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 for as long as we are needed. 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 professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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

For every child, a Champion!

I-Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations in both emergencies and development. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Digital impact is one of core pillars of UNICEF's strategy. The UNICEF Strategy for Digital Impact outlines a plan to leverage the digital world to advocate for every child's rights, well-being, and empowerment through four key areas: Digital Empowerment (DE), Digital Guardrails (DG), Digital Foundations (DF), and Strategic Enablers (SE). The goal of this digital strategy is to support the delivery of sustainable and responsible digital impact for children at scale by assisting governments and partners in implementing their national digital transformation strategies that integrate child rights and emerging areas, while also mitigating potential digital threats to safeguard ethical outcomes for children and young people.

Job Organizational Context & Purpose of Job:

Information and Communications Technology (ICT/Digital Impact) Associates perform procedural and some specialized activities pertaining to both UNICEF’s ICT systems and digital technology integration into UNICEF programming and operations. Specialized activities typically pertain to the installation and routine configuration of ICT system components, user orientation and may include technical support in the scoping, design, testing and implementation of digital technologies. The ICT/Digital Impact Associate will help the ICT/T4D Specialist to coordinate mainstreaming efforts to integrate digital technology into programming and maximizing the potential of digital impact. This is skilled work, which may include the provision of procedural leadership to engage partners or serve as a focal point for a project

How can you make a difference? 

II-Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Summary of key functions:

1. General ICT / Office Support
2. Minimal ICT Administration
3. ICT/T4D Project Support

1. General ICT / Office Support
ICT Associates at this level perform a full range of procedural activities in support of ICT to ensure effective communication with client departments/divisions/offices.

• The ICT Associate is fundamentally involved in enlisting the support and cooperation of client staff from across the office in the installation and maintenance/troubleshooting of ICT applications.
• S/He liaises and interacts with colleagues, users and user groups in establishing application requirements, proposing them to concerned development entity, and providing training in new systems and applications.
• The ICT Associate may coordinate with external service providers, such as telephony providers and consultants, ensuring delivery of agreed services and prompt resolution of service issues.
• In coordination with ICT support team providing second-level support to users on systems applications including assistance on technical issues, setting up user access security profiles, and other related user issues.
• Assessing training needs, developing and presenting structured and ad hoc training to users as required.
• Provide inputs to emergency data telecoms preparedness and ICT-DR simulation testing - for BCP.

2. Minimal ICT Administration

ICT Associates are accountable for specialized support pertaining to IT core platforms and networks requiring thorough understanding of core IT Platforms and networks to facilitate a digital workplace. Activities include:

• Manage changes and apply upgrades, security updates and patches, tools and equipment.
• Ensure physical and logical security and safety of ICT environment and infrastructure.
• Maintain mission critical assets related to connectivity, firewall, software and hardware updates and ensure lifecycle compliance
• Assisting in routine operation and monitoring of systems and ICT core infrastructure.
• Assist ICT specialist in implementing projects to upgrade global ICT infrastructure and system.
• Implement corporate solutions, services and keep systems and applications up and running.
• Manage emergency telecommunication operations and equipment.

3. ICT/T4D Project Support
ICT/Digital Impact Associates, in coordination with the ICT/T4D Specialist and other key stakeholders, undertake specialized Digital Transformation activities to ensure solutions meet the required needs. This included internal digital tools and digital projects with partners. Accountabilities/key results include:

• Support in business relationship management with other sections, through continuous engagements to keep in touch with challenges and identifying opportunities for digital innovations and solutions.
• Support with partner and other stakeholder engagements, understanding their digital posture, potential areas of collaboration and support.
• Supports research into analyzing requirements for digital solutions and matching probable solutions.
• Supporting the coordination of development, programming, testing, debugging and implementation of new digital tools – both internal and external.
• Support digital safeguarding, scoping potential system vulnerabilities and recommending action in coordination with other team members and stakeholders.
• Drafting technical documentation and manuals.
• Assisting in the (project) management of specialized Digital Transformation (T4D) portfolio – Education, Health, etc.
• Preparing periodic and ad hoc reports.

III-Impact of Results

The work of ICT Associates impacts on the delivery of routine ICT administration activities that are closely interrelated with the work of other members of the ICT team to which assigned. The work performed affects not only the functionality of fundamental ICT systems, but also the operational efficiency of staff throughout the organization. Indirectly his/her work impacts on delivery of organization-wide programmes.

ICT Associates also play a key role in providing ICT customer service support (second level) and minimal troubleshooting tasks. The incumbents are routinely involved in working closely with colleagues in ICT on crosscutting issues and with client departments and staff in the handling and resolving of routine as well as minor specialized processes and delivery of ICT services. These relationships are important to ensure that (a) client needs are met expeditiously, (b) ICT systems are functioning as designed and (c) UNICEF’s staff are kept aware of new software releases, tools and equipment.

Failure to implement essential cybersecurity protocols will expose UNICEF's digital assets to increased risks, leading to potential data breaches, compromised sensitive information, and weakened overall cyber resilience within the office environment.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: 

  Completion of Secondary education is required, supplemented with formal training in Computer Science, Information Systems, Telecommunications, Engineering.

  ITIL Foundation Certificate or equivalent customer support certification is an asset.

• Work Experience: 

A minimum of six years of practical work experience in information technology, requiring systematic methods of troubleshooting and problem solving is required.

Experience in providing assistance to users on IT products and services, and use of applications and diagnostic tools is required.

Practical experience in providing technical and business Customer Support and Services is required.

Practical experience and working knowledge of various computer platforms and applications is required

• Language Requirements:

Fluency in French and working knowledge in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

• Capabilities Required

1. Project Management (2)
· Create project plans, objectives and deliverables
· Track and organize resources like time, budget, and team efforts
· Identify and report potential risks for further guidance

2. Collaboration (2)
· Navigate organizational dynamics and adapt behavior to respond to different situations
· Choose appropriate words, tone and tailors' messages respectfully and persuasively to suit different audiences
· Write clear, concise and well-structured reports and documents using appropriate language
· Pay close attention to what others are saying, asking questions for clarification
· Present ideas and information clearly in front of groups

3. Problem Solving (2)
· Analyze data, identify trends, patterns and anomalies
· Evaluate information, analyze problems, identify underlying causes and risks
· Summarize and communicate findings, focusing on actionable insights to support decision-making
· Make decisions in time-sensitive situations, even with incomplete information
· Assess the potential impact of solutions (costs, benefits and risks)

4. Digital Dexterity (2)
· Utilize AI-powered tools and platforms to automate data analysis
· Apply prompts to improve the quality of reports and data, ensuring alignment with internal regulations and policies
· Use specialist technology business systems and software
· Analyze and summarize data from various business systems to generate reports and insights

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 (1)

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)

(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)

(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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 is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] 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.
The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

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.