National Consultant for Social Protection Capacity Strengthening

About

UNICEF seeks a National Consultant for an 11-month, office-based consultancy in Nairobi to provide technical and operational support to UNICEF Kenya and Government of Kenya counterparts on social protection capacity development and adaptive social protection. The assignment covers government capacity building, development of a shock-responsive social protection implementation framework, support for displaced populations, and technical assistance on child-sensitive social protection. Applicants need a relevant master's degree, at least seven years of relevant experience, and fluency in English. Contract type: Consultant Duty station: Nairobi Level: Consultancy Reference: 596838 Terms of service: 11 months

How to apply

Apply online through the UNICEF Careers TMS (Talent Management System) recruitment portal. Submit an up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV), cover letter, and a separate financial proposal in the format of the linked template.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection), lead in implementation of activities to support capacity development of government on social protection and institutionalise a new cadre of highly capable officers with a social protection specialism within the State Department
• Through the above, liaise closely with ILO and TRANSFORM trainers within and outside Kenya to agree a plan for institutionalising the training within Kenya.
• This area of activity will also involve liaising closely with other UN agencies involved in social protection curricula in Kenya to ensure careful coordination and ensure a strong focus on quality, affordability and sustainability of capacity development.
• In consultation with the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection), lead UNICEF’s Kenya’s implementation of the multistakeholder engagement to implement the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions and the World Bank Social Protection and Jobs Compass.
• As part of this work, provide technical assistance to the Government of Kenya in developing an Implementation Framework underpinned by cross-government agreement for the Shock Responsive Social Protection Pillar of the Social Protection Policy.
• The Framework will also incorporate reference to the provisions under Kenya’s Social Protection Act (2025) for displaced populations to be considered and included in emergency settings.
• Support the effective planning and coordination of activities within the Social Policy section to ensure synergies are achieved across the section’s work on social protection, public finance, devolution and data in relation to displaced populations.
• Under guidance of the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection) and in coordination with other UN partners, develop and oversee the implementation of a multi-stakeholder roadmap for greater integration of displaced populations and host communities through different forms of social protection (con
• Support in the preparation of documentation of materials to highlight and elevate the role social protection must play to better meet the needs of displaced and host communities in Kenya.
• Support the Social Policy Specialist (Social Protection) in providing technical assistance to government for: i) Implementing the government roadmap for scaling up the Anticipatory Action (AA) component of the government’s NICHE programme.
• Scoping and developing proposals for ensuring NICHE households are linked to existing appropriate economic and financial inclusion opportunities to strengthen their resilience and livelihood position as part of a responsible exit strategy.
• Oversight of strengthening and institutionalising an existing On Demand Enrolment system for identifying and registering NICHE beneficiaries (in consultation with the MIS consultant being recruited at the State Department of Children Services).

Qualifications

• MA in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in social protection policy and programmes with demonstrated understanding of the role social protection can play in responding to crises and in displacement settings.
• Experience working with and providing technical support to government in relation to social protection and/or labour programmes.
• Experience in adult learning and training others on social protection.
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders and facilitating the use of evidence for programme planning, monitoring, and decision-making.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of Kiswahili and/or another UN language is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of social protection including adaptive social protection with working knowledge of integrating displaced populations.
• Sound knowledge of social protection financing and/or public financing more broadly.
• Knowledge of donor reporting requirements, accountability frameworks, and results-based reporting.
• Strong analytical, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and present complex quantitative and qualitative data.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with government, donors, implementing partners, and technical teams.