Social Policy Specialist (Development) (NO-3), TA (364 days), #00138378, Quetta - Pakistan, APR (Open to nationals of Pakistan only)

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children’s lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, promoting the rights of every child is more than a job—it is a calling. The organization offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth within a passionate and inclusive culture, supported by an attractive compensation and benefits package.

The Social Policy Specialist (Development), NO-C, based in the UNICEF Field Office in Quetta, plays a crucial role in providing an analytical and evidence-based understanding of the political, social, cultural, and economic development context in the province. Reporting to the Chief Field Office (P-5) with technical guidance from the Chief of Social Policy, this position supports UNICEF’s efforts to advance children’s rights by delivering technical assistance throughout all stages of social policy programming. This includes strategic planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and advocacy, with a focus on gender and disability mainstreaming.

Key Responsibilities

- Analyze the development context and emerging issues in the province to position UNICEF effectively in advancing children’s rights.
- Promote improved utilization of public financial resources for children’s welfare.
- Strengthen social protection coverage and its impact on children.
- Enhance data collection and use on child poverty and vulnerability to inform policy and program decisions.
- Lead advocacy efforts and build partnerships for child-sensitive social policies.
- Manage UNICEF’s social policy programs in the field office.
- Champion the Gender Equality Agenda and integrate gender considerations into programming.
- Support evaluation and research functions within the Provincial Coordination Office (PCO).

Required Qualifications

- Education: A Master’s degree or equivalent advanced university degree in Economics, International Development, Political Science, Social Science, Social Policy, Public Policy, International Relations, Socio-Economic Development, or a related field.
- Work Experience: At least five years of relevant professional experience in social policy, social protection, child poverty, public finance, governance, policy analysis, or program planning. A strong understanding of Pakistan’s development context and decentralized governance structure is essential.
- Skills: Proven ability in stakeholder coordination, humanitarian engagement, process expertise, effective communication, policy writing, and information dissemination.
- Language: Proficiency in English is required.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Knowledge of an additional official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
- Experience working in developing countries, fragile settings, or humanitarian contexts is desirable.
- Familiarity with country-level development and emergency response enhances candidacy.

UNICEF upholds core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), which guide all actions and behaviors. Candidates are encouraged to review UNICEF’s competency framework, which emphasizes partnership building, ethical awareness, result-driven approaches, innovation, strategic thinking, and collaboration.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, or other status. The organization provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and offers benefits such as paid parental leave and breastfeeding breaks.

All appointments are subject to rigorous background and reference checks, medical clearance, and compliance with vaccination requirements where applicable. UNICEF maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against any form of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or discrimination and prioritizes safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.

Candidates should note that UNICEF does not charge any fees during recruitment and does not request bank details. Employment offers may be withdrawn if visa, medical, or inoculation requirements are not met within a reasonable timeframe. Government employees must typically resign before joining UNICEF.

UNICEF encourages eligible female candidates, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Humanitarian response readiness is a cross-cutting priority, and staff may be called upon to support emergency operations as needed.

For more information about UNICEF’s work and values, please visit the official UNICEF website.