About UNICEF
UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to get the most underprivileged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to support children to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
The world’s largest provider of vaccines, we help child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation.
Before, during, and after humanitarian crises, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and unbiased, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures.
UNICEF works day-in day-out in the world’s toughest places to reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Delivering results for children and young people is our driving force.
UNICEF duty
UNICEF is commanded by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to assist in meeting their basic needs, and to expand their chances to reach their full potential.
It is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children’s rights as enduring moral principles and international standards of behavior towards children.
It urges that the survival, protection, and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.
It mobilizes political will and material resources to assist countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a “first call for children” and build their capacity to form proper policies and deliver services for children and their families.
It is dedicated to ensuring special protection for the most underprivileged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities.
It responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its outstanding facilities for rapid response available to its partners to alleviate the suffering of children and those who provide their care.
It is non-partisan and its collaboration is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.
It seeks, through its country programmes, to foster the equal rights of women and girls and to help their full participation in the political, social, and economic development of their communities.
It works with all its partners towards the achievement of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Job functions at UNICEF
Programmes
UNICEF’s programme work is the core of our organization and the foundation for its capability to drive results for children. Our field programming responds holistically to children’s needs and to the environments in which they grow up. UNICEF reaches results within the overall framework of the purposes outlined in the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and in response to the universal scope of the Sustainable Development Goals.
External relations
UNICEF acknowledges that partnerships are essential to delivering results for children and realizing their rights and communication and public advocacy are an integral part of UNICEF in our efforts to put the rights and well-being of the most needy children at the heart of social, political, and economic agendas. We also work with various sectors of community to raise funds that support our programmes for children.
Administration
The management pillar at UNICEF concentrates on offering advice on best and innovative administration practices to improve functional implementation. Colleagues in this area are strategic business partners, assuring the best use of UNICEF assets in alignment with sound management practices, office priorities, and goals to deliver results for children.
Executive Administration
UNICEF adopts a leadership culture that prioritizes outcomes for children. Our leaders empower staff to deliver results for children and hold them responsible for the achievement of these results. UNICEF leaders also need to illustrate a high degree of self-awareness and develop their teams to be effective, strategic, and coordinated.
Career categories at UNICEF
1. International Professional
International Professionals are recruited internationally and help in all duty stations globally. They hold leadership, managerial or specialist functions that need a high level of technical expertise.
2. National Officer
National Officers are nationals of the country where their duty station is located and conduct a range of functions. These staff associates have in-depth knowledge of the local setting, institutions and partners.
3. General Service
General Service staff are locally recruited and offer administrative and help services across all areas of the association in both headquarters and field duty stations.
4. Consultant & individual contractor
Consultants and individual contractors are committed by UNICEF for their expertise in a distinct field. They offer specialized services for a range of time-bound projects and initiatives.
You can Find UNICEF jobs here.
Talent programmes
1. Junior Professional Officer
This government-sponsored programme offers young professionals with an exceptional chance to gain hands-on experience at UNICEF.
Our internship program provides students and recent graduates the chance to gain direct practical experience with UNICEF’s offices worldwide.
You can find these UNICEF Internship programmes HERE.
UNICEF works with volunteers primarily through the United Nations Volunteers programme. Chances are also through our National Committees.
Find UN Volunteer vacancies here.