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 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. 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.

UNICEF and the European Union share a common commitment to the realization of the rights of every child globally. The EU Child Rights Strategy, formally known as the “EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child,” is a comprehensive framework launched by the European Commission in 2021 to protect and promote children’s rights across the European Union and beyond. This strategy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and seeks to create safer, more inclusive, and supportive environments for children both within and outside the EU.

The EU Accession process provides an opportunity to promote and advance the child rights agenda in the aspiring member states, by aligning policies, processes and resources to help achieve lasting social and economic reforms that benefit children.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision and guidance of the Brussels-based Partnerships manager ECARO, this role is responsible for supporting strategic positioning of UNICEF in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region towards to European Commission and the European Parliament.

The Public Partnership Specialist position’s purpose is to support in the deepening of the engagement with key stakeholders in the EU institutions leading on the EU enlargement process. The selected candidate will support and guide UNICEF country offices providing critical intelligence and analysis aimed at supporting host governments on EU accession (with priority to Moldova, Ukraine and potentially other accession countries (as agreed by stakeholders) in their efforts on the fundamental reforms needed as well as other EU accession requirements. This position supports ECAR’s engagement on EU external agenda, supports the RO/CO teams with capacity and knowledge building and supports the Partnerships Manager on other EU engagement matters as linked to the accession process.

The key result is to ensure continued engagement and advocacy, greater visibility on children’s rights related reforms and resource mobilization for UNICEF ECARO and influence in support of its mission, via the following key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Identifies, prepares for and supports, under the day to day guidance of the Brussels-based Partnerships manager ECARO, opportunities for UNICEF to engage with the European Commission for the necessary action in the accession countries

• Supports UNICEF Country offices and respective government counterparts on positioning priorities for children within the EU accession process through maintaining regular contact with COs to provide strategic analysis, intelligence and updates on upcoming opportunities and events.
• Supports UNICEF Country offices in the candidate countries with providing inputs for the EU progress report.
• Seeks and promotes new partnerships and resource mobilization opportunities with EU counterparts, particularly, but not limited to, DG Enlargement, working with UNICEF colleagues to identify partnership and resource mobilization needs and broker resource mobilization opportunities to meet those needs in the EU accession countries.
• Identifies opportunities and proactively supports in advising the Regional and EU candidate country offices of the opportunities for UNICEF participation.
• Provides strategic, logistical and programmatic support to senior management and other UNICEF staff in corporate engagement and interaction with EU institutions, relevant DGs and other EU stakeholders leading on EU enlargement process.
• Supports in preparation of background materials and briefing notes for senior regional staff for meetings with counterparts in the EC and EP.

2. Mapping of key strategic opportunities for UNICEF (EU candidate countries)

• Develops and maintains deep knowledge and familiarity with current and prospective partners and relevant stakeholders, contributing to a database of key contacts across the EU institutions and to UNICEF’s base of knowledge on partnership and resource mobilization.
• In consultation and close coordination with the members of the UNICEF Brussels Office proposes an action plan to seize the most strategic opportunities to promote children’s rights in the EU candidate countries.
• Provides guidance on the most opportune timing for advocacy events and regional meetings and consultations with key counterparts.
• Expands UNICEF’s network of key interlocutors to build stronger relationships between UNICEF and EU institutions, other key-decision makers, foundations, civil society organizations, or other relevant constituencies to promote children’s rights in EU accession countries.
• Liaises with key counterparts in the different DGs responsible for the social inclusion of the most vulnerable children in order to ensure that the Regional Office and relevant COs will have a comprehensive view of the opportunities for engagement to promote and protect the rights of the most vulnerable children.

3. Coordination, advice and support to the Regional Office and Country offices colleagues in the EU candidate countries on maximizing the opportunities for EU engagement.

• Provides timely advise and concrete support to the Regional Office colleagues and to the Country Offices in the EU candidate countries to draft funding proposals with adequate advance notice to allow for enough advance planning.
• Provides support to the above-mentioned country offices on development of proposals and negotiation of agreements.
• Ensures systematic information sharing on developments in EC and EP with the Regional Office colleagues and the Country Representatives and CO Partnerships teams

4. Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor and RO management to ensure the success of the team.

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) is required in one of the following fields: international relations, European studies political science, communications, international development, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of five 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 area.
• Knowledge and experience with EU Institutions, EU delegation in Candidate countries is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience working on EU accession is required.
• In depth knowledge of the EU accession negotiation process and aquis communitaire is required.
• Knowledge of the EU institutions, structures and policy/decision-making processes, regulatory and financial frameworks is required.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation is required.
• In-depth knowledge of partnership development and resource mobilization is required.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate new approaches in respect of resources management and outreach- related activities is desirable.
• In-depth familiarity with political and governmental processes is required.
• Proven diplomatic communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders is required.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required. Knowledge of one of the languages of the EU accession countries is considered as an asset.

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…

• Builds and maintains partnerships (1)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
• Innovates and embraces change (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
• Thinks and acts strategically (1)
• Works collaboratively with others (1)

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 vacanciesineu.com 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:

This position is currently funded for a one-year duration. Any extension will be subject to organizational needs, availability of funds and satisfactory service.

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 males and candidates from EU accession countries 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.