Social Policy Specialist

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Social Policy, the Social Safeguards Specialist is accountable for providing technical support for the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Frameworks (ESMF) of World Bank Funded projects and other projects requiring such support, to ensure UNICEF compliance of agreements between the World Bank and UNICEF under the Environmental and Social Commitments Plan (ESCP). This includes technical support and managing (a) update of Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) instruments including preparation of site specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs); (b) implementation of the social aspects of the ESMF including but not limited to labor management procedures, stakeholder engagement, grievance handling in close coordination with the SEA/SH Specialists; (c) regular monitoring and reporting of ESS compliance; d) ESS knowledge management and capacity building of project partners. This encompasses both direct programmes work with Government, civil society partners, contractors as well as linkages and support to UNICEF teams working on education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

 Preparation/update of ESS documents in compliance with the ESCP:

• In coordination with Environment Safeguard Specialist and SEA/SH Specialist, prepare site specific ESMPs to ensure compliance with relevant ESS instruments and the ESCP as might be required.

Implementation of the social aspects of the ESMF:

• Identify challenges, opportunities, priorities and needs for the development and implementation of the ESCP, ESMF and ESMPs.

Project Monitoring & Reporting:

• Monitor UNICEF implementing partners and contractors’ compliance to ESCP, ESMF and ESMPs. Undertake site visits during project execution and operation to assess how social screening and mitigation measures are succeeding or have succeeded in minimizing impacts.

ESS Knowledge Management, Capacity Building and Training:

• Take stock of lessons learned from previous projects, global regional and national best practices, and current UNICEF and WB principles guidelines and procedures to ensure social safeguard documents for the project remain up to date and current.
• If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: JD – Social Policy Specialist (Social Safeguard)

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree in Social sciences (anthropology, sociology, political economy, social development, etc.), or relevant similar field is required.
• Five (5) years technical experience in sustainability, social safeguards and/or social development (gender, community-driven development, citizen engagement) and in the design, implementation and preferably monitoring of social/environmental impact assessments and management plans.
• Good writing and communication skills, including public speaking and presentations is preferred.
• Highly motivated team player with an eye for detail, understanding the bigger picture context of operations, and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and practical experience with participatory processes of stakeholder engagement and be able to integrate social development considerations in an operational context.
• Strong technical competency on social issues and safeguards, with demonstrated ability to contribute to project management.
• Knowledge and experience in addressing issues covered by UNICEF’s social safeguards policies or similar policies in other international institutions in complex and challenging settings, and across practices.
• Experience working in complex and challenging settings is highly desirable.
• Experience with grievance redress mechanisms is an advantage.
• Experience in areas of social inclusion such as gender; conflict, fragility, and violence; and disability. Knowledge on knowledge of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harassment (SH), Gender Based Violence (GBV) will be added advantage.
• Experience working with UNICEF or another UN agency is an asset.
• Familiarity with emergency response is an asset.
• Willingness to extensively travel to provinces in Afghanistan.
• Fluency in English and other local languages is required.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/575045