The Research and Monitoring Specialist (data, research and advocacy) will be based in Maputo and will report to the Chief Social Policy, P5. The Research and Monitoring Specialist (data, research and advocacy) is responsible for providing technical support to the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all stages of social policy programing and related advocacy from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of concrete and sustainable results. This includes programmes aimed at improving public policies to reduce child poverty; social protection coverage and impact on children; the transparency, adequacy, equity and efficiency of child-focused public investments and financial management; and 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 education, health, child protection, water and sanitation, and HIV.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Improving data on child poverty & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action.
Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy
Knowledge Management:
UNICEF Programme Management:
Improving data on child poverty & vulnerability for increased use for policy and programme action
Supports the collection, analysis and user-friendly presentation of data on multidimensional and monetary child poverty, including strengthening national capacity to collect routinely, report and use data for policy decision-making.
Provides timely, regular data-driven analysis for effective prioritization, planning, and development; facilitates results-based management for planning, adjusting, and scaling-up specific social policy initiatives to reduce child poverty.
Analyzes the macroeconomic context and its impact on social development, emerging issues and social policy concerns, as well as implications for children, and proposes and promotes appropriate responses in respect of such issues and concerns, including government resource allocation policies and the effects of social welfare policies on the rights of children
Support capacity building of national, subnational entities for monitoring and evaluation of situation of children and the CRC implementation, and progress of child-related indicators defined in national and international frameworks.
Strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy
Supports correct and compelling use of data and evidence on the situation of children and coverage and impact of child focused services – in support of the social policy programme and the country programme overall.
Establishes effective partnerships with the Government, bilateral and multilateral donors, NGOs, civil society and local leaders, the private sector, and other UN agencies to support sustained and proactive commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and to achieve global UN agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
Identifies other critical partners, promotes awareness and builds capacity of partners, and actively facilitates effective collaboration within the UN family.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (i.e. Master's level or higher) in one of the following fields is required: Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant technical field.
A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience is required.
Experience working in a developing country is considered as a strong asset.
Background and/or familiarity with emergency is considered as a strong asset.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Portuguese or a Latin language is an asset.
