Job description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The assignment aims to provide technical support to the UNICEF Social Policy team in Somalia to advance its Local Governance and Public Finance for Children (PF4C) agenda. This includes conducting district, state, and national-level PF4C analyses; supporting targeted capacity development of government counterparts; and strengthening budget transparency and openness, including citizen participation, social accountability, and oversight mechanisms. The assignment will contribute to improving the planning, allocation, execution, and oversight of public resources for children, with a strong focus on equity, efficiency, and results. It will also support evidence-informed advocacy to ensure child-centered priorities are adequately reflected in public budgeting and policy processes. In addition, the role will strengthen UNICEF’s engagement with key stakeholders—including Federal Ministries of Finance and Interior, the Federal Parliament of Somalia, District Authorities, Federal Member State Ministries of Finance and Interior, the International Budget Partnership (IBP), and the Collaborative Africa Budget Reform Initiative (CABRI)—to promote transparent, inclusive, and accountable public financial management and to support policy dialogue and reforms that prioritize child-focused outcomes.

Skills and qualifications

• Education: Masters in economics, Public Finance, Public Policy/Public Administration or related fields

• Work Experience: At least 7 years of relevant progressive working experience at the national level in the areas of public financial management, budget analysis & expenditure tracking, fiscal policy or public sector reforms, local governance, or another related field.

• Skills

▪ Advanced degree in Public Finance, Economics, Public Policy, or business administration, or a closely related field.

▪ Strong knowledge of Public financial management systems (budgeting, execution, reporting, internal controls); Fiscal decentralization and intergovernmental fiscal transfers (IGFTs); Public expenditure analysis (budget analysis, PERs, fiscal space)

▪ Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders

o Government (FGS, FMS, districts)

o Parliament

o Development partners o Civil society

▪ Excellent theoretical and operational understanding of public financial management, specifically medium-term frameworks, budget preparation cycle, execution, review, and reporting.

▪ Excellent computer skills (especially Microsoft Office applications) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.

▪ Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Language Requirements: Fluency in the Somali Language Good command of English

• Desirables Prior work experience with UNICEF or other UN organizations is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate...

How to apply

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/593939