Stretch Assignment : Social Protection Specialist, P3/NOC, Kinshasa, RDC

1. Purpose

The UNICEF DRC Country Office is committed to the effective implementation of evaluation and social policy activities that strengthen UNICEF’s capacity and credibility in delivering impactful programmes and sustainable results for children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The purpose of this Stretch Assignment is to support the DRC Country Office in: (i) strengthening the country’s social protection system; (ii) managing a portfolio of cash transfer projects; and (iii) supporting the development of the Country Office’s Public Finance for Children (PF4C) agenda.

The qualified staff member for this stretch assignment will work in close collaboration with the Chief of Social Policy, the social policy & cash team. He/She will provide support in different areas of social policy. This includes programmes aimed at improving (a) public policies to reduce child poverty; (b) social protection coverage and impact on children; (c) the transparency, adequacy, equity and efficiency of child-focused public investments and financial management; and (d) governance, decentralization and accountability measures to increase public participation and the quality, equity and coverage of social services.

This assignment presents a unique and significant development opportunity for a qualified staff member from another UNICEF office to join the team, gain exposure and contribute to various social protection activities in a complex operating environment.

1. Key Activities

The Staff member will:

• Provide technical support for the implementation of the Global Accelerator Project in coordination with ILO, WB and UN Resident Coordinator Office;
• Follow up on the implementation of two key research initiatives: (i) the Public Expenditure Review of the Social Protection System in DRC; and (ii) the Gender Review of the Social Protection System;
• Contribute to the ongoing policy dialogue on the institutionalization of the national child grant programme;
• Support the implementation of the Cash+ Nutrition Project (Irish Fund) in line with Office audit recommendations and Cash Transfer Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
• Support the Cash Unit in managing the partnerships, tool design, and deliverables with Third-Party Monitoring agencies
• Participate in resource mobilization efforts to support cash transfer programmes;

• Provide technical support to the Chief of Social Policy in coordinating the Social Protection Donor Group (GIB);
• Support the Cash Unit in the implementation of a large portfolio of cash transfer projects.

• Support field offices in the development of annual operational plans at the provincial level;
• Support the preparation of five-year development plans for the provinces of Kasaï Central and Haut-Katanga.

TDR :  TDR Stretch Social Policy.pdf

1. Inception report of the gender analysis of social protection is available
2. Inception report of the public expenditure review of the social protection sector is available
3. Provide technical support for cash distribution operation
4. At least one Post Distribution Monitoring report is available;
5. A comprehensive report on the prioritization of children needs in 2 mining communities through “Cahier de Charge”

• Education

Completion of Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Social Development, Planning and Development, or other relevant disciplines. Relevant technical qualification(s) in social protection is an added advantage.

• Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the implementation of social protection/social policy programmes. Experience of social protection in humanitarian settings is required.

• Language Proficiency: Fluency in French and English.

DRC Office will cover any applicable travel costs (100% Airfare (economy class) + terminal expenses) and 50% of DSA (Kinshasa rate), during the assignment. The releasing Office will continue covering the salary of the staff member.

To be eligible to apply, the staff member must have an existing fixed term, continuing, or permanent contract with UNICEF.

Interested staff members should discuss this assignment with their supervisor and upon receipt of supervisor’s agreement and head of office approval, submit their application through TMS. by COB 23 June 2026.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references. The e-mail should include:

• Profile or resume
• Cover letter
• The two latest ACHIEVE reports.
• An approval from your supervisor and the Head of office

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

• →Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• →Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• →Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• →Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• →Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• →Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• →Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

• Knowledge of UNICEF social protection strategic framework, UNICEF Guidance on Shock Responsive Social Protection;
• Knowledge of UNICEF global Public Finance for Children framework;
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international emergency issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• Knowledge of humanitarian issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches.
• Knowledge of UN humanitarian reform principles, international humanitarian laws and the cluster approach.
• Knowledge of the principle of gender parity and equality.
• The Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies.

Supervision line: Chief of Social Policy

Advertised: 16 Jun 2026 W. Central Africa Standard Time
Applications close: 24 Jun 2026 W. Central Africa Standard Time

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