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

For every child, sustenance

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance and direction of the Global Director, PPD and under direct supervision of Director, Washington DC Office, the Senior Advisor is responsible for developing and managing the implementation of strategies to mobilize political, policy and financial support for children among International Financial Institution partners. The Senior Advisor will oversee a portfolio that encompasses UNICEF’s partnerships with the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, Regional Development Banks and other International Financial Institutions (excluding European Union International Financial Institutions). The Senior Advisors position’s purpose is to deepen collaboration with key stakeholders and oversee environmental scanning, knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and policy influence within the scope of assignment.   The Senior Advisor is UNICEF’s authoritative expert on resource mobilization from International Financial Institutions for UNICEF-supported programmes. The Senior Advisor works closely with Programme Cone, regional and country offices to support UNICEF’s primary relationship with International Financial Institutions related to policy and programmatic technical collaboration to support attainment of rights for every child. The Senior Advisor leads a team in their area of responsibility and works closely with UNICEF and International Financial Institution senior officials to maintain and strengthen the partnership between UNICEF and its International Financial Institution partners.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Classified JD Senior Adviser IFI Partnerships, P-5, FT, PPD, Washington DC.pdf

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

• Minimum requirements:
  • Education: An advanced university degree is required in one of the following fields: international relations, political science, communications, finance, international development, or another relevant technical field.
  • Work experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public affairs, programme management, resource mobilization, external relations, or other relevant areas. Experience working with International Financial Institutions is mandatory. Proven ability to lead complex planning processes, set priorities, and manage risks to deliver results in development and humanitarian contexts. Extensive experience building strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources, with strong negotiation skills in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Authoritative knowledge of development policy and financing, with a strong track record in leading policy analysis and team-based problem solving.
  • Skills: Diplomatic communication and negotiation skills, ability to identify priority activities and assignments, knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures.
  • Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

• Desirables:
  • Experience implementing projects financed by International Financial Institutions is an asset.
  • Experience leading large programmes in complex contexts is preferred. 
  • Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). Fluency in French and/or Spanish is an asset.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

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. For this position, eligible and suitable candiates are encouraged to apply.

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.