Background

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. UNICEF’s work is focused on the rights of children, their survival, development, and protection. The organization works in over 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights, help meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

This role is within the Social Policy section of UNICEF Malawi, which focuses on advocating for children's rights and well-being through evidence-based policy analysis and recommendations. The Social Policy Specialist will contribute to strengthening the social protection systems and policies in Malawi to ensure that all children, especially the most vulnerable, benefit from inclusive and equitable social services.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of social policies and programs in Malawi, with a focus on child-related issues, including poverty, inequality, education, health, and child protection.
• Provide technical support and policy advice to the government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on the development and implementation of social policies that promote child rights and well-being.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of social policies and programs on children, and identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Contribute to the development of UNICEF Malawi's country program documents and strategies, ensuring that social policy considerations are integrated.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and other development partners to foster collaboration and leverage resources for child-focused social policy initiatives.
• Generate evidence and knowledge through research, data collection, and analysis to inform policy dialogue and advocacy efforts.
• Organize and facilitate policy dialogues, workshops, and training sessions for stakeholders on social policy issues related to children.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports, and other communication materials to disseminate findings and recommendations to a wide range of audiences.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in social policy, economics, development studies, public policy, sociology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in social policy analysis, research, and advocacy, preferably in a developing country context.
• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and report writing.
• Strong understanding of social protection systems, child rights, and sustainable development goals.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local languages in Malawi is an asset.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in social policy analysis, research, and advocacy, preferably in a developing country context.

Additional Information

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of social policies and programs in Malawi, with a focus on child-related issues, including poverty, inequality, education, health, and child protection.
• Provide technical support and policy advice to the government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on the development and implementation of social policies that promote child rights and well-being.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of social policies and programs on children, and identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Contribute to the development of UNICEF Malawi's country program documents and strategies, ensuring that social policy considerations are integrated.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and other development partners to foster collaboration and leverage resources for child-focused social policy initiatives.
• Generate evidence and knowledge through research, data collection, and analysis to inform policy dialogue and advocacy efforts.
• Organize and facilitate policy dialogues, workshops, and training sessions for stakeholders on social policy issues related to children.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports, and other communication materials to disseminate findings and recommendations to a wide range of audiences.

• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and report writing.
• Strong understanding of social protection systems, child rights, and sustainable development goals.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in social policy, economics, development studies, public policy, sociology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in social policy analysis, research, and advocacy, preferably in a developing country context.
• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and report writing.
• Strong understanding of social protection systems, child rights, and sustainable development goals.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local languages in Malawi is an asset.