Social Policy Specialist – Public Financial Management (Fixed-Term)

About the role

UNICEF Malawi is looking for a Social Policy Specialist to provide technical guidance and operational support for public financial management, decentralisation and child‑poverty coordination. The role will strengthen government planning, budgeting and expenditure management to improve outcomes for children and vulnerable groups.

Key responsibilities

• Lead public financial management (PFM) analysis and support budget preparation with line ministries.
• Enhance transparency, accountability and oversight of public finances at national and sub‑national levels.
• Produce evidence‑based analyses on social sector financing, child‑focused service coverage and impact.
• Coordinate strategic engagement with government counterparts, development partners and contractors.
• Support UNICEF’s country programme objectives on child survival, growth, learning and protection.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science or a related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in public finance management, preferably with experience in planning and budget preparation with line ministries.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex, risk‑prone environments and to produce high‑quality analytical outputs.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence public investment decisions that affect children’s lives.
• Professional development within a global humanitarian organization.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.