills including policy landscape and management expertise are desirable.
Experience in and ability to communicate and function effectively with diverse stakeholders in national, international, and multicultural environments is an asset.
Organizational knowledge and experience including strategic planning, decision-making self-management, emotional intelligence, conflict management, delivery, communication, and negotiating skills are an asset.
Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
Experience in research, data management and analysis, economic forecasting, digital inclusion, monitoring, and implementation, and gauging meso and macro-level impact and needs assessments, delivery, and budget is an asset.
Demonstrated expertise in Policy Development: Proven track record in providing policy guidance and strategic technical assistance in socio-economic development, focusing on inclusive governance, equitable planning, and community-driven interventions.
Prior experience of SDGs, Agenda 2030, MAPS Approach, provincial policies and priorities, policy integration approach, and innovation, social protection, and inclusion. An understanding of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa context would be of added advantage.
Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Urdu is required.
Knowledge of other local languages is an asset

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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This job has expired.