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For every child, an advocate…
The UNICEF Namibia Country Office (NCO) Programme 2025-2029 aims to support the Government to meet its commitments to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights, in line with the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the 2024 recommendations from the Committee on the Rights of the Child. It is aligned with the Government’s priorities, as identified in the National Development Plans (NDP5 and NDP 6 White Paper), Harambee Prosperity Plan II (2021-2025), and Namibia Vision 2030, as well as with the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022– 2025 and is derived from the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025-2029. The 2025-2029 Country Programme results for children contribute to four strategic priorities areas of the UNSDCF, namely: 1. Effective Governance & Public Service Delivery, 2. Economic Recovery, Transformation & Resilience, 3. Sustainable Development & Green Growth Opportunities, and 4. Human Development & Community Resilience.
How can you make a difference
The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of social policy programs/projects and the achievement of sustainable results, contributes to achievement of goals and objectives to create a protective environment for children and thus ensure their survival, development, and wellbeing in society. Achievements in social policy programs and projects in turn contribute to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide program services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country.
Purpose for the job:
Under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative, the Social Policy Specialist will support 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 other thematic areas including education, health, nutrition, ECD, child protection, water and sanitation, adolescent participation, HIV, communication and advocacy, SBC and PME.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
1. Improving data on child poverty & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action
2. Strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children
3. Improving use of public financial resources for children
4. Strengthening capacity of local governments to plan, budget, consult on and monitor child-focused social services.
5. Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy
6. UNICEF Programme Management
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: 131204 (NAM25001) Social Policy Specialist NO-3 Namibia.pdf
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
Education: 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.
Work Experience:
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is considered an asset.
Desirables: Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.
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
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (1)
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (I)
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)
(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be 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 canceled.
Remarks:
Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements
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