Under the general guidance of the Social Policy Specialist and in close coordination with the Deputy Representative Programs and working with sections’ programme managers, finance specialists, budget specialists, and implementing partnership management specialist, the beneficiary data specialist will be responsible for delivering timely beneficiary data management services while upholding UNICEF data protection policies. The Programme Specialist (Beneficiary Data) will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and protection of data within Humanitarian Cash Operation and Programme Ecosystem (HOPE), thereby contributing to the success of cash Programmes.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Personal Data Services Management
• Provide guidance and oversight for the adequate use of the HOPE for UNICEF and partners.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures for Implementing Partners to collect and share cash recipient’s data across programme sections.
• Leverage UNICEF tools to consolidate data from various sources, including Implementing Partners, government, or any other agency.
• Provide oversight of personal data use for efficient and effective delivery of payments.
• Escalate to management, risks related to personal data management.
• Ensure the quality of data analysis, reporting, Third-Party Monitoring (TPM), Grievance and Redressal Mechanisms (GRM), and data protection standards.
• Oversee FSP rollout of Biometric registration for payment authentication in close coordination with the SSCO biometric task force and finance specialist.
• Lead analysis of various data sources and propose relevant action to enhance the processes and maintain data occurrence across systems.
• Oversee the process of sharing payment lists with FSP and facilitate the upload of reconciliation information and a sample transaction list for payment verification purposes.
• Assess the Ministries’ Human Resource Information Management System (like HRIS for Ministry of Health and DHIS2) and provide recommendation on the possibility of linking HOPE to the system.

Data Management Representation Function
• Provide input and guidance to the Social Policy Specialist who will be the focal point for coordination with RO Social Policy Team and Programme Group teams on prioritized support.
• Represent personal data management function within SSCO.
• Collaborate and support in UNICEF’s engagement with Government Ministries where HOPE system is applied in the payment of beneficiaries or incentives in coordination with relevant section focal point or section chief.
• Coordinate with other UNAFPs on initiatives linked to strategic and operational complementarity on HOPE system.
• Provide into and engage in sharing HOPE data management function in donor briefings.

Reporting and Third-Party Monitoring
• Provide technical oversight on the ToRs of the Third-Party Monitoring, assessment of the technical proposal based on agreed-upon             criteria, and selection of the third party to verify existing payees’ lists and spot-check Implementing Partner attendance verification           exercises.
• Draft process and output monitoring reports based on data available in various tools, databases, and TPM sources.
• Support in drafting programme monitoring reports when required.

Data Protection Standards
• Ensure that the personal data management workstream is aligned with the UNICEF Data Protection Policy.
• Coordinate with HQ technical counterparts to ensure:
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) are conducted appropriately on supported programmes.

  UNICEF partners are trained on the principles of Data Protection and Responsible Data for Children.

   UNICEF SSO and private sector partners comply with relevant data protection legal tools such as Non-Disclosure Agreements

   Timely implementation of DPIA recommendation.

• Ensure timely arrangement and signature of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with UNICEF’s implementing partners, financial service     providers and other entities who will require access to personally identifiable information on UNICEF.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education:

Master’s degree in Data Science, Economics, Social Science or related field is required. Bachelor’s degree complemented with relevant industry certifications and work experience can be considered.

Work Experience:

5 years of professional work experience in personal data or humanitarian program/project management experience, including with multiple stakeholders.  Experience in emergency contexts is desirable.

• Experience in beneficiary data systems for humanitarian cash transfer at the field level.
• Experience in implementing humanitarian cash transfer programmes or individual payment schemes
• Experience in business operation environments with a proven track record of interfacing with multiple stakeholders (internal and external) and successful project completion.
• Experience in working with UN agencies or NGOs (UNICEF experience preferred) at the interagency level
• Detailed knowledge of the project lifecycle and fluency in project management methodologies
• Experience collaborating across multiple functions and working with operational subject matter experts, technical resources and architecture teams.
• High motivation and dedication to deliver results within strict timeframes.
• Familiarity with South Sudan is an added advantage.
• Work experience in cash assistance and proven knowledge and technical skills in the setup, design, implementation, and monitoring of cash-based intervention projects from a multisectoral perspective.
• Fluency in English language is required.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is desirable.