Chief Social Policy (P-4) – Fixed Term – Cotonou, Benin

About the role

The Chief Social Policy leads UNICEF's social policy agenda in Benin, guiding strategic planning, advocacy and programme delivery to improve child‑focused public policies, social protection and public finance management.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation and monitoring of social policy programmes that address child poverty, social protection coverage and equitable public investment.
• Provide technical advice to government and civil‑society partners on policy reform, decentralisation and accountability mechanisms.
• Coordinate with UNICEF teams in education, health, child protection, water and sanitation, and HIV to ensure policy coherence.
• Strengthen data collection and analysis on child vulnerability to inform evidence‑based advocacy.
• Develop partnerships and advocacy strategies to promote child‑sensitive social policies at national and local levels.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science or a related field.
• Minimum eight years of professional experience in social policy, public finance, advocacy or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience working with government, donors and civil‑society organisations.

Required skills

• Data analysis
• Budget analysis

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence child‑focused policies in a UN environment.
• Professional development and training programmes.
• Competitive benefits package aligned with UN standards.