Multi-purpose Sports Field Project Manager

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Social Policy, the incumbent will be responsible for work on high-level social policy analysis, advocacy and capacity development activities with Parliament, Government departments and Chapter 9 institutions, civil society, including media, and a large number of universities, academic and research bodies to help strengthen the child equity focus of existing laws, policies and programmes in the country.

Details

UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Pretoria is inviting applications from suitably qualified South African nationals for the following fixed-term post. If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading child rights organisation would like to hear from you. UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In South Africa, UNICEF works in the areas of health and nutrition, early childhood development, basic education, child protection, and social policy planning, monitoring and evaluation. Social Policy Specialist, NOD Ref. VA-2014-006 Fixed-term duration: 2 year – with possibility of extension Purpose of the Post Under the general guidance of the Chief of Social Policy, the incumbent will be responsible for work on high-level social policy analysis, advocacy and capacity development activities with Parliament, Government departments and Chapter 9 institutions, civil society, including media, and a large number of universities, academic and research bodies to help strengthen the child equity focus of existing laws, policies and programmes in the country. Responsibilities include: • Providing technical/advocacy support to parliamentarians to fulfil their oversight responsibility in respect of policies, budgets and programmes that affect children’s rights in line with the South African Constitution, national laws and international obligations • Developing a policy research/advocacy agenda with Parliament and advocating such through the development of parliamentary position papers • Preparing information material such as press releases, statements, and human interest stories • Reviewing and analysing legislation, policies, budgets and programmes to ensure the realisation of children’s rights in line with the provisions of the CRC, the South African Constitution and other international obligations • Identifying policy gaps to be taken forward as advocacy areas by UNICEF and preparing briefing documents • Coordinating and generating public support for public events, launches and other initiatives to maximise exposure and outreach • Strengthening existing and establishing new partnerships with Government and civil society structures at national, provincial and local levels in order to advocate more strategically for the review, reform, and development of policies and legislation and allocation of resources, which will help reduce child poverty and ensure the effective realisation of children’s rights • Providing technical support to Government and Non-government Organisations at national, provincial and local levels in the identification of blockages and capacity gaps in the implementation of policies and legislation that impact on the realisation of children’s rights and the achievement of more equitable outcomes for children • Participating in the formulation and development of policy documents and briefs, position papers, programme goals, strategies and approaches for the UNICEF country programme and ensuring they relate and support the Government’s National Development Plan 2030. Desired Background and Experience • Advanced university degree in Social Sciences or equivalent academic focus on social development, political science, legislation/policy in South Africa • 5 years’ progressively responsible professional work experience at national level in programme planning, management, monitoring and evaluation, in the field of social development, with a focus on child rights • Fluency in English. Knowledge of another local working language of the duty station is an asset. Sharing UNICEF Core Values of: • Commitment • Diversity and inclusion • Integrity. Competency in UNICEF Core Competencies: • Communication • Working with people • Drive for results. Proficiency in Functional Competencies such as: • Leading and supervising • Formulating strategies and concepts • Analysing • Relating and networking • Planning and organising. All applications must include a completed and signed Personal History form (which can also be accessed through the UNICEF website: www.unicef.org), CV and application letter, and be sent on or before 11 April 2014 Only South African nationals will be considered. Regret letters will only be sent to interviewed candidates. UNICEF IS A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT. UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. Well-qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.