UNICEF Nigeria: Social policy specialist Jobs

UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of experienced social policy specialist who will be responsible for the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social policies, database and capacity development in support of the overall nigeria country programme and field work in the following locations: kaduna and lagos.

The successful candidate will be expected to carry out the following duties
contribute to the situation analysis for relevant programme areas and its periodic updates by participating in the monitoring, collecting, analyzing and evaluating of the social, economic and political trends in the country, as they affect women and children; and make recommendations necessary for policy development in the country programme.
Design, prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate social, economic and political trends, legal framework and institutional mechanisms in the relevant states. Analyze and evaluate data to ensure achievement of objectives and/or takes corrective action when necessary to meet programme/project objectives. Contribute to the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and evaluation.
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 resources.
Responsible for tracking new and innovative trends in social policy and advocate/disseminate new ideas with policy makers and other stakeholders. Monitor and provide periodic updates on the programmatic environment of the field in relevant areas for the well-being of children and women.
Meet with and maintain regular professional contacts with government officials, national and international agencies and 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.
Undertake field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conducts periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Propose and/or undertake action on operational procedures affecting project management and implementation. Provide technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme/project(s).
Participate in intersectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues. Assist in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate programme development at national and states levels. Contribute relevant input to annual, donors and other reports and documents.
Assist state ministries and government authorities in planning and organizing training programmes in the field of social policy, including the design and implementation of social and economic policies, legislative measures and budgetary allocations in favour of children and women. Identify training needs and objectives for the purpose of capacity building, programme sustainability as well as promotion and advocacy.
Prepare programme/project status reports required for management, board, donors, buget review, programme analysis, annual reports etc. Provide inputs to position papers for use in unicef social policy dialogue within the national programmatic environment.
Participate in the development of the programme/sectoral workplan, ensure the achievement of specific assigned objectives. Ensure the accurate and timely input of project information in the computerized programme system, and prepare periodic management, budget, donor and other status reports for monitoring and evaluation and decision

minimum qualification and competencies
advanced university degree in social sciences, law, or related technical field.
Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national levels in programme management, monitoring and evaluation, in the area of social policies, database and capacity development.
Gender/human rights/humanitarian principles training an advantage.
Fluency in oral and written english is required. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station, an asset.
Knowledge of the latest developments issues, policies, social programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage programmes, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.
Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions.
Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
Initiative, passion and commitment to unicef’s mission and professional values.

Unicef, which has a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff.

Well qualified candidates, particularly women, are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

prepare the following documents
a completed un personal history form (which can be downloaded from www.unicef.org/employ)
your curriculum vitae with your current, detailed contact information (including telephone number and email address)
a one-page summary statement that shows how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements above. Be sure to indicate the location (city) of the post for which you are applying.

Only candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and competencies (above) will be considered.

Send your documents in a sealed envelope marked ‘confidential’ and with the vacancy number to:
the human resources manager
unicef, un house
plot 617/618, diplomatic drive
central business district
pmb 2851, garki, abuja

meet the deadline

applications must be received by unicef by midnight (abuja time) on tuesday, 20 october 2009.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Response

unicef will contact short-listed applicants within two weeks of the deadline. Unicef will not contact applicants who were not short-listed.