Social protection is typically recognised as an important policy instrument for addressing idiosyncratic shocks, but recently several studies have sought to investigate how social protection systems can also be resilient and respond to covariate shocks. Informed by this growing body of evidence, the main objective of this study is to identify opportunities and challenges for enhancing shock-responsiveness in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, by analysing the cases of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, State of Palestine, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The analysis is based on a literature review complemented by results from a survey designed and administered by UNICEF Headquarters to the respective Country Offices in the first quarter of 2018. Follow-up remote interviews were also held with Country Offices in June and July 2018. Given its limited scope, while this study might provide insights into the trends of national programming choices that are relevant for shock-responsiveness, it does not in any way suggest that the programmes analysed should be used in shock response, nor does it replace a thorough feasibility assessment, should this be considered an option