Mission and objectives

UNICEF works to promote and protect the rights of every child, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We work with the government to improve national and regional policies, programmes and services for children and adolescents. Together with partners, we address common barriers to the realization of their rights.

Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions, her or his rights are violated. Equity accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. (Visit: https://www.unicef.org/philippines/)

Task Description

Under the supervision of the Social Policy Specialist, the Social Policy Officer will support the implementation of social policy and social protection initiatives, with a particular focus on governance for children and public finance at the regional and local levels. Key responsibilities include: 1. Support the implementation of social protection activities under Project CARES: Child-sensitive, Adaptive, Resilient, and Equitable Social Protection Systems in close coordination with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and the Social Development Committee (SDCom) of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM ). 2. Assist in the to review of technical documents, submissions, and reports from MSSD related to social protection programming, including summarizing key issues and providing consolidated comments. 3. Assist in ensuring effective coordination and engagement with regional ministries, local government units, and development partners on social protection, Public Financial Management (PFM), and governance for children. 4. Provide close monitoring of the implementation status of activities under the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), including coordination with key partner ministries such as Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM), Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), and MSSD. 5. Contribute to the preparation of social sectors budget and expenditure reviews, policy notes, and advocacy briefs to support evidence‑based dialogues and reforms. 6. Assist the Mindanao Field Office (MFO ) team of key Local Government Units (LGUs) in the development of social sectors budget and expenditure analysis 7. Provide administrative and coordination support in capacity-building initiatives, including coaching and mentoring of target LGUs on the Four Legacies for Children, Child Rights–based Public Finance, and related governance reforms. 8. Maintain updated knowledge and documentation systems, including organization and regular updating of the MFO–Social Policy SharePoint repositories. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance, in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

Competencies • Builds and Maintains Partnerships • Demonstrates Self-Awareness and Ethical Awareness • Drive to Achieve Results for Impact • Innovates and Embraces Change • Manages Ambiguity and Complexity • Thinks and Acts Strategically • Works Collaboratively with Others UNICEF Core Values • Care • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Accountability • Sustainability

Living conditions and remarks

Cotabato City is the administrative and political center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and a major operational hub for government, humanitarian, and development partners. The city hosts the regional offices of multiple UN agencies, including UNDP, WFP, FAO, IOM, UNFPA, and UNOPS, which facilitates close coordination, joint programming, and rapid response mechanisms. With essential amenities, accessible transport, reliable telecommunications, and a well-established development community, Cotabato City offers a functional duty station for field-based staff. While the context remains dynamic, strong interagency networks and local partnerships contribute to a supportive working environment. Entitlements of National UN Volunteer include Entry Lump Sum Allowance, Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) for the National UN Volunteer Specialist based in Cotabato City in the Philippines; Insurance Coverage; Annual Leave of 2.5 days per month; Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources; and Exit Lump Sum Allowance (1-month VLA/12 months) payable upon successful completion of the assignment. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.