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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, hope.

The work of UNICEF Secretariat is overseen by an Executive Board which is its governing body, providing intergovernmental support and oversight to the organization, in accordance with the overall policy guidance of the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.

The UNICEF Office of the Secretary of the Executive Board (OSEB) is responsible for maintaining an effective relationship between the Executive Board (EB) and the UNICEF secretariat. Under the guidance of the President and the Executive Director, the Office services all aspects of the work of the Executive Board, including the formal sessions, informal consultations and briefings, Bureau meetings, and field visits by the Executive Board members. The Office also provides editorial and technical services for all documentation related to Executive Board sessions and meetings, decisions, reports of sessions and the country programme document repository

How can you make a difference? 

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties:

1. Support to office priority setting and decision making

• Assist in managing the flow of information to the director, in identifying priority matters that need to be urgently addressed by the director and in proposing actions; analyze supporting documentation and summarize most relevant points for the director; contribute to ensuring that appropriate action is taken by responsible section/division heads on matters brought to the attention of the director.
• Confer with section/division Heads to secure timely and authoritative information relevant to matters requiring action, decisions or approval of the director.
• Ensure that the director is prepared for meetings and missions by drafting talking points and by researching relevant information; and by establishing contacts (within and outside UNICEF) on the subject matters to be discussed.
• Contribute to coordinating drafts of position papers and other documents relevant to the activities of the office.
• Ensure that high-level visitors, board members, guest speakers are appropriately addressed, that they receive background information as necessary, and that protocol is respected.
• Research EB related historic documentation such as session documents, reports of session, verbatim, audio/video recordings, and / or decisions adopted by the EB on specific issues. As needed, review the documentation available of other Agencies, Funds and Programmes Executive Boards for comparative purposes. Produce concise, accurate analysis on specific topics providing historical background, highlighting key issues, and developments over time.
• Review existing information (and contribute to generating new one) obtained through a variety of means such as surveys, reports of sessions, note for the records... Conduct qualitative analysis of information with a view of identifying patterns, trends, clustering issues, managing existing knowledge or deriving key learnings to contribute to knowledge exchange and evidence-based business intelligence on EB matters.
• Review given areas of work within OSEB with a view to mapping business process, identifying and recommending areas for streamlining and / or improvement, and documenting business process as required. Provide support before, during and after Executive Board informal and formal sessions. Assist with Board session and other Executive Board meetings, as necessary: preparation, proceedings, post-meeting tasks.

2. Functions related to Board Sessions and meetings

• In accordance with the agreed calendar of UN conferences and meetings, organize the Executive Board sessions and other related meetings (pre-board briefings, inter-sessionals, informals, etc.) in the logistics/administrative areas such as:
• Forecasting the needs for conference room, services and required resources.
• Timely negotiating, for in-person and or virtual meetings, planning and arranging logistical arrangements in close collaboration with UN system services (e.g. DGACM/UN Office of Conference Services, BCSS/UN Broadcasting Unit, Webcast/UN Webtv, MSU/Meeting Services Unit, Safety and Security Services etc.), concerned UNICEF divisions/sections and other non-UN bodies as required.
• Facilitating non-UN affiliated persons, NGO/IGO/Natcom groups and other invitees to the Board Sessions and meetings, as appropriate.
• Strict adherence to the established UN Protocol rules, regulations and other security requirements.
• Plan, organize and coordinate the logistics and physical movement of furniture, computer and other equipment and supplies to and from meeting venue; organize and coordinate the logistics and movement, including security requirements, of all support staff assigned for the Board sessions and meetings.
• Draft entries for the UN journal and submit for publication, before the board session and daily during the session based on the agenda of the session.
• Oversee administratively the smooth running of the sessions/meetings, resolving on a timely/amicable fashion any problems that may occur. Be responsible for the arrangements relating to audio-taping of the meetings (done by BCSS/UN Broadcasting Unit and UN Library) and availability of recorded tapes to those requesting them;].
• After the Board meetings, coordinate with all the service providers (e.g. DFAM, IT services, etc.) for the proper return of the equipment, etc. and settlement of bills etc. if any.

3. Functions related to office management / Operations

• Biennium budget preparation in accordance with the relevant instructions and rules/procedures governing the exercise.
• Daily monitoring all aspects of budget performance and reporting on implementation.
• Work closely with DFAM on all aspects of budget.
• Processing payments, purchase orders, contracts and ensuring that these are paid on time.
• Ensure compliance with all operational systems following all UNICEF policies and procedures to ensure integrity in all financial operations.
• Manage the personnel matters of OSEB, such as PER, JDs, processing of SSAs/contracts, staff training assessment/staff training focal point, on boarding and off boarding of staff/temporary staff, home leave travel and other relevant HR matters that affect staff/temporary staff.
• Assess the need for temporary additional help during Board Sessions and meetings and organize its timely availability, including necessary orientation of the temporary helpers, arranging of temporary passes for access to UNICEF and the UN Secretariat.
• Maintaining discretion and confidentiality, respond to queries and prepare written diplomatic responses; handle all official mail/correspondence for the supervisor(s).

Undertake any other special tasks, as required by the supervisor, within the area of competency.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: A university degree is required in International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of relevant professional work experience in external relations, public affairs or international development cooperation, preferably within the UN, or in a government institution, NGO.

Prior experience of working in coordination, planning, protocol, or in an executive office will be an asset.

Skills:

• Proven drafting and editing skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in protocol
• A proven ability to act with discretion and diplomacy is essential for this function.
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team, coping with pressure and setbacks, as well as responding and adapting to change.
•    Strong analytical skills, drive for results, as well as planning and organizing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.
• Ability to work proactively and with minimal supervision, following instructions, procedures and policies, and keeps to schedules delivering work on time.
• Excellent time management skills to deal with conflicting and urgent priorities.
• Good knowledge of standard office software and tools.
• Determine appropriate protocol in dealing with Board delegations, other participants and UN system colleagues, and determine how to “act” (not just react) in different situations, exercising full tact and knowledge of the circumstances involved.
• Determine the appropriate response in dealing with unexpected problems which may arise during high pressure peak periods; uses courtesy, professional judgement, and respect to clients in answering queries or referring them elsewhere.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English, and knowledge in Spanish or French are required.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

1. Builds and maintains partnerships
2. Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
3. Drive to achieve results for impact
4. Innovates and embraces change
5. Manages ambiguity and complexity
6. Thinks and acts strategically
7. Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.