Stretch Assignment: WCAR, Division/Office (Onsite)
Title: Beneficiary Data Specialist, Kinshasa, DRC
Level: P-2/P-3 – we encourage staff from all levels with the relevant experience to apply
Reports to: Programme Manager
Duration: 3 months
Section: Social Policy Section, Programme/DRC
Location: Kinshasa, DRC
Dates/Duration: Stretch assignment from 10 August until 15 November 2025
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.
Background
Purpose of the Position
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to one of the world’s most complex and protracted crises: around 26.4 million people, including 15.4 million children, are enduring most of the escalation in armed conflict and recurrent disease outbreaks that are exacerbating chronic poverty, systemic weaknesses, and vulnerability.
The scale of humanitarian needs and protection concerns remains massive. In 2022, the country hosts the second-highest number of internally displaced people in the world. Population displacement continues to rise, with more than 1.29 million people displaced between January and July 2022. At least 97 per cent of displaced people live in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces, which have seen a growing number of targeted attacks against civilians and infrastructure, including sites for internally displaced people, schools, and health facilities, Protection concerns remain paramount. More than 2,500 grave violations against children were verified as of September 2022. Recruitment or use of children in armed forces and armed groups is increasing, as is killing, and maiming of children, which increased by 10 percent in 2022 compared with 2021.
UNICEF in DRC uses cash transfers modality to support the most vulnerable populations in the country in all programmatic contexts (emergency, transition and development contexts) to address the basic and sectoral needs and services. Additionally, UNICEF is providing support to the government in the payment of incentives and salaries for front line workers such as health professionals, social workers, teachers. Through longer term cash-based interventions UNICEF DRC supports beneficiary households and communities towards sustainable and middle & longer-term outcomes. UNICEF in DRC optimizes the use multipurpose cash transfers to achieve sectoral and multisectoral outcomes. Rapid Response & Basic Needs humanitarian cash transfers, Cash+ programs focusing on Nutrition, GBV and Child Protection outcomes, longer-term shock responsive cash and cash based social protection programs and incentive payments for sectoral systems strengthening are some of the cash-based programming approaches adopted by the Cash Unit team and respective UNICEF sections in DRC.
As part of the implementation of the Cash Transfer payments (including incentives payments for health workers), UNICEF Cash Unit in DRC is looking to expand its Cash Unit with a Beneficiary Data Specialist on a stretch assignment basis for three months to cope with the current workload. This is a valuable opportunity for individuals passionate about change management and eager to contribute to UNICEF's mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Duration
This stretch assignment will be for a period of three (3) months.
Key expected results
Data Governance and Quality Management:
• Work closely with the Cash team and the Hiring Managers to carry out data management.
• Support in implementing and administering effective HCT and incentives payment.
• Ensure that data is accurate, consistent, and up to date across HOPE system.
• Maintain data standards and ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Data Collection and Integration:
• Work with different partners and teams to ensure proper data collection and integration processes using ODK (XLS Form) and excel file.
• Ensure that the operability between HOPE and the government Registre Social Unique (RSU) is considered in the data collection process.
• Oversee data collection methods and ensure they align with organizational standards.
Data Security and Compliance:
• Ensure data is stored securely and in compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
• Manage access control and permissions to safeguard sensitive data.
Support Payment Process
• Support the creation of payment list (HCT payment and Direct payment) and reconciliation process in HOPE.
• Support all payment verification process.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, Financial Services Providers, and partners as needed.
Expected key results of this stretch:
Cash Transfer projects (for Nutrition and Child Protection programs and for the next 3 cycles):
• Prepare all payment reconciliation files based on the payment reports provided by the FSP and the payment plan with the aim of reconciling them in the HOPE system.
• Ensure verification of payments for all cycles for all ongoing programs are made.
• Prepare and organize packs/files (including the payment plan, signed payment list, summary, FACE estimated form) for FACE/PRQs creation and reconciliation packs/files (HOPE and FSP reconciliation reports, Narrative report, payment verification report, summary).
Direct Payment (incentives payment)
• Support the creation of the XLSform and ensure data collection and monitor for direct payments to community health mobilizers.
• Provide technical support and monitor the direct payment process for the polio vaccination campaign with the concerned section.
Minimum Qualifications and Competencies
To be eligible to apply and to qualify as an advocate for every child, you should have an appointment within UNICEF that runs through the duration of the assignment and the following background/skills:
- A University degree in data management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related 3 field.
A combination of First Level Degree (Bachelor) with two additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of Advanced University Degree.
- A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional work experience, particularly in data management, data analysis, or related fields, is required. - Proven experience in overseeing large datasets and data systems.
- Experience with data governance, data security, and regulatory compliance. - Proficiency with beneficiaries’ data management and analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Python, Excel, etc.).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Attention to detail and ability to work independently.
- Experience working on an emergency country work is an asset.
- Fluency in French and working knowledge of English, both written and oral.
- Uphold UNICEF Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability
- And demonstrate UNICEF competencies: Builds and maintains partnership
- 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 strategically with others.
Funding arrangement
This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.).
The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 30 days, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.
Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.
Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.
